SPL Lions Stumble to 1-1 Draw Against Japan on Halloween Weekend

Last Sunday marked the Lions’ first SPL match at Waigaoqiao, but unfortunately, it coincided with Halloween weekend—a mix that never seems to bring us luck.

Despite 16 players being selected, only 11 Lions were on the pitch at kickoff. We were even close to starting with 10! A big thank-you goes out to those who arrived on time and ready to play.

⚽ First Half: Dominant but Wasteful

We faced an experienced Japan FC squad and controlled most of the game early on, maintaining solid possession. However, we struggled in the final third—too slow around the 20-meter area to break through. Eventually, Joel broke the deadlock with a bit of help from a Japanese defender, giving us a 1–0 lead at halftime.

🔁 Second Half: Costly Mistakes and Missed Chances

With substitutes finally arriving, the second half saw a faster Japan FC, especially in midfield. Their early pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty, converting it to make it 1–1.

The Lions didn’t fold. We regained possession and created several chances to regain the lead—including a one-on-one opportunity for Joel that was denied by Japan’s keeper. Maxime came on for the final 10 minutes, but the referee unexpectedly shortened the game—leaving us no time to find a winner.

🎃 A Disappointing Result That Feels Like a Loss

While we didn’t lose the game, the result feels like a defeat given the chances we had and our sluggish start. This should serve as a reminder to all players: if we want to finish at the top of the SPL, we need to be committed, arrive on time, and stay focused.

Let’s bounce back stronger next weekend.

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Cheers,
Coach Six