SCC started sharply by controlling the ball and creating spaces which lead to countless of opportunities to open the scoreline, however, OG defense was solid and made it hard for SCC to score a goal. Approaching half time, OG midfielder saw a red card which made SCC drop their intensity in the second half. OG look dangerous on the few breaks that they had and fought well in order to keep the score 1-0. SCC eagerly looking for 3 points to maintain our position in the table, started the match with encouraging attitude and great energy. SCC kept possession in the first half dominating and controlling the game. This resulted in many opportunities that SCC did not finish due to a solid french defense. OG looked dangerous in a few breaks. SCC finally scored after 20 minutes. Kike calmy finished with a powerful shot on the top right corner from a lovely assist from Hutch. SCC kept their intensity and even though SCC maintained possession, OG defended very well which lead to dangerous attacks. Before halftime, a red card was shown to the French side for causing an unnecessary altercation. At halftime, Owen could not stress enough how important was to maintain the high intensity in order to kill the game and not to get confident. The second half started and the intensity was not the same from SCC. OG defended magnificently so some changes were made to keep up the tenacious spirit of SCC. Og sat back and defended while SCC was keeping possession trying to create spaces in OG defense. Some glims of good distribution around the pitch were shown but not enough to penetrate the French defense. Kike scored an outrageous volley however it was fairly disallowed. Another goal was disallowed due to the linesman change of decisions. However, OG had a great opportunity that was denied by Ronnie with a fabulous safe. The match ended with SCC having more opportunities and trying to score another goal. It was a pity that OG got a red for not behaving themselves as it was a really good match. Both teams played well but the slow pace of the game did not benefit SCC to score more goals. OG defended well and even though a red card was shown, it was an enjoyable afternoon. Our desire to win this game was massive from the start not only to stay first, also to say goodbye to Ballsy who is leaving. Farewell Ballsy. MOM for SCC ~ Anthony Garreau MOM for OG ~ Remi B
OG performed well once again against one of the top team, but despite all the effort and spirit put into the game, came home empty handed. Coach Simon shuffled the lined up a bit moving Remi B up as center midfield and Remi T upfront with Hugo on the wing. Game started quite evenly with SCC having a better possession but we seemed to be able to break their lines at time. SCC was the first one to open fire especially with Hutch who nicely volley a a cross for Kike but was denied by a good Chris in goal. SCC broke the lock after 20min with a nice move and a beautiful deflection from Hutch who found Kike inside the box. He managed the get the best on Ouss to finish with a strong shoot just under the cross bar that left no chance to Chris. Unfortunately the game ended too early when the referees decided to take a one sided decision and show the red card only to our player after an altercation between one SCC and one Gaulois player. We ended up with a straight red when the SCC when their guy escaped with a verbal warning. Despite that, we stepped up and accepted the challenge ahead and fought well for the remaining 60min with only 10 players. The second half was obviously mostly all about SCC trying to get a second one and seal the game for good. But our defense stand strong with a huge performance from our back 4 (Ouss, Toudi, Bastos and Max). Remi B (le bon) was tremendous in midfield to help the back line. We manage to contain most of their attacks and could have even score once in the 75th minute after a nice move in midfield that found Remi T (le gros) on the left wing and manage to pass the ball between 2 defenders to Hugo. The latest was "fast" enough to touch the ball right ahead of Anthony at the back. While losing his balanced at the entrance of the box he fired a cross shot that was impressively saved by SCC' s keeper. The last 10min were hard on us as we could not get a foot on the ball and create another chance. We have nothing to be ashamed off. Despite the referees decision to kill such a good game early, we fought well and give another good run to SCC. A very enjoyable and spirited football afternoon. MOM Gaulois: Remi B (le bon), but followed by some other good performance especially at the back with Bastos and Toudi who stood strong to contain SCC's strikers. MOM SCC: Even though Kike gave us a lot of headache in the first 30min he faded a bit in second half. Tim was instrumental in controlling and delivering the ball in midfield and got the award. PS: Hugo you can stop running and waiting for Remi to pass you the ball in the channel :)