[ SPL News ] Lions Go Top After 5-2 Win, Japan FC See Red in 6-1 Loss

Amigo’s and Amiga’s,

We faced our first match cancellation of the season due to heavy rain on Saturday evening. Fortunately, with three pitch locations available this season, we still managed to complete two SPL games as scheduled. The flexibility is paying off!

Off the pitch, we’re thrilled with the response to the SPL Winter Sweaters—many of you have placed your orders, helping us promote the SPL across China and beyond. Don’t forget: they make great Christmas gifts!

🏃‍♂️ SPL at the Shanghai Marathon
Several SPL players took part in the Shanghai Marathon over the weekend—congrats to everyone who crossed the finish line! Special shoutout to referee Kevin, who clocked an impressive 1:28 hrs for the half marathon—a new unofficial SPL record!

🎅 Santa Cup Countdown: 16 Teams Confirmed
Get ready for the best Santa Cup yet! With 16 teams registered, every team will play 8 games, ensuring plenty of festive football action. Santa will be proud!

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🟥 Japan FC 1-6 Shanghai 2000

Japan FC started strong and took a deserved 1-0 lead in the first half, thanks to quick-footed play and tight control. But disaster struck in the second half.

For the first time in their SPL history, Japan FC received two red cards and two yellows, drastically tipping the balance of the match. Club legend and SPL Vice President Yamada-san made history again—this time as the oldest player (50+) to receive a yellow card. This could pave the way for Bilgin to continue his SPL career into his golden years!

With a numerical advantage, Shanghai 2000 capitalized on the chaos and cruised to a 6-1 victory.

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🦁 Shanghai Lions 5-2 Flamenkos

[Match Date: Dec 2, 2012]

Despite early pressure from a confident Flamenkos side (fresh from their win over Gremio), the Lions broke the deadlock with a cross-turned-screamer into the top corner—1-0!

In the second half, fitness proved the difference. With only one sub, Flamenkos couldn’t hold the line. The Lions seized control, storming to a 4-0 lead before Flamenkos’ striker Alex pulled two goals back. But the damage was done.

Final score: 5-2. With this result, the Lions move to the top of the SPL standings!

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⚽ SPL Fixtures – Last Round of 2012 (Sunday, Dec 9)

• 🕙 10:00–12:00 — Galacticos vs Super 48
• 🕛 12:00–14:00 — Gremio vs Pistolera Bulls
• 🕑 14:00–16:00 — Marlins vs Lions (Waigaoqiao)
• 🕑 14:00–16:00 — Flamenkos vs Shanghai 2000 (Century Park)
• 🕛 12:00–14:00 — Japan vs Cowboys (Waigaoqiao)

Let’s close the year with fair play, high energy, and the SPL spirit we’re known for. ⚽🎄

Cheers
Freek – SPL President, on behalf of the SPL Committee