Friendly match vs HFC Report (14th August)

Saying it was a hot afternoon could have been perceived as an understatement. It was scorching. To top it off, the 'burning' from the 15th day of the 7th month of the Chinese calendar meant that the air was thick, making breathing difficult for some. Nonetheless, the enthusiastic players gathered at East View Secondary to take on Harvester Football Club (HFC), a side whom we have not taken points off during our past Agape Cup campaigns, losing 3-1 and 4-0 in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

By the time the very 'enthusiastic and professional' ref blew for the kick-off, only 13 of our players had turned up, and we lined-up in the following 4-4-2 formation, with Daniel captaining the side for the match:

Steve - Lincoln

Jingzhong - Kevin - Weijie - Jacob

Michael - Mark - Jeremy - Daniel

Sean

Play started very evenly, with both sides enjoying some possession. It was evident however, that there would be 2 contrasting styles of play for the day. PMC were trying to use some slick passing on the ground to play their forwards into space, resorting only to the long balls during set-pieces. HFC, on the other hand, used every opportunity they had to launch high balls to their giant #8, Sasi who would either control and run at goal, or knock the ball on for the speedy #9, Leong. This combination caused some headache for Mark and Jeremy in the centre of defence, but nothing much came out of it initially.

On PMC's part, some good running by Steve and Jacob resulted in pot shots on goal, but nothing much else. After 10min, Kee Min was ready to get some action and came on for Weijie. At about the 15min mark, Dominic arrived and took Lincoln's place at CF alongside Steve. This gave a bit more attacking thrust and bite but there were still no goals to show for either team. It really took a 'moment of madness' as some would call it for the first goal of the game to be scored. Michael was caught in possession at LB and although Jeremy managed to win the ball back on the edge of the box, he too delayed his clearance, allowing HFC's Leong to steal the ball and beat Sean in a one-on-one situation. The easy goal gave HFC the impetus to attack and they launched quite a number of long balls to Sasi, many of which were snuffed out by Mark and Jeremy. On the occasion that the ball broke through the defensive wall, Sean was there to clear the danger. As the half wore on, Lincoln came back on the field for Jacob, Weijie took Kevin's place in midfield and Nigel had a run-out at LB for Michael. The half ended with it being 1 - 0 to HFC.

Still smiling at half-time despite being 1 - 0 down

After a brief half-time team talk by Kevin, the players trotted back on field for the 2nd half. The emphasis was to communicate more and play the ball to feet, early. Damien had arrived to take the LB spot and the rest of the team was largely intact from the one that started the match. Again, there was nothing much in it in the 2nd half for either team. HFC's regular dangerman #10 Kannu had arrived on the pitch and threatened with some runs as well as 2 freekicks, but these did not trouble Sean.

For PMC, Jingzhong made a couple of long range attempts on goal which were easily caught by the GK. Kevin had a first time volley high and Steve had a couple of half chances. Jacob was doing tremendous work on the right, both on the offensive and defensive end, completely nullifying the left side of HFC. At the 20min mark, Weijie came on to replace Kevin and was immediately involved in the play that led to the equaliser. On a fast break, he played the ball from the left to Steve, who found space to run and shoot. His long-range looping shot caught the HFC GK completely off-guard, who could do nothing except watch it nestle into the top left-hand corner of his net. It was 1 - 1 and all to play for.

PMC really took the wind in their sails and pressed for the winner. This cavalier approach almost cost them when a goal bound effort from a corner beat Sean, but Mark was there to clear off the line. This missed opportunity cost HFC as from another swift move, Jacob played Steve in, who only had the GK to beat. His shot was parried, but it fell nicely to Weijie, who made no mistake from 10 yards despite having a HFC player on the line. It was 2-1 and despite some late pressure from HFC, PMC held on for a 1st time victory over them.

Kevin closed the match with a team talk, commending everyone for their determination and also highlighting the need for more composure, as there were still occasions of unnecessary words with the referee and playing the ball when the referee had already whistled to stop play.

For HFC's version of the match, read here.

The growing trophy collection

Last week, I received another 2 trophies from the recently concluded SoccerTron 2011. 1 was for participating in Agape Cup 2011, and the other for finishing Runners-up in the SoccerTron Crown. As I added the 2 trophies to the collection in the church office, I realised how many we have accumulated since 2006. While many of the trophies were not for being champions, I fondly remember all the memories we shared on the field, and look forward to many more to come. Thanks to one and all from the Soccer Community who have contributed to this collection.

Soccer Fellowship Report (6th August)

A very warm saturday afternoon greeted the usual PMC soccer regular khahkis at EV. We also welcome afew new friends of Choon Heng joining us for the first time, and also Kris joining us again after a long time. The session begin with Maurice opening with a devotion sharing the great love of Jesus Christ, reminding us christians of our Lord and Saviour as well a pondering thought for those who have yet to come to know our Lord.

Maurice sharing devotion

Stretching for the game

The guys are then divided into their colour top, with the Bright ( Red and white) [8] vs the Dark ( Black and Blue) [7]. The Dark played with a little more handicap, as their average age is definitely alot greater than the Bright plus the 1 man down, hence the onus is for the younger Bright team to take the game on against the Dark.

It was a very high scoring session, given the huge pitch, though only maximising 3/4 of the pitch by a total of 15 players on it. Team Bright were able to make use of their younger legs to open up and score first. Almost everyone got on the scoresheet for team Bright, as they play a rotation of GK policy. For team Dark, Maurice was the GK for a larger part of the time and almost single handedly kept their team in the session after the first half, and with Ronnie being the most influential player for team Dark, being all over the pitch despite his age and chipping in afew goals as well. Literally.

The session ended with Jacob closing us in prayer; timecheck close to 6pm! In other words everyone has had a runout for close to 3 hours! Definitely a very good workout session!

Some points from the small gameplay, many small aspects of the game can be observed and improved on for each and every individual player, even as the session was carried out in a friendly manner. From accuracy of short passes, long passes, first touches, movement off the ball, positioning on the field, crosses from wide areas to the final finishing shot. And of course, a large pitch means physically, fitness is going to be a big test. Especially so for 1 v 1 challenges and sprints. Definitely room for much improvement, as we head towards a series of competitive 11-a-side games.

Just my share of thoughts from the session.

Soccer Fellowship (6th August)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 6th August at East View Secondary School*.

The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather, from the night before! If you suspect the session is cancelled (and even if you don't), please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Changes to the location of the session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of East View Secondary Secondary School is 3 Tampines Street 42. The entrance to the field however, is along Street 41 (directly across the street from block 428). If you are driving, you should turn into Street 41 from Tampines Avenue 7. I would suggest parking at the open-air car park around blocks 425, 428 & 429. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Soccer Fellowship Report (30th July)

It was a lovely sunny day for Soccer Fellowship . The heat was not as intense as compared with the past sessions. By 3.15pm , 14 players arrived . John led in devotion , sharing about God’s patience with us , for He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. And we ought to live soberly , righteously and godly in the light of Christ’s return.

Darren, Joel and Michael listening to John's devotion

One of the last few photos of long-haired Rusydi

John sharing devotion

Multi-tasking: Listening to devotion & warming-up

We played 7 Whites and against 7 Colours with goal keepers, using only 3/4 of the field. Before the match commencement , we had to “warm up” by carrying the huge goal poles to mark the field area. Within 3 minutes into the game , Daniel opened the account for the Whites by sending a powerful long shot into the opponent’s net. Soon after , the pace of the game gained momentum . The Colours replied with an equalizer almost immediately. At ¾ time into the 1st half , Yi Jun arrived to join the Colours as the 8th player. The 1st half ended with a 4 -4 score.

Game resumed after 10 minutes rest . The 2nd half saw the Colours dominating possession and converting many goals. Must be the advantage of another strong player added as the 8th Colours against 7 Whites. The Whites were looking exhausted and disbelief that so many goals entered their net. This must be one of the many goals ever recorded in the many soccer sessions!
19 for the Colours and 10 for the Whites at the end of full time .

Sorry that this report is not able to record all the actions of how the enormous 29goals were scored . Just too much to remember. To do it requires a full-time reporter at the sideline . Nevertheless, we had a wonderful game and a great fellowship. John closed the session with a thanks giving prayer and a prayer for the boys who will be enlisted (Rusydi, Wei En and Marcus) into the army in the coming days.

Reported by: John Chia

Soccer Fellowship (30th July)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 30th July at East View Secondary School*.

The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather, from the night before! If you suspect the session is cancelled (and even if you don't), please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Changes to the location of the session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of East View Secondary Secondary School is 3 Tampines Street 42. The entrance to the field however, is along Street 41 (directly across the street from block 428). If you are driving, you should turn into Street 41 from Tampines Avenue 7. I would suggest parking at the open-air car park around blocks 425, 428 & 429. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Soccer Fellowship Report (23rd July)

It was fine weather and the field at East View Secondary seemed to have got better as the weeks have passed. The playing surface has always been nice and level and now the grass on the whole surface is also starting to be more even. It looks like this could be a happy home ground for us for the rest of the year.

Players listening to Michael's sharing

Michael sharing about God's love

Kee Min getting ready

About 16 players arrived by the start of devotion, led by Michael, who shared about God's love and sacrifice for us, through his Son Jesus Christ. By the end of devotion and start of play, we had 20 players. We welcomed back Andy Chua, who had taken a long break because of work, and Neil, who is recovering from a knee injury. We also welcomed Darren (friends of Jeremy and Joel Tan), who joined us for the first time.

We played 10 against 10 with GKs, the Colours on one side and Whites on the other. The match was tight at the start, with both teams controlling the ball well. The Whites were especially intent to shoot on sight, with both Jeremy Tan and Jingzhong sending shots off target. The Colours passed the ball round a bit more, with Ronnie and Tim showing good movement. But there was no break through until Kevin (Colours) gave the ball away in midfield, leading to a break by the Whites and Jingzhong finishing off at Joel's near post. The Colours tried to hit back immediately with forays down the flanks and had many many opportunities but none were duly converted. It looked to be a frustrating time for the Colours who were dominating possession, but could not convert. It took a shot from Tim that ricocheted in the box, falling nicely to Darren, who made no mistake from close range. It was 1-1 and stayed that way until halftime. The game was very competitive indeed.

The 2nd half resumed with both teams intent to play positively. Again, it was the Colours who dominated possession, with Ronnie showing few signs that he's in his mid-50s. And indeed it was Ronnie who put the Colours up in the 2nd half with a jinking run from midfield. Skipping 2 players and the GK in the box, Ronnie calmly placed the ball into an empty net. Classy. Tim was next to add another to the Colour's tally, with a strong run from midfield after stealing the ball from Choon Heng. At 3-1 up, the Colours consolidated their lead by keeping the ball and stroking it around well. The Whites tried to get back into the match with Daniel's and Kee Min's driving runs from midfield, but the Colours' defence of Jeremy Sin, Neil and Samuel stood strong. The Colours added 2 more goals during the course of the half, before Lincoln pulled one back for the Whites with the last kick of the game. It was 5-2 to the Colours. Kevin closed the session in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (23rd July)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 23rd July at East View Secondary School*.

The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather, from the night before! If you suspect the session is cancelled (and even if you don't), please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Changes to the location of the session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of East View Secondary Secondary School is 3 Tampines Street 42. The entrance to the field however, is along Street 41 (directly across the street from block 428). If you are driving, you should turn into Street 41 from Tampines Avenue 7. I would suggest parking at the open-air car park around blocks 425, 428 & 429. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Agape Cup SoccerTron Report (17th July)

It didn't seem like a year ago when the team gathered for the Agape Cup SoccerTron. Indeed, time does fly by when you don't think about it. This year, exactly 9 players gathered for the 9-a-side 1/2 day tournament. The tournament started with S&S, with Kevin leading everyone in Singspiration and Pastor Richard sharing about the transforming power of God's love. He invited those who wanted to know about Jesus to raise their hands, or indicating their desire on response slips of paper.

Michael, Jingzhong Rusydi, Andrew, Dominic
Marcus, Lincoln, Yi Jun, Daniel

The team played 5 matches in a group of 6 teams and emerged in 2nd place. For the first 4 games, the team was undefeated, with draws against WMC and Team Agape, and wins against PPCC and AFC. The 2 goals scored by Jingzhong (PPCC) and Rusydi (AFC) were beauties.

Rusydi in action against WMC

Defending as a team against WMC

Marcus with a huge clearance

In the final game against CMC, the team needed a draw to assure top spot, but with fatigue setting in and concentration levels dipping as a result of a long wait, the team conceded a sloppy goal to lose 1-0. Still, it was a good outing and some very good passing and movement took place during the 5 games. It was a good example of how good the team could play when concentration levels are high all the time.

Michael with a big boot. He kept clean sheets until the 5th game.

Lincoln with both eyes on the ball

Rusydi in full flight against PPCC

Jingzhong demonstrating the art of balance

Marcus with the long throw

With a long wait (due to Agape Cup final) before the knock-out stage, the team decided to call it a day and head off. It was a good outing for the team, who enjoyed themselves very much.

The sky got dark, but it didn't rain

Committed defending result in 4 clean sheets

Andrew preparing to receive the ball from a throw-in

One of Yi Jun's trademark flick-ons

Soccer Fellowship Report (9th July)

It was another one of those really hot sunny afternoon when 16 players turned up for soccer fellowship at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School. Ronnie conducted devotion sharing about the importance and necessity of prayer.

Ronnie sharing devotion

Players getting ready

The return of Tim Loke

It was 2 sides of Whites vs the Coloured with no goalkeepers since there were only 8 players each side. We welcomed Timothy Loke who turned up to play for the Whites . The Whites with a more balanced team were clearly more dominant and in no time scored their first goal through Marcus after about 15mins of play. Soon Jacob and Daniel added to the scoresheet to make the score 3-0 with the Coloured team chasing for their first goal which finally came with Joel scoring to make it 3-1. Kee Min joined the Coloured team soon after and added more stability to the team with his tireless running and tackling. Unfortunately the Whites were playing the better soccer and scored again through Tim and Kevin before Samuel playing for the Coloured team scored a simple tap in goal to make the half time score 5-2.

Played resumed after a 10mins break with play switching to a smaller pitch due to the heat and exhaustion shown on some players. The second half started at a slower pace with the sun taking its toll on everyone. The Whites continued to dominate play with better possession of the ball and slick passing and scored 2 more goals through Kevin and an own goal by Jeremy. The Coloured team never gave the game up and Ronnie did pulled 1 goal back for them before the Whites added 2 more goals scored by Wei En and Jacob. It was a wonderfully good workout for everyone with the final score 9-3 in favour of the Whites.

Soccer Fellowship now takes a 1 week break while the Soccer Team takes part in the Agape Cup SoccerTron on 17th July at the Hiding Place.

Reported by: Ronnie Liew