SIFL 2012-13: Summary of Games from Week 2
🌧️ A cloudy, rain-splashed Saturday set the stage for a high-energy second round of the Shanghai International Football League (SIFL). Ten matches across both divisions delivered 50 goals, with 29 in the Premier League and 21 in the First Division. Let’s dive into the Premier League highlights.
🔥 Match of the Week: Shanghai Lions 3–2 ReUnited
This headline clash saw the Lions remain unbeaten after a tightly contested battle. A dominant first half by the Lions, with goals from Romain Haution and a deflected strike by Azzeddine Takouloufa, gave them a 2–0 edge at the break.
Early in the second half, Azzeddine made it 3–0. But ReUnited mounted a spirited comeback with goals from Mandela, including a header from a long free kick. In the end, it wasn’t enough – Lions took all three points and stayed top of the table.
🎖️ Man of the Match: Benjamin Guerin (Lions)
⚽ Big Bamboo Shooters 8–1 Azzurri
A second-half explosion from the Shooters saw them crush Azzurri in a match full of surprises. Kevin Weissler and Guillaume Leclerque both scored hat-tricks, with Mike McGirr and Chris Banyard adding to the tally. Adam Kluger salvaged a late consolation for Azzurri.
This result handed Azzurri their worst-ever start in SIFL history.
🇩🇪 Shanghai Krauts 4–2 DIB FC
After trailing 0–2 at half-time, the Krauts mounted an epic comeback. Goals from Air Theiler and Phil brought them level, before Joel Terrades netted twice in the final 10 minutes. “Das Vacuum” in goal sealed the result with key saves late on.
🎖️ Man of the Match: Joel Terrades (Krauts)
🟠 FC Oranje 5–2 Japan FC
Oranje pulled off a convincing win over Japan FC, climbing to second in the table – their best league position since 1997! Standout performances by Sun Shaoyi (brace), Lodewijk Boddeart, Toby Zhou, and Wouter Raatjes saw them power through.
🎖️ Man of the Match: Sun Shaoyi (Oranje)
🛡️ Shanghai Vikings 1–1 Beaver United
A hard-fought battle ended with both teams sharing the points. Goals from Peter Tobar (Vikings) and Nick Muzyczka (Beavers) canceled each other out. An even match with moments of brilliance – and perhaps the quote of the day from Super Beaver Leslie Campbell:
“So much balance it made me puke. Next time I’m gonna get some yellow cards and start a fight.”
🎖️ Men of the Match: Jens Christensen (Vikings) / Alex Andersson (Beavers)
📊 Premier League Standings After Week 2
| Team | Pts |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Puxi Lions FC | 6 |
| FC Oranje | 6 |
| Shooters AFC | 4 |
| DIB FC | 3 |
| ReUnited | 3 |
| Shanghai Krauts | 3 |
| Japan FC | 1 |
| Beaver United | 1 |
| Shanghai Vikings | 1 |
| Azzurri FC | 0 |
📝 Summary
- Top scorers are heating up
- Historic debut by Alice Yan – first female referee in SIFL history
- Azzurri and DIB face early pressure
- Lions and Oranje off to flying starts
Stay tuned after the holiday break as the SIFL continues with more rivalry and excitement!
