[ SIFL News ] Lions Edge Japan as Title Race Tightens

On March 9, 2013, under unseasonably hot spring conditions — the warmest March day since 1921 — Round 19 of the Shanghai International Football League unfolded with 10 action-packed fixtures and 46 goals scored.

The Shanghai Lions battled Japan FC in a dramatic comeback win. The Shooters secured a narrow but vital win, while 3United broke their losing streak with a dominant display. Meanwhile, Shentong Metro FC climbed to the top of the First Division.

Let’s break down the highlights.

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🔥 Premier League Match of the Week

[ SIFL ] Shanghai Lions 3–2 Japan FC

The Lions came into the match riding a 14-game winning streak — and full of confidence. But the day got off to a rough start. Goalkeeper Dimitri LS fell asleep on the subway and ended up riding the same stretch three times, leaving Chris S. to step in as an emergency keeper.

Despite the early disruption, the Lions started well — for 7 minutes. Then disaster struck. A failed clearance allowed Japan to toe in the opener: 0–1. Moments later, Japan capitalized on their only corner of the game, scoring a header to go 0–2 up, much to the shock of the French defense.

Coach Freek summed it up: “Dropping points at this stage is not an option.”

But this team has heart. Rather than implode, the Lions remained composed, rallied together, and just before halftime, Romain H. pulled one back: 1–2.

After the break, Azzeddine T. curled in a spectacular free-kick to level the match: 2–2. The Lions pressed for a winner with 15+ corners and countless free kicks, but Japan’s keeper held strong.

Then, with minutes to go, Haution again tried his luck — a seemingly harmless shot slipped under the Japanese keeper and rolled across the line: 3–2!

It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective — the Lions claimed their 15th straight victory, proving that even champions need a bit of luck.

🎉 The day ended with a special celebration for captain JLC 30th birthday — and the belief that destiny is in our hands.

🗣️ “Without luck, you can never be champion!” — Freek

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🏆 Other Premier League Results (Round 19)

• Krauts FC 3–1 ReUnited
  Joel T. starred with a brace and a solid defensive display.
• DIB FC 3–1 FC Oranje
  Bin Xu netted a hat-trick in DIB’s charge to catch the Lions.
• Azzurri FC 4–1 Beaver United
  Hat-trick hero Adam K. guided Azzurri to victory.
• Shooters 2–1 Vikings FC
  Gui L. sealed it with a long-range bullet.
  The real shock? No controversy this time.

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🔁 First Division Highlights

• Shanghai 3United 7–2 Long Tang AFC
  Newcomer Henri R. exploded onto the scene with 4 goals on debut.
• Shentong Metro FC 3–1 Voodoo Child
  The Chinese side claimed top spot in the table.
• Shining HFC 1–0 Voodoo
  A lucky lob separated two strong teams — Voodoo’s title hopes take a dent.
• Sauerkrauts 4–3 Kangbei United FC
  A dramatic comeback capped off by a 75th-minute winner.
• Anzacs FC 2–2 Shanghai Cosmos
  Own goal heartbreak for Cosmos in an otherwise dominant performance.

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📊 Standings Snapshot (After Round 19)

Premier League

1. Shanghai Lions FC – 39 pts
2. DIB FC – 31 pts
3. Shooters – 29 pts
4. Krauts FC – 21 pts
5. Azzurri FC – 19 pts

First Division

1. Shentong Metro FC – 28 pts
2. Voodoo – 27 pts
3. Cosmos – 22 pts
4. Anzacs / Voodoo Child – 18 pts

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🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures – March 16, 2013

• Hebiguchi Cup Semifinals
  FC Oranje vs Shentong Metro
  Shanghai ReUnited vs Shooters

• SIFL Plate Round 1
  More knockout action awaits!