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[ SPL News ] Finally, Spring Has Arrived!
🌦 March Madness: Weather, Delays & Exciting Updates
Amigos & Amigas,
What a month it’s been! March gave us wild weather swings — temperatures dropped like a stone, then shot up like a rocket. Unfortunately, last Sunday’s drizzle turned into rain, forcing us to cancel two games. Our beloved Yamada-san is going grey faster than usual, as this season’s schedule is already packed!
As discussed during the Captains’ meeting, postponements are no longer allowed. Let’s all do our part to keep the season on track.
🍻 New Partnership: Estrella Galicia Joins the SPL
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Estrella Galicia, one of Spain’s oldest and most iconic beer companies — founded in 1906 in La Coruña by the Rivera family, who still run it today.
Big thanks to Gonzalo, Flamenkos’ goalkeeper, for initiating this collaboration. Estrella Galicia, known for sponsoring Deportivo La Coruña, is looking to expand into the Chinese market — and we’re proud to help promote their beer!
🎉 “SPL Team of the Week” Initiative
Starting this weekend, we’ll launch the “SPL Team of the Week” award. Voted by the Committee and referees, this award recognizes a team that best represents our values of Fun, Fairness, Friendship, and Football.
🏅 Prize? Free beer delivered to the team’s chosen location — sponsor bar, Captain’s home, etc.
📸 In return, the team will take a picture with the “Team of the Week” banner for our SPL website.
With 250 million liters of beer produced annually, Estrella Galicia assures us there’s enough for all of us!
⚽ Matchday Recap – March 24, 2013
🟡 Galacticos 2–1 Super 48
A crucial showdown at the bottom of the table. Super 48 came out young and aggressive, but the Galacticos were ready to battle.
- ⚽ Tim Wright opened the scoring for Galacticos (1-0)
- ⚽ Super 48 responded quickly, with a Suárez-style dive leading to the equalizer (1-1)
- ⚽ Veteran Mike O’Brien sealed the game with a left-foot strike from 25 yards out!
👏 First win of the season for Galacticos, and they celebrated in style!
🟡 Pistolera Bulls 1–5 Gremio
Aílton was unstoppable, and Gremio dominated the first half, heading into the break 3-0 up.
Despite the Bulls putting up a stronger second half, two Gremio counterattacks put the game beyond reach.
- 🟨 Captain Bilgin, once aiming for a clean record, picked up another yellow — he may now be going for most yellows in a single season!
🟡 Flamenkos 0–5 Shanghai Lions (Forfeit)
Sadly, this match was the first forfeit of the season.
While 18 Lions players showed up for a training session at Waigaoqiao, there were no Flamenkos in sight.
🐣 Easter Weekend Fixtures – Round 4
Get ready for more action this weekend — the forecast looks perfect for football:
- 🕙 10:00–12:00 – Super 48 vs Pistolera Bulls
- 🕛 12:00–14:00 – Japan FC vs Shanghai Lions
- 🕑 14:00–16:00 – Galacticos vs Flamenkos
- 🕑 14:00–16:00 – Shanghai 2000 vs ERS
🌸 Enjoy Spring in Shanghai!
It’s the best time of the year to be out on the pitch. Let’s enjoy the sunshine, the football, and — thanks to Estrella Galicia — the cold beers after the match!
Cheers,
Freek
SPL President – on behalf of the SPL Committee
