Three wins for the Lions this weekend
Lions,
Beforehand we struggled to make full squads for our games this weekend, especially we ran out of goal keepers ! However in the end we managed with some last moment help and with great spirit on the pitch by the Lions and Legends to win all three of our games !
[SIFL] Shanghai Lions FC 7 – 0 Shanghai Krauts
On Saturday in the SIFL, we had a very early morning game at 9:00 versus the Krauts. Except for our stand in goalie all players were on time and that was a good sign.
So the President had to start in goal and he saved a one on one of the Krauts fast striker. Lions started a bit slow and not much chances for both teams. Tomas CC. opened the score for the Lions and just before half time we got our second by Thomas Z.
At half time we agrees to pick up the pace of the game and started to pass better and control the game. The Krauts with no substitutes started to feel the pain and the Lions found the net several times by Felix x2, Aga, Tomas and even the President came on the last 10 minutes to score after a great team build up ! Final score 7-0 and next up will be the Shooters in the Hebiguchi semi-final!
[Veteran] Shanghai Lions FC 8 – 0 Super 48
On Sunday the Legends played their first game of the new season. We had a thin squad as we had some last moment cancellation and injuries but with the help of two U19 players, we hopefully had 13 players.
Our Japanese opponent Super 48 had good intentions but we took the lead by Bob. Our defense was solid on the day with virgin legend Patrick, who came all the way from Germany to become a Lion’s Legend and Adil in the back and the two Max’s as right and left defender. We didn’t give much away and increased the score by Bob 3x and Thomas. We kept the best for the last as Fred our captain made his come back after two operations on both knees and after 8 months absence. Of course the plan was to let him score but the President himself who just came in as well had other plans as his first touch was a strong header after a perfect cross from Bob which left the Japanese goalie with no chance. Two minutes later Fred took his chance and scored after Super 48 forgot to clear the ball and to end the day on a high Fred blasted home his second to make the final score 8-0 for the legends. Pascal had a great save to keep our sheet clean !
The beers tasted good after the match ! Next Sunday, we play against Strosso !
[SPL] Shanghai Lions FC 3 – 1 Japan FC
On Sunday afternoon in the SPL we played Japan. Always a tricky opponent as they don’t allow you to switch off as they never stop and give playing football regardless of the score.
The spirit was good and the team looked strong on paper and proved to be strong on the day as well. The passing game was a joy to watch and we saw some excellent combinations between the Lions. However disaster struck when Jack headed home a deflected corner in our own goal ! The lions stayed calm and waited for their chance. A great build up ended at Aga free on the right and his ball in was finished by Felix. Fabi proved his worth for the team again by hitting home a Felix corner to give the Lions the lead.
In the second half the legs started to get a bit tired but we had plenty of opportunities but the Japanese goalie was outstanding. As nobody converted all the “Azzist” Azz himself decided to do on his own after a great ball from Dave to score by a header over the Japanese goalie far out from his goal. We played out the match and secured valuable 3 points.
With 4 games to go in the SPL we are still on top with a three point lead versus our closest rivals ! There is no SPL game next Sunday.
As we are now approaching the final stages of the competitions, these weeks will decide the silverware and coming to the training will be key!!! The lions who have attended the training week in and out all made great improvements in their playing and fitness level ! We expect everybody to come and train on Tuesday !
Cheers
Freek
