Home Team: Lions
Date: Saturday, December 2nd, 2009
Place: ISCI
Time: 15:30
Goals Sabor Latino: Hernan 2, Juan Pablo 4, Cristian González 1, Julico 1, Eladio 2, Rodrigo 1
Goals Wanderers: Ruben, Rob
YELLOW CARDS SABOR LATINO: (0)
YELLOW CARDS WANDERERS: (2) Johnny, Paul
MOM Sabor Latino: Julico
MOM Wanderers: Justin
REFEREE: Rusdi. RATING: 4/10
It was nice and cool Saturday afternoon and Sabor Latino arrived in one caravan to the Home Pitch of the Lions, Sekolah Global Jaya. Upon entering the main gate, there is an electronic billboard that read “Welcome Latinos to the Home Ground of the Mighty Lions”. Definitely a very nice touch by which the hospitality was felt from the time we arrived.
The game started pretty much on time. Sabor Latino was barely able to complete 12 players. We actually included as an additional substitute Alejandro’s 12 year old son Diego who made his debut against the Mighty Lions. Well done Diego. The Lions started with a very strong defensive strategy that proved to be very hard to crack by Sabor Latino. The size of the pitch, as mentioned by Damian before, was a factor for Sabor Latino. Hernan had a very close miss and that showed a bit of frustration by Sabor Latino. Finally, with some patience, Sabor Latino was able to score 5 goals in the first half countered by an excellent goal by Ruben. The Lion’s Indo Goalkeeper made some terrific saves.
On the second half, it was Saka’s time to guard the goal of the Mighty Lion, which he did very well. Sabor Latino kept the attacks coming and was able to capitalize on 6 more occasions. The Mighty Lions were very incisive on the right flank with John and on the left flank by Justin (which made him the MOM) and in one swoosh counterattack, found Sabor Latino’s defense reduced to one man and Rob capitalized on that giving Lions its second goal.
The game ended and both sides shook hands and greeted each other. The game was played in very good spirit. The number of yellow cards in the game showed the nature of the match, as the cards were given for a couple of late-timing tackles. Despite the yellow cards, the game was played with a true sense of the JIFL: camaraderie and good intentions. Once again, we struggled with the referee and his decisions for both teams, hence the low rating.
Sabor Latino would like to extend its gratitude to the Mighty Lions for their hospitality and goodwill. It was a pleasure to visit their Home Ground and hope to be able to reciprocate their hospitality at our Home Ground on the Second Round of the JIFL.
PEDRO