Legends lost 4-2 against Laopao
Last Sunday, we were up against Chinese team Laopao. When we woke up on Sunday morning, we were surprised by the rain. Apparently, the downfall during the night before was so heavy that all the SPL Veteran games scheduled at Waigaoqiao had to be canceled. On our side, we were lucky playing at L sports park in Qiantian as the field was in super condition due to proper drainage system.
Unfortunately for us, our captain David couldn’t make it due to a locked knee. Also, Hiro-san decided to go to Waigaoqiao while Skiv & Ben Mao were playing in jet lag mode as they both just returned from trip overseas.
We opted for a slow start as we knew 80 minutes was still a long time for us to play. Laopao was ok with it and both teams tried to keep possession without creating any danger. However at the end of the first 20 minutes we did get two very good scoring opportunities but were not clinical enough to score. It was Laopao who took the lead with a free kick close to the corner flag shot direct over our keeper it was their first shot on goal.
In the second 20 minutes, we played our best football of the day and scored the equalizer with a super combination between Skiv and Mamdouh reaching our striker Pierre who finished it of with a strike in the left corner. Soon after a great corner from Hira-san was landed on Romain’s head and he scored with a great header. The referee blew the whistle for the half time right after our corner.
In the 3rd quarter, the plan was to continue our tactics to play on the counter. However, for some reason we lost our play… First, we gave away a free kick and needed Romain to safe us clearing the ball from the line with his head. Two actions of their No. 1 player who already scored their first goal left us helpless as his strikes were too strong for us.
Trailing 3-2 we tried our best to push forward in the last 20 minutes. We had a few opportunities but lacked the power and energy to convert them into goals. Their No. 1 went on the run again and was fouled in the box… Laopao scored the penalty and the game was over for us.
[ SPL V ] Shanghai Lions FC 2-4 Old Guns FC
We did enjoyed a couple of beers after the game as you win as a team and lose as a team. Next Sunday we will play Strosso and we will be motivated to get the 3 points.
Cheers
Freek
