Sluggish monster well defeated by some slick passing and movement

Springfield Secondary Sch, 1500 Hrs

SUFI FC 4 Dynamites FC 2

(Ronald x1, Wong x2, Syafiqo x1)

The title of this report was probably supposed to have read something along the lines of 'The return of Wong reaps dividends in the final third' or perhaps 'Wong-ing our way to a showdown with FMFC'. Sadly, our beloved friend bugged me by continually praising himself for that short period of time from Springfield Sec, to Allan's Car and finally to Tampines mrt station. It probably took no more than 10 minutes to have him change my mind, I guess we can probably say that he is one helluva convincing lad for sure.

So having taken a 2 saturday break from league duties, the boys in yellow finally reconvened and converged on Springfield Sec for a potentially decisive clash against the wounded animals, Dynamites FC. Having read about the passing of their teammate from their match report last week, all players who were at the field for the game solemnly underwent a minute's of silence in respect for. From us here at SUFI FC, do know that you have our condolences for your lost.

As the game kicked off and with business on the pitch to be settled, Dynamites came out with the extra oomph in their game. Snapping at every challenge and being faster to every ball. Stunning everyone associated with the team in yellow, a quick burst down our left saw their winger swing in a ball that evaded everyone in the box. Popping up to sidefoot the ball home via a horrible deflection off Huijie which left Allan rooted to the ground, their striker/winger fired Dynamites 1-0 up with the clock probably reading 2 odd minutes or so. A terrible way to return to action for us and a potential hill to climb for us.

And yet, despite the early disadvantage, the SUFI boys pressed on with our wingers, Wong & Law as well as our new frontman Ronald stretching the Dynamites backline with their pace. After much probing, the equaliser finally came on around the 25th minute mark when Mok swung a left footed in-swinging cross from just inside the Dynamites half that evaded the heads of their entire backline. Lurking at the backpost was our predatory striker, Ronald-o who sent a thumping header straight into the back of the net and restoring parity on the scoreline. A sweet finish and just rewards for the invention shown up front thus far!

We finally took the lead when fabreyas got possessed by his namesake and set Wong up with a delightful through ball that sliced through Dynamites' backline. Learning from the mistakes of an earlier missed 1 on 1 chance, our pocket dynamo fired a left footed shot that stung the palms of the keeper and could only see the ball trickle into the back of the net. A brilliant set up and finish indeed, however it wasn't a 'top corner' left footed goal like he proclaimed after the game. Whatever the case, we finished the half 2-1 under difficult circumstances and in front most importantly.

Running the changes at the half, the boys in yellow came out with all guns firing as excellent interplay throughout the field with 1-2's, pass and movement aplenty... We scored twice in quick succession and seemingly carved about our opponents backline at will. Wong scored his second of the day after being put through by a sensational through ball from Vic. Next up, joining the partay was Syafiqo who added another after a booming long throw by our pocket dynamo left the opposing keeper with buttery fingers as he dropped the ball straight onto the head of our midfield maestro who rather sheepishly claimed his 3rd goal of the campaign by prodding the ball into the open goal with his head. Quick fact: Our midfield maestro scored against the same opposition earlier in the season with a stunning curling 30 yard effort that remains a front runner for goal of the season. I guess he really loves those Dynamites!

Well the rest of the game played out to the tune of Sufi boys being wasteful in the final third and Dynamites attempting to hit us on the break. They did narrow the scoreline when an unfortunate mistake by our custodian gifted them with a goal from a soft freekick. And that is how it ended, 4-2 at the final whistle!

MOTM: Despite the earlier whine about him, his performance on the field was definitely refreshing and clinical to say the least. Wong gets the nod today for that. We have missed much about the lad both on and off the pitch and I honestly wish that he returns to us sooner rather than later. NFL has made you a better player lah Wong!

Thoughts: We were an excellent team from when we were 1-0 down to when we were 4-1 up. At the end of the day, we had decent performances all over the field but that tired attitude will have to be improved on come next week boys. The positive certainly was the way we passed and moved our opponents around at will with pace and incisiveness. Very Arsenal or Barcelona-esque. Anyway, personal shoutout to the team. I hope I haven't offended anyone with my shouting at any point during the game today! I'm passionate about the game, the team and of course about your welfare as well. Nothing was personal and I apologise if anyone felt it was directed with intent. You guys should know me, I dont mean malice in my comments as half the time, the pained look on my face is a result of shagness. You guys know my fitness lah huh. Sorry bros!

*PS we will face AFC at Serangoon Stadium next saturday which also happens to be polling day! A personal plea from me is to settle your voting duties in the morning before you come for the game alright. We need everyone's presence to continue our push for the title no matter how difficult the situation is. Let us do our best to finish as high as possible!

Personnel:

Allan

Farhan, Syafiq, Jason, Huijie, Hizam, Amin

Wong, Rudee, Mahdi, Law, Mok, Yas, Syafiqo, Vic

Ronald, Dinietov

A Dynamitious time awaits..

Time: Be there by 2.30 PM

(It's in the east. So east-siders, no excuse for being late. Those elsewhere, do leave for it early alright. Many thanks.)

Opponents: Dynamites FC (Current Position: 7th)

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=443&leagueNo=83]

Venue: Springfield Sec (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=96]

Attire: Yellow Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

It has been 3 long weeks. But this weekend finally sees SUFI FC return to the field again!! However, much has changed in our division and we have seen our position at the top of the table taken over by the imperious FMFC. In fact, TeamCuzz are currently occupying 2nd place as well. The word inevitability used in describing FMFC's march to the Division 2 title can be interpreted in many ways. I choose to think of it as a positive. It takes the pressure of our own shoulders and we can approach games with a more carefree attitude.

Do know that as long as FMFC slips up in any one of their remaining 4 other games (draw or a defeat), it would at the very least mean that our eventual destiny is in our own hands. By that, I mean that we may very likely have to beat FMFC in our final league game. Impossible? Not if you continue to believe. Whatever the case, Dynamites stand in our way and if you have seen the link i placed on our fb group, these guys have the perfect motivation to play spoilers in the title race. They will certainly be no pushovers so once again, a collective team effort will be needed.

We have arrived at this position through sheer hardwork and we will be letting ourselves down if we do not at least give it our all in the final 3 games of the season!! So see you boys there at Springfield Sec by 230pm please...! Cya!

Expected Personnel:

Allan

Jason, Farhan, Syafiq, Hizam, HuiJie, Amin

Rudee, Wong, Mahdi, Liang, Vic, Mok, Syafiqo

Dinietov, Ronald

The SUFI Story

If you haven't seen this on our facebook group, here it is again! I put together this video as a belated anniversary gift for the team and more importantly for a school project...

It is my first first attempt at anything like that (never knew that iMovie existed in Mac), but feel free to give any comments at all as it would allow me to edit where necessary. Thanks boys!

Right down to the wire?

And here is a brief overview of how our division stands at the moment. It has been an absorbing title race so far and im pretty certain that there is more to come. As it stands, Sufi, teamcuzz and fake madrid are all assured of finishing in the top 3 considering that the teams placed from 4th to 9th will not be able to catch any of them based on the remaining number of games and the points that they have at the moment.

Furthermore, it is interesting to also note that the top 3 have all won a similar number of games although of course FMFC have done so having played 2 games fewer. So here are the remaining fixtures for the 3 teams.

SUFI FC: 31 pts from 13 games

30th Apr: Dynamites FC

7th May: Arizen FC

21st May: FMFC

TeamCuzz FC: 30 pts from 13 games

23rd Apr: Dynamites FC

30th Apr: Arizen FC

14th May: Supernova FC

FMFC: 29 pts from 11 games

23rd Apr: Arizen FC

7th May: Premier FC

8th May: Redsaga II FC

14th May: Dynamites FC

21st May: SUFI FC

It is without a shadow of a doubt that this is FMFC's title to lose and do note that if they win their next 4 games, they would make it mathematically impossible for either us or Teamcuzz to overtake them which could make our final game with them inconsequential. Having said that, we fight till the end and hopefully end up with something at the end of the sesason! 3 more games boys...!

Incident Report & Conclusion for game between Redsaga & SUFI (9th Apr/ 1500 Hrs)

ESPZEN CONCLUDES

1) The game will be awarded as a 3-0 walkover win in favour to SUFI FC who were the innocent party in this episode and were denied the chance to continue the game against Redsaga playing with 10 men. The game was abandoned against their wish and their Saturday afternoon football game was cut short due to the action of the Redsaga player.

2) Redsaga FC will be deducted 1 league point for failing to control their player.

3) Player no 28 will be suspended for 3 games for overly excessive verbal assault of the referee and is reminded to control his behavior, future incidents involving this player may lead to a a more permanent ban. Sufi indicated the player placed his hands on the referee, the referee did not cite this to ESPZEN perhaps believing that it was not important, please be informed if the referee had cited a physical push or harassment, the suspension would have been longer.

4) Match report has been manually updated to show the result of 3-0 and Player no 28 receiving a red card.

5) ESPZEN believe the action of Player no 28 do NOT reflect upon the action of the team or the management of RedSaga, and this individual player let his team mates down on this occasion.

The purpose of ESPZEN Leagues is to provide a professional, competitive and fun platform in which to enjoy our favourite sport. The threat of physical violence or overly excessive verbal abuse between players or players and officials will NOT be tolerated under any circumstances in ESPZEN nor in the game of football.

It is taken into consideration in the above report that this is the 1st incident report involving Redsaga and this really was an isolated incident as Redsaga have previously been a good ambassador for ESPZEN league football. ESPZEN sincerely hopes that Redsaga will not let such a situation arise again in future and will try to salvage a positive outcome from the above situation by using this email as a reminder to all their players not to let the actions of an individual impact the teams overall performance and that such behavior will not be tolerated in ESPZEN.

There is no right of appeal to the findings above and the issue is now considered closed.

The website is now updated.

*Alright boys. Its your call as to how you would like to interpret the situation but at the end of the day, there is still hope. The full report will be placed in our FB group. Leave your comments there if u must. Cheers boys!

ESPZEN League Cup Tournament: May/June 2011

Dear All Saturday League teams,

ESPZEN is pleased to announce a new initiative for us to complement our existing CUP tournaments, the ESPZEN Saturday League Cup.

A reminder of existing two cup tournaments:-

· ESPZEN Champions Cup/plate – once a year for our champions teams across all leagues and divisions. Invitation only. Knock out tournament with no handicap.
· ESPZEN FA Cup / plate – once a year for all teams in all our leagues. Knock tournament with a handicap system in place.


ESPZEN Saturday League cup will be an “invitation only” tournament. It will be a straight knock out tournament with all games taking place on a Saturday.
All existing ESPZEN Saturday league teams will be invited, in addition ESPZEN will invite teams registered to join the next season of our Saturday league and furthermore ESPZEN may also invite other former or prospect Saturday league teams.

All games will cost SGD125, unless played at non SSC school pitch in which case an additional SGD25 will be charged.

The tournament main structure will evolve around 16 teams. If more than 16 teams register ESPZEN will introduce qualifying games. The last 16 teams if they lose their cup game they will be automatically entered into the plate.

The draw will be random, however there will also be 4 seeded teams determined by ESPZEN.

The Cup games will commence during May or as soon as an individual team’s fixtures allow.

All teams are committing for a minimum of 2 games (one Cup game and one Plate game, or two Cup games)

*Pasted this in our facebook group and i'm not sure if everyone saw this. The funds set aside for the MBFP game that wasn't to be will be used for this game. Cheers and see you guys soon.

MBFP: A broken dream

Guys, if you still haven't heard... We were not allocated a slot for the MBFP this saturday. As a result, we will be taking a 2 saturday break (16th & 23rd Apr) from soccer. We will resume on the 30th of Apr, 3pm game at Springfield Sec against Dynamites. I will be sending out an sms to remind when the time comes alright.

In the mean time, stay tuned for updates on other scores from this week and also on the final outcome on the Redsaga game of which the result is still currently pending. See u boys in 3 weeks time!

Redsaga sees the red mist

Kallang Practice Track, 1500 Hrs

SUFI FC 0 Redsaga II FC 0 [Game abandoned after 50 minutes, Result pending]

Hola amigos, not the kind of day that we had envisioned. A hot as hell day and the pitch wasn't the best. Terribly bumpy although the size of the field was fantastic. And yet it was an anti-climatic end to the game as the game was abandoned with at least 30 minutes to go after an incident that was deemed sufficiently violent for the ref to call off the game. They say lightning does not strike twice but for us, it has happened yet again. The 1st time being the 0-0 game with Supernova at the start of the season where incessant rain caused the game to be rained off. The result of this game will now depend on how the espzen committee views the reports from all parties and any decision will only be made known by monday.

If the result were to stand, it would be a terrible shame considering that we did try our best to convince the ref to resume the game. Not forgetting, we had to pay the full cost of the game for this. Farcical stuff. At this point of time, it is still possible that we are awarded a walk-over for the game but honestly, having our title hopes extinguished because of the impudence show by one individual is nonsensical in my opinion. Furthermore, with Redsaga down to 10 men and having just thrown Vic, Mahdi and Dinie into the fray, we were in a strong position to go on and at least launch a strong assault for the 3 points. Oh well, we shall see how it goes and take it from there.

Whatever the case, I did enjoy that very very rare occasion where the entire team was able to play against each other in a light hearted kick about. 1st time ever boys!! Cheers for coming down and at least the kickabout allowed us to work those limbs a little. Let's also hope that the MBFP game is organised for us and stay tuned for any news latest by Monday or Tuesday!

Personnel:

Heiqal

Farhan, Jars, Syafiq, Huijie, Hizam, Alaric

Law, Ronald, Mahdi, Vic, Mok, Ws, LQ, Syafiqo

Dinietov

Fans in attendance:

Allan, Fadilah

YSOSRS.net: One month later....

Last 9 games:

SUFI FC 5 Real Ale Madrid FC 0 (W)

SUFI FC 2 Dynamites 0 (W)

SUFI FC 2 Premier FC 1 (W)

Premier FC 0 SUFI FC 4 (W)

SUFI FC 2 Supernova FC 0 (W)

SUFI FC 2 Fake Madrid FC 1 (W)

SUFI FC 1 TeamCuzz 0 (W)

SUFI FC 0 Real Ale Madrid 1 (L)

SUFI FC 4 Arizen FC 2 (W)

Reporter: Welcome back to the hot seat the chosen one! Much has happened over the past month and a half since we last sat down for a chat. And there has certainly been much joy for the team in the last 7 weeks. Mind if you share your thoughts on the team's performances on the field?

The One: Well, as most would have known.. We went on that amazing run where we basically had the beating of most of the teams in the division. 7 straight wins since that fateful defeat to TeamCuzz was definitely the stuff made of champions. As you would perhaps have seen by now in the list above, we did suffer the one blemish in which we took our eyes off the ball and collapsed to a sickening defeat when we least expected.

Reporter: Lets break it down, what say you boss? Thoughts on that amazing run of performances against the top 3 teams in the division?

The One: Much to be proud of son. Supernova, FMFC and then TeamCuzz. We expended much energy in those games and in particular, the game against FMFC stood out particularly for me due to the intensity we brought to the field for the game. The boys thoroughly deserved those victories for their efforts. A 7 match winning run against some really notable teams could be said to be a coming of age for our young group of players. They deserved a pat on their back without a shadow of a doubt.

Reporter: From the highs to the lows. Lets have a mention from you with regards to the RAMFC game?

The One: *Sigh* Unfortunately, that is how football works. The element of luck ditched us on the day. Plenty of chances and yet we were dealt in by a suckerpunch. No blame attached to the team as in truth, the boys did try their best. Football is a funny old game as they say, and god forbidding, perhaps we still stand a chance come the end of May.

Reporter: With FMFC seemingly on a roll and not letting up in their pursuit to beat every single team out there in the league, how do you rate the boy's chances in the title race?

The One: We probably have as much chance as WS has of scoring from the half-way line. =D Perhaps he would prove me wrong in the next game but yeah, the FMFC lads have definitely set the bar high. Only a solitary defeat thus far. Not forgetting, TCFC would only be a point behind us if they win their game in hand as well So, the top 3 spots are far from done and dousted.

Reporter: That amazing run had certainly lit up the division and announced SUFI's presence in the Espzen League. The fans definitely wish that the season ends on a high for the boys. Any final thoughts from you?

Would love to share some insight though when Jassie boy did remind me when we were 2-1 down at the half against AFC in our last game that having fun is crucial if we were to achieve decent results. Ive definitely got caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the 'title race' and what not to the extent where the element of fun has gone out of the window. It bit us in the ass against RAMFC when we took it too seriously and got a little too uptight. 4 games more, 1 game at a time and we have to remember to smile and enjoy the game. Let's see where this approach brings us at the end of it all folks...!

Reporter: Thank you boss and from us here at YSOSRS.net. Adios!

And the finishing line is in sight

Match Details: (9th Apr 2011, Saturday)

Time: 2.30 PM (It's a new venue for us, so leave for it early boys!)

Opponents: Redsaga II FC (Current Position: 7th)

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?teamno=577&leagueNo=83]

Venue: Kallang Practice Track (Grass)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=42]

Attire: Yellow Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

Nothing much to say for this week but just play only lah! Cya boys there aite. And tolong, dont be late unless you really have something before that of which, do notify me by sms k. THANKS boys.

Expected Personnel:

Heiqal

Farhan, Hizam, Huijie, Syafiq, Jars, Alaric

AhCool, Law, Mahdi, Mok, WS, Syafiqo, Vic, LQ

Dinietov, Ronald

Lesson learnt

Temasek Sec, 1500 Hrs

SUFI FC 4 Arizen FC 2

(Juf x1, Vic x1, Mahdi x1, Dinietov x1)

Back to where we have now recognised as our cursed ground, SUFI FC were looking to get their title run back on track again as they faced Arizen FC. Knowing our susceptibility of playing poorly on this ground, we were wary but not overly anxious. And this showed from the start of the game when we dominated proceedings and garnered a number of chances.

1-0: A long ball out to the right wing for our pocket wizard saw him burn those turbos as he burst beyond the AFC defensive line. Facing the keeper from a fast narrowing angle, Mahdi then laid it on a plate for our on rushing hot shot to tap it home from 6 yards making it his 8th in 12 league games. A good start to the game and a priceless early goal.

The feeling of deja vu soon revisited us as we contrived to concede 2 goals in bizarre fashion when our normally ever-reliable defensive unit succumbed to a whole series of mistakes. Of course, credit where it is due, the 2 goals were clinical finishes from AFC. I will also hold my hand up on this one to say that I was at fault for not providing sufficient protection too. We could have truly done better. Our defensive record does not lie and let us try our best to provide Allan with another clean sheet come next week aitee! It finished 2-1 at the half and the boys in yellow faced yet another potentially demoralising defeat at TMS.

The half time team talk centered around removing the former TMS boys from play as the boys seemingly had a problem of performing at their alma mata. Well, a part of it also involved keeping calm and continuing to play our game. Patience was the key which was something we severely lacked in our defeat last week to RAM. I guess the boys focused more on the insignificant part of the team talk and came out for the 2nd half with all guns blazing.

2-2: A ball played from just inside AFC's half by AhCool somehow found its way through their backline when the AFC defender messed up his clearance. Vic swiftly pounced onto the loose ball and burst through on goal. Conjuring up a finish of real quality, he lashed it into the roof of the net with his weaker foot leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance. An important early goal in the 2nd half that put us right back into the game and in the process setting the tone for what was to come.

3-2: Minutes after coming back on in the 2nd half, our pocket wizard engaged his marker in a 'Who-blinks-first, loses' game. With the ball almost coming to a standstill, a sweet feint to the left, left his marker for dead. Taking a couple of steps into the box, Mahdi then smashed the ball into the bottom right corner past the flailing arms of the keeper. A priceless goal to the relief of the boys in yellow. And for the 2nd time today, we were back in the lead.

4-2: 10 minutes from the end of the game, dinietov broke his mini-duck that had lasted for all of 2 games by converting from within the box after an 'all-Malay' buildup which was served by the pocket wizard and dished emphatically by the magician. A really magical affair as it turned out.

And so it that is how it finished as the patient approach worked well, allowing us to force our way back into the game. A come back of decent proportions only eclipsed by that of Manchester United as I re-type this =D

MOTM: Mahdi. Made 2, scored 1 and at times breath-taking. The price for your boots just rose by another 10 bucks for that compliment. Haha.

I'm lazy to type more for now so I will just sum it up simply. We made it hard for ourselves despite starting well but i was impressed with the way we went about our business and arguably outmuscled AFC in the 2nd half. The lessons from the horror show last week were well learnt. Thank you for the effort boys! Aite, i will see you guys next sat then. In the meantime, take care!

Personnel:

Allan

Farhan, Jason, Hizam, Syafiq, Jars, Ronald

Law, AhCool, Mahdi, Vic, WS, Syafiqo, Yas, Mok, LQ

Dinie, Juf

Fans:

Rudee, Fatin, Fadilah, Seng Huat

WONG CI

*Best pic of the man to date =D

Hey peeps, an important member of the SUFI setup has been selected for and will thus represent Jollilads (Combine Uni team) in the NFL Div 2 for the 2011 season which begins this saturday. And as you perhaps would have heard the rumours (for added effect) going around, the man chosen is indeed our sprightly character, Wong.

As you probably would have realised, Wong has been missing in action in recent weeks as he tried his best to impress the decision makers of the Jollilads team and I am genuinely happy that he has been selected and thus registered in the 25 man squad for the upcoming season. The opportunity to experience and learn from a higher level of football is priceless and we can only wish him well. As such, he will not be able to feature much for SUFI and thus in our own fantasy world of football, he will be considered to be out on loan till the end of their season.

He has assured me that he will return to SUFI once his stint with the NFL team is over and in the mean time let us all wish the noisy biatch a wonderful and hopefully successful time ahead. His constant chatter has made him a priceless dressing room character to have and he will be missed in his time away. Adios amigo.

And here is to the rest of the guys in the team. Do know that I will not stand in the way if you guys obtain better footballing opportunities but do not that we are a family and we will always welcome you guys with open arms should you choose to return aite.