Champions Cup Round of 16

Time: Be there at 2:20 PM

Opponents: ESPZEN Primero

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=290&leagueNo=104]

Venue: Ang Mo Kio Sec (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=123]

Attire: Sexy pink top, black shorts and black socks

A big game for us to test ourselves against the reigning Champions Cup champs. Let us give it our best shot boys.

Expected Personnel:

Amin

Farhan Kavic Huijie Hizam Hafiz Eugene

Mok Yas Law 

Eric Rudee Syafiq Habib

Dinie


Uncfm: Ubai

Up Up and Away....

Canadian International School, 1700 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 3  Rosso 1

(Dinie x2, Izwann)

For yours truly, it was a late Saturday afternoon's journey to the West. A true sense of dread but hey, who's to complain when our westside boys make their way down to the East every week without complaining. Heh. Thank god for the really generous Eric who alleviated some of that suffering though. Upon our very late arrival to the venue that had been proclaimed to be an excellent and top notch field, the late boys were very much excited. Nerve jangling anticipation would be an exaggeration I guess. 

Hell but that was how I really felt man.

Anyhow, imagine the immense disappointment when we saw that the pitch was on the 2nd floor (Check), astro turf (Check), so very narrow (Not Checked) and had goalposts more suitable for a C Division game (Definitely freaking hell not checked). Quite the bummer. 

Whatever the case, we were gonna be decked out in our sexy pink outfits plus of course, we had a really strong match day squad lined up. Hooyah!!

 Facing a Rosso outfit whom we had played on 2 other occasions in the past, there was a sense  that the results from our past meetings would count for nothing having seen their meteoric rise through the Espzen Divisions. 

The game eventually kicked off with the man in black probably the fittest player on the pitch. Dennis Edwards if you guys were wondering. We passed and caressed the ball to the best of our abilities with Rosso approaching the game a tad more conservatively.

Yet the direct nature of Rosso's play saw them create the more clear cut opportunities and it was through one of those that we conceded a goal. 

0-1: A quick corner from the Rosso boys saw them find their imposing ang mo, Paul who was at least a good 25-30 yards out. Striding up perfectly to the ball, he unleashed a cracker of a shot that started way out and curled into the top corner. The speed at which the connection was made left our keeper Amin with absolutely no chance. Sick ass goal lahh.

Thereafter, that feeling of deja vu crept in for we looked no where near scoring whilst the ball ping pong-ed all over the place. Special mention to the tenacious closing down from the men in yellow who were there with a game plan and they stuck to it with ferocious doggedness.

HT: 0-1 and the jokers were looking far from convincing in their season opener. 

*Concern during before the half and of course, team talk ah!

Several tactical changes later and aided by the-man-no-longer-on-e-probation-list, we came out fighting in the 2nd period. A wave of pink surged all over the pitch as we began to try our best in matching Rosso physically. The intense pressuring worked for we were able to knock more furiously at the Rosso door. 

1-1: That highly craved for equaliser FINALLY came when a ball out wide from the irrepressible Ubai saw flying full back Eric trod forward into space. And then came a move we had been so accustomed to in recent weeks, a peach of a ball into the penalty box saw bodies flying all over the place in an attempt to get to it. The mess eventually sorted itself out as Dinietov aka The Magician sidefooted it home gleefully past the stranded Rosso keeper. Oh yeah baby.

2-1: Riding on momentum, the jokers pushed forward in an attempt to take advantage of a shell shocked Rosso outfit who had been solid up till the equaliser. Dinietov was once again involved as he chested a high ball inside our half, swivelled, did some stuff and lofted the ball instinctively into space.

 It was now a foot race between our own hotshot and newly known Peter Cockroach, Izwann with the Rosso last man. Thankfully for us, the ball was allowed to bounce once which was all that was needed for our Cockroach to power home and slam it past the exposed goalkeeper. 2 in a matter of minutes. We were in dreamland yooo.

Knowing the vulnerability of a bare 2-1 lead, the jokers pressed on to the rapturous support of the guys off the pitch. Explains why today's performance smelt alot like team spirit. 

3-1: A corner from Yas was half cleared as it found its way to Jason on the left. Ignoring the calls to pass, our resident warrior swung in a right footed inswinging cross that had  "head me home please" written all over it. Well, buoyed by the earlier success of the equaliser, our magician ghosted in amongst the Rosso players before expertly nodding it home. The comeback was complete. 

*THAT move. And scenes of unbridled joy from the pinkies. 

The remainder of the game was played out with some scares along the way but Amin dealt with it admirably for most parts. One being his gloves tearing just as he was about to throw the ball out. Oh the horror as it resulted in him dropping the ball in front of 3 Rosso players. Akin to a durian picking scene in our lovely forests. HUAT AH!! Fortunately, our goalkeeper was able to use his immense frame to hide the loose ball and prevent a messy goal.  

Beep beep. Finito. 

MOTM: You know who. I dont wana say it. But he knows who. The one who likes dissing the gaffer. 2 goals and an assist. A sign of things to come? Fingers crossed. 

Personnel:

Amin

Farhan Eric Hafiz Huijie Hizam Jason Eugene

Mok Ws Yas

Rudee Law Ubai AhCool Mimi

Izwann Dinie

A Fresh New Start Folks

*Pic courtesy of Google Earth. Thou i do not remember it being so forested around. Heh.

Time: Be there at 4:15 PM

[It may take us awhile to find the pitch so kindly factor that into your traveling time]

Opponents: Rosso FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=755&leagueNo=102]

Venue: Canadian International School Lakeside Pitch (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=144]

Attire: Sexy pink top, black shorts and black socks

Perfect opportunity for us to take a team peekture this week. So be there by the stipulated timing. East siders, I will try to arrange car pooling if possible. Stay tuned. 

Expected Personnel:

Amin

Farhan Eric Hizam Hafiz Huijie Eugene Jason

Mok WeiSheng Yas

Rudee Dinie Ubai Law Mimi

Izwann

One big happy family

Tampines Secondary School, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 5  Real Suspects 0

(Mahdi, Rudee, Law, Dinie, Mimi)

After a quiet night by our terms for the jokers in which we settled for a nice, cosy and really sweaty dinner at the Vintage Delicafe, it is now time to get in and about the activities on the pitch earlier in the day. 


Falling into the plate tournament for Espzen after surprisingly being ousted by giant killing Classique Futbol Clube in the earlier round, the jokers were raring to go again. There was an air of "pre-season calm" before this particular game at Tampines Sec however that was quickly dispelled by the absolutely crazy afternoon sun. 


Welcoming old boys Mahdi and Yas back into the foil for the upcoming season, the jokers lined up against their physically more imposing Real Suspect opponents who interestingly enough consisted of the likes of Uday Joshie and another of his fellow Espn Newcasters. Public figures of a different sort but still a sight nonetheless. 


As we cranked our engine into action, the initial moments perhaps gave RSFC much to be buoyed by. Our passing was sloppy and players were feeling the frustration. Thankfully for us, it all eventually settled down and we gradually enjoyed our increasingly frequent forays into the RSFC half with some incisive and neat passing. 


1-0: New old boy, the non too mercurial dragon hair boy, Di found himself in space just outside the box. With some really decent off the ball running by Yas that drew the defenders away, it was left to the man to finish a piledriver of a shot that whistled through the roof of the net. It wasn't easy, but the man made it look oh so very. 


2-0: Yet more huffing and puffing with RSFC attempting to impose themselves in the game through physical means. Thankfully us jokers were able to hold on ground and eventually found a priceless 2nd midway through the half when Di went on a merry dance which unsettled all of the RSFC defense. He eventually laid of a ball for the ever young flying winger Dee to comfortably tap into an empty net. Young and old combine. Positive signs aplenty.


So that was the way it ended at the half. Decent enough lead with a performance that really could have been alot better. 


3-0: Past weeks had seen the calls for Law to take our penalties grow with every pre and post match practise. Well, the opportunity eventually came when the man himself had a goal bound header emphatically cleared off the line by an RSFC hand. *Cue Huijie's epic Suarez moment* Well anyway, Law confidently stood up and even more surprisingly outwitted the keeper and passed it into the back of the net. Hell, you could've gotten pretty high odds on that happening. Lest he makes noise when he reads this, yes it was a better pen than that of the gaffer just the week before. Booo.


4-0: Our dominance in the game was apparent with the boys growing into their strides and stroking the ball all around with consummate ease. Even our keeper got in on the action which was quite the sight. One such move saw a ball sent low into the box from out wide to our magician's feet. Dancing and turning and mambo-ing his way into a yard of space, he unleashed a vicious enough shot that took a deflection (?) and found it's way past the beleaguered keeper. A goal of just rewards for the dance moves shown.


5-0: After several one on one misses, the gaffer's emphatic touchline cries to shoot when in space was finally heeded by the twinkle toed Mimi. Cutting in past 2 defenders and finding ample amount of space and time due to the efficient off the ball running by our defender/ace striker Huijie (I was personally reminded of this by the man), Mimi finally thumped another home with almost the final kick of the game. A sweet ending to what remains a work in progress. 


Fantastico boys and hopefully our league starts next Saturday. Adios amigos. 

Crowning of YSOSRS FC's 4th Player's Player of the Season

As per the title, voting had commenced 2 Sundays back in what eventually became a week long campaign.In the end, 31 different voters (Not exactly FIFA-esque standards) but still a considerable number for us, took some time off their daily activities to show their support for their favourites within the team. Thank you so very much people!!


Just as us Jokers have always done at the end of every season regardless of how good or poor our performances have been, we have once again crowned a winner in this year's edition! 

Interestingly, results showed a close 3 horse race for the privilege of being the Player of the Season and it is our honour to announce that ended up with a tie for 1st place with 13 votes each from 2 members! Perhaps a penalty shootout could be used to settle this someday. Hahaha. Unprecedented stuff yo. And thus, we will have a joint Joker's Player of the Season!!

*Our 2 winners combine for a move in one photo shot. Perfecto 

Firstly, we have the man who has been a revelation who also stepped in courageously to fill the enormous shoes left vacated by our Hall of Famer and goalscoring machine, Juffie Boy. Gangly in frame and yet ever so quick on the ground, our debutant this season proceeded to blast 10 goals in 11 outings for the Jokers and also end up as the team's top goalscorer in Division 1. 

A couple of particularly memorable goals from him include the 30 yard chip over the FMFC keeper in our 1st meeting this season, smashing freekicks that nestled into the top corner against Sporting TGA and Stamford respectively and finally an oh so crucial breakaway goal against St Andrews in our 4-2 defeat at Bedok South Sec. Many many more to add to that list folks. But you get the idea. =)

I must say that this man has taken to the team and it's culture like a fish has to water. A perfect match indeed. So let me now present to you one of our 2 winners, Izwann Crouchie!!

*Izwann in action against the Robotic Robert

This was what the man himself had to say and we have the raw and uncut version of it all yo.

Firstly thanks for selecting me in this team and im very glad to be of it.. When I play my first game with YSOSRS i was really impressed but I scared that some of the player don't like me (Law and Rudee, cause he say both your faces damn fierce) which seriously worried me haha! 

Then when the league get going and I get to know you guys well. I can only say that you guys are GREAT! HAHAHA I have had alot of fun playing with this team and I will repay this through my actions on the pitch. (I am da Number One yo)

Lastly thank you for those who vote for me (I will treat each one of you to Nasi Lemak)..

And of course we have to end with: WHY SO SERIOUS!............... 

Next up we have our newly selected Vice Captain, Del Syafiqo! Crowning off what has been an amazing season for one of his loves, the Bianconeri (Juventus) who capped off a trying few seasons for the team as Champions of the Serie A in this year's edition, Syafiq simultaneously wowed many with his commitment, guile and determination on the pitch during the tough times for the Jokers.

Scoring a couple and making a whole lot more, our Vice Captain has successfully overcome the naysayers to his appointment (specifically Dinietov) and produced an outstanding season of personal performances.

It might be interesting for many to know that Syafiq was our very 1st Players Player of the Season in our maiden D2D campaign as well! Congrats Fiq!!

Firstly, thank you to those who voted for me. It's an honour to have such recognition from you guys. Haha. Also, i share this with Izwann who probably could win this outright for banging them goals in this season.

This season we started off strongly. We were the front-runners for the early part of the season. However, imo we couldn't cope quickly enough without the services of some key players. There is also the suspicion that the slump coincided with me being appointed as Vice capt. Haha basket. 

However, im stoked about the upcoming season with the return of the old players. Clear quality reinforcements. hopefully, we can win more games than not this upcoming season, and develop together as a team.As pointed out mokie, I'm one of the elders the team haha. To be still playing together after 2 years plus is an achievement on its own. Just want to say that i'm grateful to be able to play alongside good friends and get to know you guys. :))

YSOSRS!

P.S: So yes folks, both of them players will get a token gesture of 2 free games as a result of them being named as YSOSRS FC's Player of the Season. 

For the rest, fear not as your efforts have not gone unnoticed with core players such as El Capitan Ronald, The Ever Present Law, Mr Consistent Farhan, Mr Consistent II Hizam, Mr Scottie Pharker WeiSheng, New Botak boy Eugene, Chiongster Eric, Mr Warrior himself Jason and The Enigma and still the number 1 magician Dinietov contributing much to pull us through a tough tough season. 

I have not forgotten the rest such as the dormant Ubai who surely has to come good for us one day with all his ability, The King of Offside Calls Huijie, Mr Ninja-No-Warrior Ah Cool, Da No Nonsense Kavic, our very own Owen Hargreaves of the team Jassie boy as well as Mr Lincoln + Scofield lookalike Habibbibibib, the Always Shinpad-less Mimi to players such as Hafiz who has become one of our own. Oh of course, there is also our very own Daddy Dee (Hooyahhh!). Haha, lastly our grand old dad, Allan Schmeichel the nutter who will be missed for the upcoming campaign. Much love all. 

Special thanks to the young contingent of Santosh and Khairul. Our talented younglings who will be back with us sooner rather than later to much anticipation from the team. 

Finally, to the one man who decided to embark on a sabbatical but has written so much of our history with his goals, words and heart on his sleeves performances for the jokers, Juffie boy. Thank you bro.

Much to look forward to in the coming season but what does not change would be how we approach it. Let us enjoy the coming season folks. <3

EspZen Community Knockout Plate Tournament

Time: Be there at 230pm

[Kindly be on time boys]

Opponents: The Real Suspects FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?leagueNo=106&teamNo=866]

Venue: Tampines Sec (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=127]

Attire: Argentina Blue Set, White Shorts and White Socks

[If the shorts bought are too long for you, feel free to wear one of your own of a similar colour]

We are likely to take a team photo this Saturday. Be there or be square! And yeah, we will have a team dinner at.... TBC at 8pm thereafter. Late night activities will be confirmed via sms or the fb group as well. Do check back people. 

Expected Personnel:

Amin

Eric Farhan Hizam Huijie Hafiz Eugene

Mok WeiSheng Yas

Rudee Mimi Mahdi Syafiq Law

Dinie

Dancing to victory under the searing tropical sun

Tampines Sec, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 3 Naranja AFC 1

(Izwann x1, Mok x1, Yasin x1)

Momomomomomo... Moker Face.

Report of the game will be done in a fresh new way. Ronald was the keeper and he called himself the walrus, smlj?! But he failed to keep out Huijie who was hell bent on scoring against him and he did so once, only narrowly missing on 2 other occasions. Power.

Ah yes, Izwann scored again but missed a couple of sitters. Come on lah Zwann!!!

Mok scored finally from the spot and duties will be his next season, haters gonna hate but its mine. YESAH.

Yas made the move to Madrid and back so yes folks its possible, he scored too if anyone is interested, but i know we all just wana tau pok him so we'll do it after the next game, the end.

Kthxbye.

Team:

Ronald

Farhan Eric Hizam Huijie Hafiz Jason

Mok Weisheng Yas

Law Dinie Syafiq Eugene

Izwann

Hello, We Meet Again!!

Time: 230pm

[Kindly be on time boys]

Opponents: Naranja AFC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=102&teamno=659]

Venue: Tampines Sec (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=127]

Attire: Argentina Blue Set, White Shorts and White Socks

[If the shorts bought are too long for you, feel free to wear one of your own of a similar colour]

Expected Personnel:
Ronald

Eric Huijie Hizam Kavic Hafiz Farhan

Mok WeiSheng Ubai

Law Dinie Syafiq Eugene

Syaifulazim (T) Izwann

Division 1 Team Line Up for Season 10

St Andrews (Season 9 Div 1 Champions)

Team Intense (Season 9 Div 1 Runners Up)

YSOSRS FC (Season 9 Div 1 5th)

Stamford FC (Season 9 Div 1 6th)

TeamCuzz (Season 9 Div 2 Champs)

Rosso (Season 9 Div 2 Runners Up)


Rock U FC (Season 9 Div 2 4th)

Phoenix FC (Season 9 Div 3 Champs)

YSOSRS FC Player's Player of the Season

Ah yes, a tradition us jokers have had ever since the formation of this tiny but ever growing group. It is time once again for us to vote for our Joker's Player of the Season. 

We can look back at the current season with much pity as we started with plenty of promise, only to falter as we failed to paper over the cracks. 

9 points off the front runners eventually when we started out the season in blazing fashion really hasn't been good enough by our standards. But of course, we really cannot say any otherwise about the rampant Scots,the always mercurial madridistas, the deadly retador and of course the quietly efficient Intense side. They have set the bar high, something which we failed to match eventually. 

Nevertheless, there have been plenty of bright sparks in a season of much learning and growth. And I am sure that I am not the only one who has seen our core players step up to be counted in times of need and also the new boys bedding in well with the group. 

With failure comes success. Remember that boys. 

Thank you all you Jokers for contributing one way or another this season and despite suffering more defeats than we normally do, I have learnt to accept them as they come and to also enjoy those moments of sweet victory with the group. A fantastic bunch who have given me few if not hardly any problems for the duration of the 2 years in charge. 

This is to many more and of course, an enjoyable season ahead. 

So let us head over the the panel beside this post and vote for them. 2 votes per person. Kindly stick to that alright folks!! 

With Love,

Gaffer Boy

Pretty in Pink!

Peirce Secondary School, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 0  Team Intense 3

One final game to go in Season 9 of Division 1 and well, Team Intense stood in our way. A title chasing Team Intense if I may add. Having had the same game with Intense rained off due to a "faulty" lightning warning system 3 saturdays back, the weather today could not be any more different. Sunshine all around as we looked forward to Saturdays with footie again. Yesah bahbeehhhh.

And yet, the break was certainly not the most feasible of preparations for such a crucial game in terms of who the title would eventually go to, however the jokers were looking to end the season with a positive showing irregardless. Spirit was relatively high as we knew that we would be donning our new jerseys!!! Indeed it proved to be the case as we were more concerned with sorting out the jerseys pre game than concentrating on warming up. Haha. 

Decked out in our hot pink outfit (barring the disses at just how short some of the jerseys were), we were ready for the Intense onslaught to come. Fyi, Intense needed to score 1 more goal than whatever result St Andrews had for their game against SCFC. 

As expected, Intense high pressed us in the tiny ass Peirce Secondary School pitch and attempted to pressure us into making mistakes. Yet aside from the odd scare, clear cut chances were few and far. 

The jokers on the other hand were arguably matching up well to TIFC and we produced some decent moments ourselves too. The closest we came was certainly from that freekick by Mok which smashed the bar and bounced wide. Unlucky. 

Cue the moment for madness as our "REFFF OFFFFFF" centreback king decided to have a Suarez WC moment by producing an awesome save on the goal line to deny TIFC the opening goal. He was duly rewarded with a red card and a penalty against us. Instinctive reaction I would say but... It only made our job so very difficult. 50 minutes to go and we had only 10 men to do it. 

2 minutes later, a lack of communication resulted in their winger picking up the loose ball just inside our box before smashing it home. 2-0 down and we looked shell shocked with our short, tight as hell jerseys squirming up our well toned abs. Yum.

2 became 3 as we failed to read the warning signs thus allowing their throw in specialist to find an unmarked TIFC player in the box to nod home. Back into the fray was the gaffer who was able to calm the boys down in the remaining minutes of the half but the damage had undeniably been done. 

Half time and the team talk centered around pride. We had beaten TIFC 1-0 in the reverse fixture and yet here we were, doing a brilliant job of matching them only to see ourselves fall 3 behind and feeling sorry for ourselves. 

A couple of changes later and the boys took to the field. Hopefully ready for what was to come. Calls for 10 more goals rung in the manager's mind and he certainly hoped that it was not going to be the case. Truth be told, the 2nd half performance we showed left a smile on the gaffer's face. 

From the epic well timed challenges from the tenacious Eric, to the excellent reading of the game from the back by Hizam and Kavic. Hardwork through and through from the entire side which was only epitomized by the effort seen by team captain, Ronald. He covered every blade of grass and really should have been rewarded with more. 

3-0 it was as the final whistle went. A defeat nonetheless but certainly light at the end of the tunnel for the jokers as we now look forward to Season 10 in the top flight. Onwards and upwards you jokers!!! 

Y SO SRS!!

Personnel:

Amin

Farhan Eric Kavic Hizam Huijie Eugene

Mok WS Syafiq Kenneth

Rudee Amin Dinie Law

Ronald