Lions Beat Cosmos FC

Last Saturday marked our second league game of the new season. Despite the heavy rains from previous days, the field was in good condition.

Yes, it was windy, and we wanted to start with the wind at our backs, but Cosmos chose that side after winning the toss. We had several new players in the squad, and key players Othmane and Peter were unavailable. This gave our younger players a great opportunity to get more playing time.

We started well, with every player maintaining their position and role. Due to the wind, we were forced to defend more than we could attack. However, we had the best chance of the first half when Abdou sent Charlie through on goal, but unfortunately, his one-on-one with the keeper went just wide. Cosmos earned several corners—eight in the first half alone—but none were too dangerous. We had another great opportunity after a fast counterattack and good combinations, but the ball went wide again.

Feeling like we had the upper hand and having survived the wind, we were ready to push for the win in the second half. Cosmos seemed content with a draw and were no longer a threat. On the other hand, we stopped playing as a team and resorted to useless long balls as some players sought individual glory.

To make matters worse, when our defender made a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, the Cosmos attacker fell, and, with the help of some screaming from their players, the referee awarded them a penalty. What happened next was something we’ll file under “NOT SERIOUS.” When the Cosmos captain took the penalty, the ball flew into orbit and has never been found again. In our view, justice was served… but wait, what? The referee decided to allow Cosmos to retake the penalty because, according to him, one of our players ran into the box too early—even though a couple of Cosmos players did the same. And the ball was already in orbit!

This fired us up, and we responded by playing better and faster. We earned several corners and put Cosmos under real pressure. With 15 minutes to go, we scored the equalizer after a great combination play and a solid finish by Wash. Now it was game on! In the final minutes, we caught Cosmos again on a fast break, and this time Charlie found the back of the net. His goal proved to be the winner!

[ SIFL ] Shanghai Lions FC 2-1 Shanghai Cosmos FC

It was a fantastic comeback and a well-deserved three points. Well done, Lions!

Cheers,
Freek