Written by: Jefferson Lee
Edited by: Jared Rajiv
Photos by: EusoffWorks
Finally, the long-awaited floorball IHG is here. The opening game saw a 7-0 thrashing performance by TH over KR just a day before. Today, it was Eusoff’s turn to put in a shift of their own. The stakes were high, as the 8 IVP Eusoff floorballers were to be excluded from the lineups as per the IVP coach’s instructions. With that, the lineup for the floorball game between Eusoff and KE7 was as follows:
Goalkeepers: Timothy Ang, Ryan Poh
Line 1: Kevyn, Matt, Timothy Tan, Cedric, and Jierui;
Line 2: Pradeep, Jin Song, Aqil, Shane, Zi Xuan, and Marcus;
Line 3: Kai Sheng, Robbo, Zong Yao, Boon Long, Dylan, and Zaheer.
The game started with Eusoff’s first line and with Timo in goal, they retained the ball well, but the KE players were putting on constant pressure. The atmosphere was overwhelming - screams of instructions from both teams and the cheers from both hall’s supporters reverberated throughout the entire court hall.
Line swaps were happening pretty frequently but also seamlessly for Eusoff as they played to their strategy. Eusoff definitely had the upper hand most of the first period as they were attacking zealously and firing many shots at KE’s goal. A notable moment was when one of the KE players committed a foul shove on a Eusoff player and was sent to the naughty corner for 6 minutes or until a goal was conceded (by KE). Despite the pressure from KE and the shots still coming in from KE, Eusoff was in Timo’s safe hands and eventually capitalised on the 1 man advantage, breaking the deadlock with Kevyn bagging the first goal about 8 minutes in. Just a minute ago, KE came really close with a shot just grazing the outer net!
Eusoff 1 - 0 KE
It was a busy first period for the KE goalkeeper. Eusoff has several more close shots and the momentum is definitely in their favour. There was one moment where a KE spectator even flipped over a board (accidentally?) while Eusoff was attacking, but it did not stop them. However, they are unable to score again before the end of the period.
The second period was an eventful one. KE started the 2nd period off strongly, with 2 rapid and dangerous attacks that were both defended well by Eusoff’s last defender and goalkeeper (still Timo). Timo pulled off a crucial save one after another as KE was really hungry for an equaliser. The KE forwards were pushing on and forcing Timo to react. One-on-ones: saved by Timo. Long shots: saved by Timo. KE was close, as one of the saved shots rebounded to another KE player and his only shot that made it past Timo deflected off the crossbar. As the pressure was overwhelming, Eusoff soon succumbed to it and took a touch too many at the back, which resulted in a swift interception and a KE equaliser.
Eusoff 1 - 1 KE
Eusoff and KE continued to attack relentlessly, and both teams gave away free hits from slashing fouls but they were still tied as both sides put in their defensive shifts as well. Many shots continue going wide & above and being saved by the keepers. It was all down to the final minute of the 2nd period. Marcus makes a silky turn, spins the KE player, and passes it to Pradeep who finishes off the move with a successful long shot that brought Eusoff ahead right before the period ended.
Eusoff 2 - 1 KE
As the third period began, both Eusoff and KE were determined to take the lead. Ryan takes over the shot-stopper Timo and continues his good work. The back-and-forth play continues, with both teams attacking and defending. A few minutes into the game, Shane, unfortunately, picks up a knee injury (Get Well Soon, Shane!) and could not get up, but Aqil is there to pick up the pieces for his line. KE gets another shot off the crossbar and Eusoff also seemed really close to a third goal with dangerous drive-ins by Cedric and Kevyn. However, a good KE counter saw the ball dropping right in front of the KE forward, putting him 1-on-1 with Ryan, but with a swift dribble and finish, he put KE on level terms again with Eusoff.
Eusoff 2 - 2 KE
Eusoff remained eager and had the front foot right from the restart. Within 30 seconds, a successful drive in by line 2 and a superb finish by Marcus, made the court hall erupt in celebration.
Aqil blowing by his opponent leaving him in the dust
Eusoff 3 - 2 KE
Both teams were not giving up. Eusoff, hungry for more, KE, hungry for yet another equaliser. Good defensive shifts were put in by Cedric, Timothy, Jierui and Marcus as they tracked back and threw all they had in defending their goal. It was end-to-end floorball, with Eusoff’s shots going wide while also defending and blocking KE’s shots. Several timeouts later, with 3 minutes left on the clock, a KE shot from far out hits the board and the rebound was converted by their forward.
Marcus calmly looking up to find his teamate from across the court
Eusoff 3 -3 KE
It was a drama until the very end. Eusoff had several free hits and good shots but did not see any converted. However, a sketchy and rushed free-hit play by KE saw the ball go into the back of our net, and many thought they had lost it right at the end. However, luckily, it was disallowed as the referee had not blown the whistle to resume play yet. The game ends in a hard-fought 3-3 draw, with both teams giving it their all on the court up till the very last second.
The fight resumes on 19 January as Eusoff faces Raffles for the final preliminary match. All the best!
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