Hall 2 soccer team got off to a good start with a dominating 6-0 victory over Hall 13 on 5 January morning, at the St Wilfred Sports Complex.
The match started off brightly for Hall 2 as the players stuck closely to the game plan and created a number of close chances. The deadlock was eventually broken by our number 9, Kar Weng, after he flicked the ball with his heel over the keeper, showing exquisite control. The second goal was claimed by our athletic centreback, Yen Hao, as he powered in a header after a tantalizing corner was sent in by our left midfielder, Ming Long. That almost concluded the first half, but not before our striker, Kenneth Sim, had the last say. He showcased his strong finishing by drilling a shot into the back of the net from outside the box.
The second half began with Hall 2 continuing its rampage on Hall 13’s goal. Just a few minutes into the game, our right winger, Jeremy “J Loh”, placed a shot past the goalkeeper with unearthly composure after an accurate long ball was sent in by our other centreback, Alvin Chin. Not long after, Kar Weng was clipped on the ankles by the opposing defender inside the area and a penalty was given. Ming Long then converted the penalty coolly to give us a five goals lead. The final blow was dealt by our target man, Yu Hao, as he burst into the area with the ball before blasting a shot past the keeper from close range.
For the second match against Hall 9, the opponents parked a bus in front of their goal for the entire match and our Hall 2 team was unable to penetrate the wall of defence built up. It was unfortunate as the opposition took advantage of our frustration and converted the only two chances they created. 0-2 to Hall 9.
In order to advance to the quarter finals, Hall 2 had to overcome our very first adversary all over again – Hall 13. On the back of a demoralizing defeat, Hall 2 began the match jittery and the first fifteen minutes ticked away with scrappy play from both sides. It took a penalty from Ming Long, before the team calmed down and kept possession. However, the team still found it difficult to penetrate Hall 13’s defence line and score another goal to retain a comfortable lead. It wasn’t until the second half before our aggressive winger, Ming Long, managed to weave some magic down the left flank and sent in a pin-point cross for Kenneth to head in his second goal of the season. With the influx of the senior and more experienced players in the later stage of the second half, Hall 2 managed to extend the lead by two more goals, scored by our Hall 2’s very own “Rooney”, Zhao Yuan as well as our versatile and ever dependable Cheng Wei. 4-0 to Hall 2.
There was much excitement and trepidation when the quarters draw was announced. Hall 2 was up against the champions from last year – Hall 7. The match was an epitome of guts and determination as both halls gave their fullest effort. Hall 7 drew the first blood when they were awarded a debatable penalty after a dubious handball called by the referee. Hall 2 showed admirable mental strength to fight on and managed to equalize after Zhao Yuan delivered a perfect cross for Ming Long to head home. Hall 2 went on to win the dramatic penalty shootout, kudos to a tremendous save made by our goalkeeper, Wee Kiat.
Hall 2’s quest for success came to a halt finally in the semi-final match against Hall 6. 2-0 to Hall 6. A bitter loss to a team that performed better on the day.
Hall 2 soccer team has shown strong character and determination during the entire journey. Every player in the team can be proud of themselves. We may have lost the championship this year, but we have gained a strong bond that will bring us closer to it next year. And one that I am sure, everyone on the team will remember for the rest of their own personal journeys.
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