Written by: Sng En Teng, Christabelle
Edited by: Angelina Grace Pandiman
Photos by: Eusoff Works
After a rather underwhelming start to the season, the EHunited boys took to the field hungry for an opportunity to redeem themselves from their previous stint against Temasek two weeks ago. Tensions ran high as this game against King Edward Hall VII was the last match in the preliminary stages. The victor would proceed to the semi-finals to face off against Sheares. It was all or nothing in this for EHunited.
First up for EHunited was Amirul Hakim, Dylan, Said and Amirul Shyakir as the goalkeeper. The first set got off to a rather slow start, with a few tactical errors and misjudgements which led to KE landing an early goal. It was crunch time for the boys. A series of hard passes, and presses on KE’s defence gave us the edge. Just as the KE keeper runs out for the ball, our boys close in and Dylan locks in a goal, equalising the score. The first set concludes with a 1-1 tie. The boys ramped up their intensity in the second set, but the nerves started to set in, costing us opportunities to score. A series of penalties to KE fails to give them a leg up and the game continues. At the end of the second set, the scores are in a deadlock and the boys go into extra time. Once more, the boys were locked in a tie. A penalty shootout was instated. The intensity of the face off was off the charts — one on one with the keeper. With the goal in mind, Dylan takes the shot and scores. The opponent sends a ball into the post, once again, the scores are tied. A goal by Said and a save from Amirul Shakir gives us the lead, that is quickly equalised by Amirul Hakim’s missed shot. The only chance of this line’s victory rested on Amirul Shyakir’s shoulders — and he delivered. A straight on goal and an exceptional block secures the first set for EHunited.
That first line victory was not enough to secure the win. The boys needed a wipeout to guarantee a spot in the semi-finals. Kicking off the second line was Robbo, Shawn, Suffyan and Ethan as the goalkeeper. The burning desire to clinch the spot was evident in their eyes as the boys played with utmost passion and confidence. Our boys got off to a quick start, with no bars held and obtaining nearly 100% of ball possession. A fierce counterattack by Shawn brought the keeper to his knees which gave him the opening to secure the first goal of the second set. A firm hold of the ball opened up another opportunity for a corner goal by Shawn. The end of the first set ended with a 2 goal lead over KE. Hoping to counter that lead, KE returned with an even more fiery approach and seized every opening to take a shot at the post, which was of course masterfully saved by our goal keeper, Ethan. A special mention to Ethan for assuming the roles of both striker and goal-keeper. The hot contest for the ball continues as the KE keeper takes a rather painful shot to the face. Suffyan goes in for the header, before locking in the fourth goal of the set. Robbo goes in for the shot, which is unfortunately intercepted by the keeper. A well-timed block by Ethan gives our boys the possession of the ball. Robbo directs the ball over to Shawn who delivers the final blow, locking in the fifth goal of the set and securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Shawn walks away after scoring, leaving KE demolished
With two out of three sets in the bag, a weight seemed to be lifted off EHunited’s shoulders. The third line was tasked to increase the point differential. The third line consisted of CJ, Keefe, Joel and Timo as the goalkeeper. The third line played with a sense of overwhelming poise and composure. Seamless transitions of the ball which can be likened to a choreographed set piece was a testament to the line’s chemistry and expertise. A tussle for the ball in the scoring zone opens up an opportunity for Keefe to send a ball into the post, giving us a one point lead over KE. Both sides decided to execute a sequence of goal attempts, all of which were unsuccessful. Joel brings it in with his impeccable dribbling skills and shoots a goal from the outside, thus increasing our lead by one. A scuffle for the ball ensues at the corner of the post and Keefe tips it in, bringing our score to 3-0. Timo demonstrates his keeper prowess as he deflects a high ball from KE. With nice assistance from Joel and Keefe, CJ lands the final goal of the match, bringing the score to 4-0 against KE. The game wraps up with an all smiles end in an intense first half of the game.
with a perfect form, u12 captain CJ tries for a shot.
The game wraps up with a score of EH 10-1 KE, and an overall score at 3-0 to Eusoff. Our Eunited boys proceed onto the semi-finals where they will face off against the Sheares Hall. Tune into @eusoff_smc on instagram on Friday, 21 January at 9pm for some electrifying action that you wouldn’t want to miss.
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