Legends still unbeaten vs. Pudong United

Finally we were back on the grass field for a league game after 3 months of lock down. It was great to see 17 hungry legends showing up for our match against Japanese team Pudong United!

Our objective was a cleansheet and to score goals. The start was a bit rusty which was logic after such a long break and we struggled to move the ball between the lines. We did take the lead after a corner when Hira-san our corner taker got the ball back from David to bring in in again and to our surprise it was FL at the second post who nicely tipped the ball into the net. It was a boost for our confidence but we got a quick warning when Pudong United broke free on the right and Romain our sweeper needed to make a professional foul to make sure their forward couldn’t have a free run at our goal.

We encountered a bit of controversy when Pudong United made a hand ball at the edge of our box. However, the referee thought to give us the advantage but we never got the benefit of the ball… Instead, it landed on the feet of another Pudong United player and the ball flew into the top of the net.

In the 2nd 20 minutes, we decided to play faster and more direct. Within 1 mn after kick off we got the result as David launched Mamdouh who ran free and finished with a solid strike to get our lead back.

Soon we got a repeat and this time it was Nikko in his last match for the Lions who was set up nicely by David. He used his powerful left foot to put the ball in the opposite corner.

In the 3rd 20 minutes, we started to get sloppy and to play long balls which was not a good idea in the summer heat. We created much less opportunities and it seemed that the game was fading away….but we did score after a scramble in the box when Hira-san was at the right time at the right place and he could tip the ball into the net from a very short distance.

In the last 20 minutes, we set as target to score 2 more goals. We had good intentions but failed in the final part Mehdi and Nicolas came very close but it was David who placed the ball well behind the keeper to make the final score 5-1 win for the Legends.

[ SPL V ] Shanghai Lions FC 5-1 Pudong United

After the match we had unfortunately to say goodbye to Nikko and Nicolas Se who are both moving back to France. We did that in good spirit with a couple of drinks. We are sure they will catch up with other legends who moved back to Europe earlier and we wish them good luck with their next life chapter.

Next Sunday we have the big game against Emeralds! So for now, the key is not to get injured and be well prepared. Lets go Legends!