Match Review: Singapore Football Club vs International Lions FC

• GK Ronnie Smollett
• DF Roberto Bruce
• DF Keith Goh
• MD Joe Claridge
• MD Sam Gravatt
• MD Tim Walter
• MD Nick Marsh
• -- Hafiz Osman
• -- Wes Adeyemi
• -- Akil Pompey
• -- Matt Hulen

• DF Collins Mbeutcha
• DF Jahan Rezai
• MD Joe Jolie
• -- Ryosuke Ataku
• -- Quentin Chong

Tough Scrap with The Lions

SFC got their first look at the new boys in Cosmo in the International Lions. Not knowing much about them, but recognizing several Cosmo league stalwarts, we knew they would have quality. That quality showed when they scored [possibly] the fastest goal in Cosmo history within an estimated 20 seconds from kick off. SFC had not touched the ball as Int’l Lions worked the ball to their RB who played a fast 1-2 and played in their striker who laid off off a lovely one touch pass to assist the goal scorer who slotted past Ronnie in goal. It was a very good goal and sent a message to SFC that we were going to be in for a competitive match on the day. SFC started to get a handle on the match with some better possession and challenging Int’l Lions with more direct passes. The breakthrough happened with passing movement through the middle of the pitch and was finished by the new SFC man Wes. The half finished at 1-1 and SFC knew they had some strong talent on the bench to bring into the match. The first change was introducing leading scorer Ataku into the match. A few minutes later SFC welcomed back Jahan back into the team for his first match of the season and some much needed experience. Through Jahan SFC began attacking more through their right flank and eventually that paid dividends and he found young Quentin (on his SFC debut), who controlled the ball quickly shot past Int’l Lions GK to put SFC ahead 2-1. The remainder of the match was cagey and competitive as SFC was trying to kill the match in the corners and Int’l Lions were fighting to win the ball back. In the end the experience of SFC came through and helped to secure the important 3 points. Welcome to the league Int’l Lions and we have no doubt you will make a positive impact on the league and increase competition.

• Hector Courqueux GK
• Jonathan Macaud DF
• Ilzan Faris DF
• Oussama Labib DF
• Nicolas Beninger MD
• Thibaud Lespayandel MD
• Nor Irfan MD
• Ismail Bardach MD
• Robert Eziakor ST
• Anthony Gonzales ST
• Hugo D'Inca --

• Raphael Froberger DF
• Ashwin Kalaichelvan ST
• Ulysse Postel-Vinay --
• Giacomo Trivi --

EXPERIENCE PAYS OFF FOR SFC

Another week for Int'l Lions coming with a strong squad of 15 players that wanted to bounce back from the disappointing performance of the first game. Once again Int'l Lions started the game amazingly. From the kick off, the team moved the ball around for a good minute or so and saw our new signing Nor Irfan also known as "lightning speed" give an amazing through ball to Nico "la pepite" behind SFC defenders. With lots of composure, Nico assisted on a first touch Antho "Grey Hair I'm not fit yet" for a classy finish. 1 min in, 1-0, with SFC not touching the ball. Not bad for a start. Shortly later though, SFC managed to come back with an early equalizer, 1-1 and ball down in the middle again. The remaining of the first half saw two competitive teams battling it out, with SFC controlling possession but Int'l Lions remaining extremely solid in midfield and at the back. A second goal for Int'l Lions was refused for offside and the teams went into half time 1-1. Second half started on the same competitiveness, with both teams proving themselves dangerous. SFC saw their striker hit the crossbar once and could have found themselves leading the score line if it were not for an amazing save from Hector "the crazy kid" in goal. Int'l Lions were dangerous as well and extremely close to taking the lead when Ashwin "the broken toe" found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but the amazing SFC defender saved it on the line with a great tackle. SFC kept pushing and the experience of the league paid off when their winger found the net after a bit of confusion in the box. 2-1 SFC. We then got to admire something quite amazing and never seen in 10 years in the league, with SFC bringing the ball to the corner numerous times in the last 10min to "save time" until the final whistle. Almost getting the vibes of a champions league final. Jokes aside, thanks to SFC for a tight and competitive game and for the kind words at the end, and looking forward to the next battle against the Hibs. It is being said through the grapevine that the Hibs' main scout Panda has read the outcome of the next game from his bald head also used as a magic ball. Anyways, the Int'l Lions will be ready for another competitive game next week! Key mentions from Int'l Lions: Isma "5-aside guy" creating some dangerous opportunities Hugo "le patron" bossing the defense from his 17 years old Robert "the big guy" showing his class and strength throughout the game in front of the defense