Legends start new SPL Veteran season with a victory

Last Sunday, our legends had their 1st game of 2022/2023 in SPL Veteran League. The week before, we had our new season kick-off meeting at our sponsor Senso to set the objectives of the team but also to welcome our new recruits. As coach bob said on that day, the most difficult as “champion” is to keep humble & confirm last season victory.

We were up against Pudong United who came with only 1 substitute. On our side, we had a large squad of 18 players with a set of new players including Benoit, Laurent, Vince & Pierre. It was good also having Mamdouh & Romain K back in the team. Only captain David was missing for an elbow injury.

In the 1st quarter, we started in a very “classic” 4-4-2 organization with Ben & Laurent joining the defensive line while Romain H & Sylvain were holding the midfield. We took control of the ball but failed in getting much scoring opportunities. Instead of making the ball run patiently; we were rushing our game unnecessarily. At the end, not much crosses or shoots resulting in a disappointing 0-0.

During the break, we insisted on the necessity to improve our controls & passes standards as 1st priority. On the left wing, Kevin started to make some differences crossing the ball whenever he could finding Pierre on 2 or 3 occasions. On one of them, Pierre managed to score the 1-0 for his first game with the legends.

In the 3rd 20 minutes, we felt back into the bad habits losing ball too easily from the defense or midfield. Difficult to score when you struggle reaching your offensive line… Laurent could have scored a beautiful header on another perfect service from Kevin.

[ SPL V ] Shanghai Lions FC 1-0 Pudong United

In the 4th 20 minutes, we kept nervous at the beginning knowing that Pudong United could perfectly score once… Defense kept vigilant clearing a few counter with authority. The minutes passing by, the legs started to feel heavy for our opponent… This is where we finally managed holding onto the ball with simple passes making them run even more. In the final minutes, both teams were happy with the status-quo until the final whistle blow. 1-0 victory for our legends.

Let’s keep positive… It’s a victory and clean-sheet for the 1st game of the season. The confirmation also of some good signing during summer mercato with special mention to Laurent who’s been awarded “Man of the Match” for his 1st game with the legends.

Next game is scheduled on October 16th vs. Wellington after Chinese national holidays. In the meantime, we’ll organize a few training sessions to improve our fitness.

Cheers
FL