Galacticos .vs. Christ Methodist Church [25th April]

Galacticos 1 - 2 Christ Methodist Church
Scorer: Yi Jun

Starting 11:
GK - Andrew
RB - Daniel, CB - Dominic, CB - Marcus, LB - Ming Kiat
DM - Kee Min, DM - Damien Chua
RM - Rusydi, AM - Felipe, LM - Jingzhong
CF - Yi Jun

Subs:
Damian Chee for Felipe (40m)
Lincoln for Jingzhong (55m)
Nigel for Daniel (70m)

Warming up before taking on CMC


Kitting up - all part of the getting ready process


Jingzhong taking on the CMC defence


One of the many 1-on-1 saves that Andrew made


Awesome foursome... the facial expressions say it all


Andrew showing his safe pair of hands


Damian making sure the CMC player doesn't get far


Giving our opponents way too much space in the box


Perfect sliding tackle by Marcus


Completely grounded after trying to prevent CMC's winning goal. What effort!

Soccer Fellowship Report [17th Apr]

It looked like a very pleasant afternoon when about more than 30 players gathered at Pasir Ris Secondary School. To everyone's surprise, a MediaCorp van arrived and cameras started to roll as we began Soccer Fellowship. They were there to take some footage of Felipe, our resident Brazilian GK, for a documentary on how well he has settled down in Singapore. A large part must be due to his participation in our Soccer Community, hence their presence on this occasion.

Kevin welcomed the 5 newcomers to Soccer Fellowship - Keith, Isaac, Harold, Clement and Jordan. Yuen Wai shared devotion, illustrating how life was very similar to player soccer. For example, in life, we face challenges (seen or otherwise), just as we do in soccer, in the form of our opponents. He encouraged all of us to face our challenges courageously and count on the presence of our Lord Jesus to empower and sustain us through life.

The game started with 14 Reds/Whites (RW) .vs. 14 (Darks), and with subs! Space was a premium on the packed pitch and the action was fast paced. In fact, the Darks, comprising of older legs, were probably overawed by the pace after about 10min, when the RW got their 1st goal. A sweeping move saw Yi Jun convert from close range. Before long, it was 2-0, then 3-0, with Rusydi, Lincoln and Jingzhong having a hand in the goals. The Darks couldn't stop the onslaught despite some decent play down the left wing. Their touches let them down, allowing the RWs to keep up the pressure. It was only when a free-kick was received on the edge of the box did Ronnie step up to fire home his 2nd free-kick in successive matches. The wall failed the RW and Felipe in goal had no chance. With the game at 3-1, the Darks tried to press for more goals. A great deal of effort was put in by Isaac and Harold in midfield, but there were no returns. Half-time came for a quick drink.

The 2nd half started with play returning to 11 .vs. 11 in order to better simulate match conditions. With more space, the Darks had slightly more time to string passes and create chances. However, none of these led to goals. It was the RW who again used the ball well to create chance after chance, one of these leading to their 4th goal. It was in the midst of great match excitement that the heavens opened to unleash a barrage of heavy rain. Players rushed to save their bags/belongings from being drenched. Seeing the lightning and water logged pitch, players decided to call it a day and returned home.

Soccer Fellowship [17th Apr]

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 17th April at Pasir Ris Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. We apologise to have to change the venue for this session (twice actually!). Singapore Sports Council only called us yesterday to cancel our booking at East Spring as the school needs the field for CCA this Saturday. We seek your understanding in this regard as we are subject to the needs of the school when we book the field.

We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.

See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!

*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The car park nearest to the school field is along block 253. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Galacticos .vs. Church of Ascension [11th April]

The Galacticos came into this match psyched up to put the previous match behind them. Some had come early to give the Veterans support, which was much appreciated.

Playing against a very young and fast-paced COA team, the Galacticos knew that they needed to play quick controlled soccer, and this they did from the first whistle. Controlling at least 70% of the play for the 1st 20min, the Galacticos zipped quick passes on the ground, leaving the defenders and GK easy tasks of sweeping up lose balls. The attacking quartet of Rusydi, Felipe, Jingzhong and Yi Jun were causing all sorts of problems for the COA defence, with their pace and industry. It was no surprise that the Galacticos were up by 1 goal within the 1st 20min. From Rusydi's corner, Yi Jun leaped the highest to nod home onto the ground and into the net. Sustaining the pressure, the Galacticos hardly allowed the COA midfielders and forwards to pressure. However, the 2nd goal was not forthcoming with only a couple half-chances created. It was thus, unfortunate that just before half-time, some inexperienced decisions allowed COA to capitalise through set-pieces. First, COA's throw-in was obstructed. From the ensuing free-kick, a corner was given away when there was danger and Andrew had already called for the ball. From this COA corner, Daniel inadvertently flicked the ball into his own net while trying to play it out. It was 1-1 at the break.

The 2nd half started with much impetus from the Galacticos. The attacking quartet was again causing COA plenty of problems, especially Rusdyi on the right. Even the DMs Kee Min and Damien were supporting the attack well and Ming Kiat's throw-ins from the left were causing COA problems. When they did have the ball, COA was quickly closed down, Dominic and Marcus in the center of defence left nothing to chance. Sensing that added drive was needed, substitutions were made to liven things up. Lincoln especially, added more thrust in attack. Damian had also forced the COA GK into a save from long range. Tim came on soon after and from a goal mouth scramble, managed to ghost himself into a 1-on-1 situation with the GK. Unfortunately, his shot cannoned off the GK and into safety. That was the best chance of the 2nd half. The Galacticos continued to pressure until the final kick of the game, but couldn't find the winning goal. It was a tremendous effort and the experience of the Galacticos are starting to show this season.

Starting 11:
GK - Andrew
RB - Daniel, CB - Dominic, CB - Marcus, LB - Ming Kiat
DM - Kee Min, DM - Damien Chua
RM - Rusydi, AM - Felipe, LM - Jingzhong
CF - Yi Jun

Subs:
Damian Chee for Felipe (50m)
Lincoln for Jingzhong (50m)
Tim for Yi Jun (60m)
Wei En for Damien Chua (70m)
Nigel for Daniel (78m)

PMC's promising Galacticos

Jingzhong going in to win the ball


Damien in full flight

Ming Kiat providing the pass


Daniel replenishes energy during half-time


Chilling out after the match

Match Highlights

Veterans .vs. Ascension Football Club [11th Apr]

'Super hot' would have been an understatement as the Veterans gathered for their 3rd Agape Cup clash against AFC. It seemed like a winnable game from the start and everyone was positive, especially with a new strategy of spreading the strength of the team over 2 halves in order for everyone to get some decent playing time.

From the onset of the match however, it seemed like getting a sizeable lead before half-time would not be as straight forward as it seemed. With a strong and tall player in the form of their #15, and having sufficient experience to pick on the Veterans' weaker flank, AFC was able to take the lead in rather quick fashion. Capitalizing on some distracted defending on Veterans' left side, AFC was able to whip in a dangerous cross into the box. Despite having 4 defenders in the box, the Veterans were not able to pick up the lone AFC #15 who nonchalantly headed the ball into the net. This early setback however, was taken on the chin by the Veterans who stormed forward and won a free-kick on the edge of the box. From there, Ronnie showed class, poise and power to ram the ball straight into the AFC net, leaving the GK stunned. It was 1-1 and game on. Unfortunately for the Veterans, things started to unravel again, mostly as a result of not keeping the ball in midfield. From an AFC throw-in, the thrower received a return pass and again a dangerous ball was played into the box. This time, it was James who made the unfortunate touch of deflecting the ball into his own net. 2-1 to AFC. Shortly, it became 3-1 when from the left again, the ball was lost. Tried as he did, James couldn't clear the ball sufficiently pass a strong AFC forward who took the ball in his stride to fire pass Kelvin for AFC's 3rd.

The 2nd half saw 2 changes being made to the team, hoping to hold AFC and press for goals. Play was generally disjointed and there was little passing from both teams. AFC seemed content to hold onto their 2-goal lead, while the many changes that the Veterans soon made (in order to give everyone a run-out) caused lack of shape and continuity in the team. It took a set-piece to edge the Veterans in the right direction. Derrick stepped up to float one into the box where Steve was waiting to volley home from close range. The AFC defence stood rooted, wondering what hit them. The answer - The Agape Cup's current top-scorer! With a fighting chance, the Veterans continued to press for the equalizer, which never came when the final whistle was blown. Another good effort, but it looked like precious points dropped this time.

Starting 11:
GK - Kelvin
RB - Andy Chua, CB - James, CB - Mark, LB - Michael
RM - Justin, CM - Ronnie, CM - Derrick, LM - Jeffrey
CF - Steve, CF - Martin

Subs:
Kevin for Michael (HT)
David Sng for Justin (HT)
John Chia for Ronnie (50m)
Sean for Jeffrey (50m)
Joel for Andy Chua (50m)
Samuel for Mark (60m)

Unused Sub:
Yuen Wai

Another team photo! Veterans love taking these...


Derrick warming up his free-kicks. One of these would lead to the 2nd goal!


Mark getting the match underway


Supporters making sure Veterans received all the support needed


Captain Mark trying his best to stop the dangerous #15


Kelvin's unfortunate task of picking the ball from the net


Martin displaying great technique to control the ball


Then giving his much younger opponent the runaround


Kevin holding the ball


The match ends with handshakes - good sportsmanship!

Match Highlights

Soccer Fellowship Report [3rd Apr]

The dark skies and slight drizzle did not prevent about 30 Soccer Community members from turning up for Soccer Fellowship on Easter Saturday. The weather was as beautiful as it could be, with the cool breeze blowing as we gathered for a time of devotion.

I had the privilege of leading Easter devotion, and focused on how meekly Jesus was able to be 'led like a lamb to slaughter'. He was able to do so because He had a vision/mission for His life. Using the TV series Flash Forward as an illustration, I explained how people choose to live their lives when they catch a glimpse of their future, whether it was a positive or negative vision. Easter, marking Jesus' resurrection and affirming His offer of eternal life to all who believe, reminds us to reflect on what is our vision/mission in life. Have we caught a glimpse of our future? Especially the one after we pass from this earth. Maurice distributed some Easter tracts and we opened Soccer Fellowship in prayer.

The teams were quite evenly split with the Reds/Whites (RWs) going against the Blues/Blacks (BBs). Each team had about 13 players to start, with some joining in mid-way. From the start, it seemed like the BBs would run away with the game. Controlling much of the ball in midfield through Ronnie and Daniel, the BBs looked comfortable in possession. Stray balls were played out of defence nicely by Brian, Choon Heng and Kevin, and Martin and Ramon looked hungry for goals up front. However, the match got turned on its head mid-way through the 1st half when a RW through-ball found its way to Yi Jun, who neatly placed the ball pass BBs GK Yuen Wai to give RWs the lead. This was clearly against the run of play. The BBs tried to re-assert their authority on the match and although they did this fairly well, there was no break through in terms of goals. Much to the BBs dismay, the RWs took another goal into the half-time break. A quick counter-attack by Bryan was initially stopped, but a pirouette in front of goal by Bryan left both the defence and GK on the ground, allowing him to fire a stiff left-foot drive into the bottom corner of the net for RWs 2nd goal. Clearly the RWs were taking their chances where the BBs were not.

The 2nd half was far more open than the first with possession shared between both teams. There was more wing play on the part of the BBs, especially down the left, but again, it bore little fruit. Instead, the RWs showed their fondness for counter-attacking play by hitting 2 goals in the half, one on the right through Damian and the other on the left through Jingzhong. Sandwiched in-between these 2 was Ronnie's wonderful effort, the only time in the match that the impressive and commanding Andrew had his goal breached.

All in all, it was a wonderful run-out for all who turned up. Great weather, good exercise and wonderful fellowship.

Soccer Fellowship [3rd Apr]

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 3rd April at East Spring Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. East Spring Secondary School (our home ground for 2008/2009) has become available again and so we are heading back there this month.

We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.

See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!

*The address of East Spring Secondary School is 30 Tampines Street 34. It is directly opposite The Eden condominium. The car park nearest to the school field is the multi-storey car park at Blk 359A. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Veterans .vs. Aldersgate Methodist 1 Report [28th Mar]

Sorry for the late post, was hungover from a perfect weekend, when both Reds lost - no offence to Man U and Liverpool fans.

It's my first post, so hope it does justice to the ones already up. See you all this weekend...

Match report: AMC 4 PMC 1 (March 28, 2010 @ The Hiding Place)

Buoyed by a thumping 6-1 victory to mark the start to the 2010 Agape Campaign, PMC's Golden Oldies went into the match against Aldersgate Methodist Church hopeful of a result.

Key absentees (Ronnie, Derrick, Kelvin, et al) meant that PMC were not able to field the same starting 11 which had opened the season so well.

Perhaps, going into a match against a side undefeated for three seasons (so I heard!?!) without one's best was always going to make it a struggle, as it meant some initiative was lost even before the ball was kicked.

Yet whatever advantage AMC had in the opening stages made little difference as PMC matched the "Invincibles" stride for stride and in some instances, came up tops in the aggression department with the combative Andy and George leading the way.

But there is a reason why good teams get results and if there is one lesson we should take away from the first-half performance, it was the art of taking chances well.

AMC gained possession in midfield from our errant throw-in and all it took were two passes and a turn for them to move the ball to the left flank for their winger to steer a shot into the opposite corner.

PMC's reply was almost instant. A good ball by Martin over the AMC's centrebacks put Steve through. But alas, he shot just over the crossbar.

It proved a crucial miss, as with their next chance, and against the run of play, AMC doubled their lead, netting in almost identical fashion to their opener.

Some neat, confident play in the AMC backline saw defence quickly turned into attack. Yet when their No 10 got the ball with his back to goal, some 30 metres from his target, there seemed little danger.

But a deft turn and a sweetly-struck left foot curler left Sean rooted and the watching gallery in awe.

The consensus at half-time was almost unanimous: apart from the two goals, there was little separating both sides.

Changes were made to give the attack more movement and fresh legs with Justin and David introduced.

Yet it was AMC who started the closing 45 the brighter. After going close on a couple of occasion, their centreback hit the bar with a full-blooded shot - it was a sign of things to come.

Reeling against the incessant pressure, the inevitable breakthrough arrived midway in the second half.

A deep cross from the left evaded PMC's entire defence before it found an unmarked red shirt at the far post, who was left with the simple task of nodding into an empty net.

But just when it seemed the floodgates would be opened, Martin ensured himself in Agape folklore with a strike which brought him into where few men have gone before - on the scoresheet in a match against AMC.

There was still much to be done when the ball broke to him on the left, after some confusion in the AMC penalty box. But unfazed, with his locks blowing in the afternoon wind, he withdrew his left boot before firing an unstoppable shot past two defenders. The net bulged, 3-1, game on?

Only minutes remained, but there was still time for another goal - although not the one the PMC bench had hoped for.

A long punt from defence released an AMC striker and with PMC pushed forward, there was little resistance to him making it 4-1.

It proved to be the last action of the match and while PMC got nothing out of the match in terms of points, there was much to gain from a match against one of the tournament's powerhouses.

The influence of Andy in midfield and Steve and Martin in attack are building blocks the team should work on.

Coupled with the claiming influence of James and Mark in the heart of the defence, perhaps this spine of the team is where we can start in identifying our best 11 and best formation.

PMC Starting 11:
GK - Sean
RB - Andy C, CB - James, CB - Mark, LB - Kevin
RM - Martin, CM - George, CM - Andy M, LM - Daniel
CF - Steve, CF - Ramon

Subs:
David H for Daniel (20m)
Justin for Andy M (HT)
David S for Ramon (HT)
Felix for David H (65m)
Samuel for Mark (75m)
Joel for Kevin (79m)

Unused Subs:
Marc (knee injury), Michael (thigh injury)

Veterans .vs. Aldersgate Methodist 1 Video/Photos [28th Mar]

Steve stays focused on the ball


Justin gives it his all during the match


Sean sends the goal kick forward

Galacticos .vs. Hiding Place [28th Mar]

Yi Jun challenging for a high ball

Felipe makes the save


Felipe sends the goal kick forward


Handshakes as a sign of sportsmanship


Group photo after the match (will catch whole team the next time)