Match Preview (updated 31 Aug)

1 September 2007


Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec
Kick-off: 1500
Opponents: Team Uncles


Players available:

• Alex
• Jiunwei
• Chao Xing
• Wei Long
• Chuan Ji
  
• Mike
• Zhi Fei
• Boon Kee
• Chung Wei
• Calvin
• Fuad
• Clement
• Amir
• Boon Leng
• Tommy
• Adrian
• Seng Yew

Doubtful:

• Kee Siang

Those on the doubtful list have not confirmed their attendance yet so please do so asap.

As for the opponents, I don't think I have to say much as we've played them many times. However, we still should not take them lightly. Winning Team Uncles is very possible as we've done on other occasions.

A couple of players from the opposition to take note: Attackers gotta look out for their very good centre-halves especially Joe, the tall and muscular one. Shaw is their playmaker who is very good at through balls and doesn't lose possession easily. Midfielders should look to get the ball from him & mark him out so he can't get his through balls to the strikers. As for Team Uncles' forwards, they are good at beating the offside traps so the defenders gotta hold the line properly so as to not leak any balls through.

We'll be playing at the same venue again so we should be more familiar this time round. Guys' this saturday we'll be playing for a win and also get a clean sheet, although previous records showed that they have scored in every encounter against us.

As usual, be there early guys.. and oh, a short announcement - new Mavericks recruit, Faizy, has gone on international duty on an overseas attachment in India and will be back only a month later. So guess, we'll only see him back in October.

See you on saturday.

~Clement

I Believe

Ayaka

What I've Done

Linkin Park

Brave Mavericks Finally Lose

Words from CX,

So the better side won the match after all.
I supposed the setting wasn't right for me to comment much about the performance in front of our opponents. So guys, after settling down and feeling more appeased, we shall look back at the match objectively.

Jiun Wei chided me for saying "a job well done" despite the loss. Personally I think everyone worked hard. I wish not to blame the attackers for firing blanks, the overworked midfielders, and the makeshift defence that was constantly exposed. He further added that many of the players are not used to the tactics or their positions. I can only say sorry if we are tactically at fault, but I supposed the situation called for us to adapt accordingly.

Guys please take good care of yourselves, take a good rest a day before the match and remember to drink lotsa water. I have fallen sick before the match too. The medication, though suppressed my condition, made me drowsy and weak. So once again, I apologise for any wrong decisions made earlier.

There were comments that midfielders didn't connect well with the defence as there were gaps. I say Wei Jie and Boon Leng were over-stretched as they had to cover the sides too. So I guess we should thank their efforts in helping us fight the battle in midfield. Thank you Boon Leng especially. You really are playing very well now. Thanks for coming down whenever you can. I'm sure you will progress with the team together.

Why do I say we've done a good job? Did we ever blame a particular player for anything? No. We help one another instead. In this match, we are showing a cohesiveness that sometimes even teams that played together long enough may lack at times. We either win or lose together.

The main problem perhaps is still the lack of communication. I understand some players don't like to command. What about just cheering your teammates and asking for support or for the ball?

Let's talk about the technical aspects. We are pressing hard but not winning the ball. We are passing but not passing enough. There's no need to hold the ball unless you've got no support. Short one-twos are more than enough. I've emphasized before the match to focus passing to the sides. Stick to instructions. Individually some of the players are not quite there yet, either due to lack of fitness or lack of match practice. I need you guys to come down often to play so that we can get used to playing together. I understand not everyone played school football last time so you are taking time to adjust yourselves.

We are not playing offside trap without Chuan Ji, who's still recovering from flu. I suppose the opponents took advantage of our backline's weaknesses and pumped long balls to their lone striker, no 13. We can only curse our luck as their tactics exposed our vulnerability to high balls and allowed their striker to win the headers from us. We are freaking vulnerable to high balls, so I need you guys to brush up on heading including myself. Please, future opponents don't look at this entry. haha.

Results are disappointing. But at least I'm glad that everyone showed the same disappointment on their faces. At least I know that winning matters to us all. Attitude-wise, we are winners too. We played hard and we played fair. Results wise, I am as disappointed as everyone. Where's there's a winner, there must be a loser. So I guess we have to take our turns to be on the losing side at times.

We shan't discuss how we should play next week as we haven't confirmed the lineup. But it would be great if you guys can bring one or two more new faces in next week, as next match would be the most ideal trial match for new players.

Forget the loss and look to next match. Let's be gracious losers as we did when we were match winners. We don't gloat too long over a victory, nor do we moan too hard over one loss. If you must feel aggrieved over the result, remember that frustration in your mind, and unleash it during our next match.

Defense woes for Mavericks

25 August 2007
Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec

Line-up: Alex, Adrian, Jiunwei, Clement, Calvin, Amir, Wei Jie, Boon Leng, Chao Xing, Fuad, Tommy, Boon Kee, Chung Wei

FT score: 4-0 (HT score:2-0)
Scorers: Kiu ('5, '10, '60, '80)
Mam-of-Match: Wei Jie (MFC), Kiu(Horny)

Mavericks FC slumped to a 4-0 defeat into the hands of Horny Team after losing flampoyant playmaker Kee Siang and influential centre-half Chuan Ji to injury. The loss of the duo proved too much for Mavericks as 4 sloppy goals were slotted past the net.

Horny Team took an early lead through Kiu when the offside trap was beaten and was one-on-one with Alex. The problems of the rearguard persisted as Kiu doubled the lead with another somewhat similar goal. Without Chuan Ji marshaling the defense, there was confusion and the setting up of offside traps were ineffective and Horny Team used this to their advantage as they pumped long balls cleverly to its forward, Kiu.

The return of Tommy showed some sparkle in Mavericks' attack but it was just not enough for them to hit past Horny Team's net. Amir was marked tightly and could not get past the back four of Horny Team while Boon Kee was shut out by the full backs. At this time, Horny Team was enojying the majority of possession and Mavericks' attackers had to fall back to help defend.

In the second half, morale was still high as the previous thumping of Antics was still on their minds. There was an aura surrounding Mavericks that they could turn the tables around to come from behind to beat Horny Team as they had done before on others.

Mavericks gambled on an untested formation of 3-5-2 as they switched to a more attacking style. This proved to be rather effective in the early stages as Mavericks were the one to harass Horny Team's rear guard. A goal was cleared off line by its defenders when Tommy was put through on goal and was one-on-one with the keeper as he tried a lob over him. The speedy left-back of Horny Team wasted no time in clearing the ball.

As the game wears on, the possession of the ball was thrown back to Horny Team as Kiu got his hat-trick. Clearly the third goal was a massive demoralization for Mavericks as hopes of getting back into the match with a goal were dashed. However, Mavericks showed their fighting spirit by not giving up and giving their all till the whistle.

There was still 10 minutes left to full time and still no goal for Mavericks as it started to rain cats and dogs. On the other hand, it was Kiu who got his fourth when he took advantage of the wet weather to drive the slippery ball past Alex.

After the full-time whistle, contentions for the man-of-match award was disputed as everyone's performance in Mavericks was quite similar. However, it was Wei Jie who stands out as he won many balls in midfield and showed sublime passing of the ball. As such, the man-of-match award was given to him for his fine performance.

This loss will not hamper Mavericks in their confidence for the next match as they seek to avenge it by beating Team Uncles next week. In fact, everyone will be relishing the chance to shine next weekend as they seek another clean sheet and inspiring performance.


~Clement

Match Preview (Updated)

25 August 2007


Venue: Yio Chu Kang Secondary School
kick-off: 1500
Opponents: Horny Team


Players available:

• Alex
• Jiunwei
• Adrian
• Wei Jie
• Boon Kee
• Chung Wei
• Calvin
• Clement
• Boon Leng
• Amir
• Chuan Ji
• Chao Xing
• Kee Siang
• Zhi Fei
• Fuad (1st half only)
  

As you can see, we have almost our full squad for this Saturday! Team Mavericks will have an abundance of choices in defense, midfield and attack as well. Guys, this sat we shall play a high tempo game, double our work rate as there are many players & we can rotate players whenever you get tired.

This sat will be Mavericks' first encounter with Horny Team on away ground. Whatever it is, let's give our best on the pitch. And since YCK sec field is bigger than Sembawang sec, be prepared to be more shag. Hopefully the one week layoff of match does not affect our match fitness much.

I shall end it here, action speaks louder than words. Let's go out there and have another good performance. As usual, be there early. It better not rain this Saturday again...

~Clement

Guys I want a repeat of the spirited performance we had against the Antics. Also, I wish to commend Wei Jie, Boon Leng and Amir for their performances in recent matches. Wei Jie is a consistent performer and never a cause for worry. Boon Leng and Amir's form of recent days has been outstanding too. But I guess Boon Leng is the most improved player so far. But of course, due credit must also be given to Amir, the current top-scorer. Now I want everyone to challenge him for that top spot! Cheers.

*Bad news for us, good news for the opponents. Kee Siang is out with a knee injury while Zhi Fei has church commitments.

~Chao Xing

Tommy, Mr NTU?

Guys, if you are free to surf the net, our player who wears the no. 9 jersey, is now all dressed up as a finalist in NTU Pageant 2007 - Bedazzled. Introducing Tommy Leow, future Mr. NTU! He's one secretive person lah.. I only found out by chance too. Let's show our support by voting for him. I've already cast mine for him. What's more, there's a lucky draw chance for voters to win attractive prizes. Anyways it's bad to say this but just keep your focus on Tommy k? Not worth the trouble for your eyes drift downwards to look at the.... haha if you get what I mean.. the warning's been given...


http://www.gcf.com.sg/choices/contact/contact.php

Honours List

Hey guys just to update you all regarding the performance chart so far. From 14 July till today, we had played only a pathetic 3 matches?! Anyway here's the honour's list complied by Clement so far..


For the first time, we have also included a clean sheet assist in our performance charts to determine the best defenders in the squad. The idea of having a clean sheet assist list is to give due credit to our defenders who, in their selfless and often daring exploits, guard the backline dutifully for the team. To provide a clearer picture, here's the criteria for earning that prestigious tally:

1. We have to finish the game without conceding a goal. (Of course!)
   
2. Defenders involved should play at least 75% of the match.
   

*data compiled for 3 matches so far, starting from 14th July..

Goals:

3 - Amir
2 - Kee Siang
1 - Wei Jie
1 - Boon Kee
1 - Chao Xing



Assists:

2 - Chao Xing
1 - Fuad
1 - Chung Wei



Clean Sheets:

Alex - 1



Clean Sheet Assists:

1- Chuan Ji
1- Chao Xing
1- Clement



Man of Match:

1 - Kee Siang
1 - Chao Xing
1 - Amir




Congrats to those topping the list so far. I will want to see more names gunning for a place in the top honours as well. Next up, we will also monitor the attendance rate as some of the guys are abandoning matches at an alarming rate. I would hope these players will take note cause they are missing out on alot of excitement especially during our last match.

On a lighter note, A "dishonour's list" may come up with awards for the Pangseh King, Own goal Specialist, Fluke of the month, etc etc.. I welcome more ideas to flood in and please volunteer to contribute a simple match report or preview. I do not discourage you guys from writing explicit and comprehensive reports but short and sweet ones will do just fine. I really hope to involve more of you guys in expressing your thoughts and opinions.


~Chao Xing

Match cancelled, again!

The weather has not been kind to us.. Last week's victory at Sembawang Sec was under very hot sun and yesterday it rained! Another week of no football.. Tonight gotta indulge in EPL instead.

There will be a match next week. Most probably at Tanglin Field against unknown opponents. Will update you guys again. Ciao.

Match Preview

18 August 2007

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Secondary School
Kick-off: 1500
Opponents: Team Uncles

Available Players:

• Alex
• Jiunwei
• Wei Jie
• Adrian
• Boon Kee
• Chung Wei
• Fuad
• Hisham
• Faizy
• Seng Yew
• Zhi Fei
  

Doubtful:

• Chuan Ji
• Calvin
• Chao Xing
• Wei Long

Team Uncles, the opponents whom Mavericks FC has had the most head-to-head encounters with, seeks revenge for the an earlier defeat this Saturday at Yio Chu Kang. Mavericks' most familiar opponents should have the home advantage in this match.

Meanwhile, Mavericks' influential centre-back, Chuan Ji's fitness has been cast into doubt after falling prey to a virus a few days ago. Players like Faizy or Hisham is set to take over his role should he not recover in time for the match. Team Mavericks' 4-3-3 formation may yet be employed again as attacking midfielder Kee Siang's services will be unavailable yet again in this match. Players who shone in previous 2 matches like Amir and Boon Leng will be also out due to international duty and hence it's time for other players to step into their positions and shine. On top of that, captain Chao Xing will most likely miss the upcoming clash. His recent performances on the field has been nothing short of magical as he conjures up 2 assists and a goal which he cheekily scored lobbing over the keeper outside the penalty area, while bagging a man-of-the-match award in the previous 2 games. Chao Xing's motivation and commanding presence, which is a constant driving force for his players on the pitch, will definitely be missed should he not be able to make it for the match.

Previous clashes found 2 sides almost evenly matched on most occasions with either teams winning on narrow margins or playing to a closely contended draw. However, despite the absence of a good number of first team regulars, Team Mavericks' latest string of good results as well as their triumph in the last encounter, should prove to be a psychological barrier for the Uncles to overcome.

Boon Kee is expected to lead the attack up front, having broken his goalless curse during the previous match with an outstanding run-in and individual goal. Can Boon Kee continue his goal scoring streak? Will the back four concede a goal without Chuan Ji? Is Mavericks FC gonna lack the fighting spirit and drive without skipper Chao Xing? Will the the absence of playmaker Kee Siang and top scorer Amir hurt Mavericks' chances of hitting the back of the opponent's net? These are the questions that will be answered tomorrow at Yio Chu Kang sec.

"As usual, be there early guys so we can prepare ourselves physically for the match. Be sure that Team Uncles will not hold back in giving their all and we'll have to up them one level. Let's continue our fine form and take another win. Of course, we'll also be trying to keep another clean sheet. See you guys there at 1430."

- Clement

Exclusive Interview With Chao Xing

It's been slightly more than a month since the team blog was made known to players and the public. To mark its launch, Chao Xing whose tenacity is very evident on the field, took time off his busy schedule to speak to Mavericks FC in an exclusive online interview.

Q: As one of the pioneers of Team Mavericks, what do you think have changed from the time this team was newly formed to the dynamic team that it is today?

A: The players, of course. Since its first formation till today, only 4 of us from the very first days still play for the team. We used to lack cohesiveness in the team as we had different players every now and then. Alas! How things have changed since. The current first team has played together for months and we have turned from complete strangers to fellow teammates, friends and for some of us, schoolmates too.

We have evolved into a disciplined team, a far cry from the bunch of ball-kicking punks we used to be. We now have a new team identity; team jersey, logo, our own blog and most importantly a centralized and organized team management system.

We are playing regular soccer, almost every week without fail for the past few months, thanks to players’ commitments to the team and the organizing committee who have gone the extra mile to achieve our initial objective for setting up this team.

I would like to also celebrate the fact that for the first time, we are having non-Chinese players with us on weekend matches like Amir, Fuad, Hisham and Faizy. Their presence further promotes our rich and diversified culture, which is what makes us unique in the first place. I would also hope to make use of this chance to extend our reach to the local talent pools which should also include the non-Chinese communities so as to bolster the current squad strength.

Q: How much do you enjoy playing with Mavericks FC?

A: Haha. It’s rather cheesy to say it too directly. But I would make it a point not to miss any of the matches to maintain my 100% attendance record.

Q: How does this Mavericks side compare to others you have played in?

A: I first started as a guest player together with my 2 older brothers for a team at age 12 where every other player was about 5 years older. I continued team-hopping as a guest player in the ensuing years but didn’t commit myself to any of them. Part of the reason was due to the age-gap I had with most of them. I always felt awkward as I seemed to be the youngest player around then.

After secondary 3, I was engaged in X-country competitions and later on performing arts in JC. So there was not much for me to compare during this period of my playing history, until I involved myself in the formation of a new team in 2006 which eventually became our present Team Mavericks. So far, we’ve had a stronger side ever since the first formation of the team last year, boasting several school talents as well as a few ‘homegrown’ players who have been worked themselves up from the ‘academy’ in GSMB to the first team like Clement and Boon Kee.

The current standard, in my view, is comparable to most of the teams I’ve played for and I am also more comfortable with average squad age too. Yet I have to admit that the best side I’ve played for by far is Jurong FC’s youth team which I had a short trial with when I was in secondary school.


Q: You have played in almost every or rather every position from goalkeeper to striker. What is your favoured position(s) and which do you think you excel in?

A: I suppose I made no secret my preference to play as an anchorman in midfield, but I do not think it is necessarily my best position. Previous teams deployed me in central defence, as a fullback and defensive midfielder due to my aggressive nature.

I had also played as goalkeeper when I was still a skinny and lanky 13-year old. In the first few matches with the team, I was first deployed on the left flanks by Jiun Wei, primarily as an out-and-out winger. Eventually, I started volunteering for any open positions that the team was lacking in.

I supposed my favourite moves include hard tackling, taking long shots, running with ball and crossing early. Others say I’m more of a winger; there were also some comments that I can be a tenacious ball-winner in midfield or defence. But I’m glad that I had given my best at every possible position and found myself still adequately comfortable playing in them, except as a striker at the present moment.


Q: What do you think is the greatest problem at Mavericks FC and how do you think we can improve on it?

A: Players are very passive when it comes to communication on the pitch or volunteering for leadership tasks.

On the pitch, lack of communication often saw some of the players seemingly playing by themselves and not passing around enough. No one is asking for the ball, asking for support, etc. There was a lack of organization at times. I would encourage more to try to speak up and volunteer to organize team play for that match especially those playing in central positions.

I had been introverted in nature myself too. It was through continual practice and the initial courage to speak up and make mistakes in the process that I’ve managed to subdue the fear of public speaking at times. I wanted to say no one is a born speaker.

Q: What's missing in a team like Mavericks FC at the moment?

A: First thing came to my mind is that the first team lacks depth. Although we had 17 current first team players, we need more for squad rotation; as it’s not possible for each player to come for every match since we are not full-time players and everyone else has their own commitments. A healthy strength, if we were aiming to enter an amateur league, should consist of at least 24 first team regulars.

On 2nd thoughts, a team like Mavericks needs a sponsor; we should have our own team gear, like boots and away jersey. Haha.

On a serious note, I believe we still need another proactive voice in this team. In the event that my commitments limit my involvement in team affairs, someone else should lead in my absence.

I would like to take this chance to also say that there is a lack of interaction outside match days among the guys, except for some small group fico/cage, street soccer outings.

I had set up the team blog for several purposes other than advertising us to the public and helping attract opponents and new players alike. It is also a channel for us to interact outside match days and to serve as another medium for players to showcase another side of their characters. Ultimately our efforts were all in hope of giving each player a sense of belonging in the team and to know one another even better.

As the idea of having a team blog is relatively new, it would be understandable that not many are actively involved in blog activities yet. I would expect an eventual increase in the blog traffic.

Q: Lastly, what are your personal aims for yourself in terms of football and Mavericks FC?

A: Personally, I would hope to contribute more in terms of match performances by regaining my match fitness. If I had to choose, I'd rather people acknowledge my contributions on the pitch as a player than as a clerk doing admin duties for the team.

Our initial objectives are already met as we are an established squad playing football at least once a week without fail. A new short-term target for this team is to have 25 first team members by end of this year. In the near future, perhaps we would enter an amateur league to play competitive football. But of course, it could only be realized if the entire team shares the same passion and shows full support behind the move from weekend soccer to competitive football. In the long term, I envision a Mavericks team to continue playing together 10 years later and even after we’ve settled down and become uncles ourselves. Haha..

Interview prepared by: Clement

Comic Relief: The Search For The Missing Star Player

Click on the pics to enlarge.

Disclaimer's note: Storyline is purely fictional.


Photographer: Chao Xing

Sir Kieran of Richardson once of London now of Northern east-side masses' Sunderland tops the table , and on less important news ...

11 August 2007
Venue: Stade de Sembawang
Kick-off: 1515

Mavericks vs Antics

Lineup:
Alex, Chuan Ji, Faizy, Jiun Wei, Clement, Chao Xing, Seng Yew, Boon Leng, Wei Jie, Chung Wei, Calvin, Boon Kee, Amir, Wei Long (debut), Fuad


Final Score: 4-0 (HF Score: 0-0)
Scorers:
Mavericks - Amir (50.47 , 52.13 ) , Boon Kee ( 66.45 ) , Chao Xing (80.37 )
Man-of-Match: Amir

This afternoon in the Stade de Sembawang, we witnessed the resuscitation of a great footballing tradition , when Mavericks FC came of age, in a post European enlightenment sense, with an almost Proustian display of modern existentialist football.

Virtually annihilating by midfield moral argument , the now surely obsolescent catennachio defensive philosophy of Monsieur "The Sunshine boy" SUNNY. FC Antics were very much intellectually and morally out argued by a Maverick side thrusting and bursting with aggressive Wittgensteinian positivism led by the arch-thinking , free scheming , scarcely ever to be curbed midfield cognoscente , Amir Fernandez di Santos .

The winger , sporting an almost Narrrrniiiesque look , proceeded to uncover a Socratic mode of the classical intellectual direct application to dissect the concrete walled tentacles , one of SUNNYesque proportions , of the tightly packed Antician catennacio defence. Boon Kee who downloaded the FM 2007 saved game editor in time to change his finishing stats from 10 to 20, went on to punish the ball into a goal more open and inviting than a Geylang socialite. Signor SUNNY di Salvador , now of Schopenhaueresque nihlistic tendencies , seeing his boys concede midfield dominance as the game progressed has understandably lost much of his grandeur de soleil .

Il Capitano di Mavericko Chao Xing prompted by a tactically issued cramp arrived to chip the ball over a goalkeeping sort of person who was keeping itself busy questioning the consciousness of his defenders via a solipsistic ideology . Homage was duly paid to Chip chip chip chip & Dale, Rescue rangers. Sir SUNNY of Sunderland with all his Pagan divinity n glory was last heard meeting up with weekly child orphanage volunteer Michael Jackson recording a 2007 version of "Ain't no Sunshine".


Match report: Seng Yew

Match Preview

11 August 2007


Venue: Sembawang Secondary
Kick-off: 1500
Opponents: Team Antics

Available players:

• Alex
• Chao Xing
• Chuan Ji
• Clement
• Seng Yew
• Faizy
• Jiun Wei
• Wei Jie
• Boon Leng
• Amir
• Calvin
• Boon Kee
• Kee Siang (second half)

Doubtful:

• Chung Wei
• Fuad
• Hisham

Team Mavericks will return to the comfort of home ground at Sembawang Secondary for the clash against Antics, a team recommended by Chee Ming, who was a guest player during our recent 2-2 draw with the S-team.


After the hard-fought encounter ended, Chee Ming revealed that he was "highly confident" we will emerge victors against the Antics. However, the strength of our opponents remains a mystery. We should be warned against complacency, even though we are going into the game on the back of a string of positive results.


Mavericks will be hugely boosted by the return of first-choice goalie Alex, along with deadball specialist Seng Yew and right winger Calvin. Thus, a strong first team should feature tomorrow, with Amir and Wei Jie, goal-scorers in the previous match, looking to continue their rich vein of form.


A short text exchange with Chee Ming was made, to "dig out" some information on our opponents, two days before the highly anticipated encounter.Team Antics is captained by Gary, who plays in midfield, and is rated as highly skillful, combative, with pace to burn. Despite being a newly formed team, we need to watch out for their teamwork and off-the-ball running, as most of their players are used to playing with each other from their weekly street soccer sessions.


On the other hand, it seems that the Antics do not have an experienced goalkeeper, so we can expect to see some of their players take turn to put on the gloves. Therefore, it may well pay to take a few pot shots on goal.


As usual, the match will kick-off at 1500, and players should reach the venue 30 minutes before kick-off. Remember the usual late-coming rule, and do enjoy the game!

~ Boon Kee

I applaud everyone's efforts from last match which made our play so exciting and enjoyable. Results' important but what's most important is being able to enjoy the process of getting them. I hope we can bring our outstanding display from last week back to our homeground as well. Let's continue to promote the spirit of joga bonito.

~Chao Xing

Mavericks FC Draw in Exhilirating Clash

4 August 2007
Venue: Singapore Chinese Recreation Club
Kick-off: 1515

S-Team vs Mavericks FC

Line-up: Chao Xing, Clement, Chuan Ji, Faizy, Chek Yong, Amir, Boon Leng, Wei Jie, Chee Ming, Jun Wei, Boon Kee, Kee Siang.

Final Score: 2-2 (HF Score: 0-1)
Scorers:
MFC - Amir ('65), Wei Jie ('75)
S-Team - No.10 ('13), No.7 (80)
Man-of-Match: Chao Xing

Mavericks FC spurned a 2-1 lead and drew with S-Team on Saturday, despite an energetic display in the second half, whereby a ten minute 2-goal melee could have won the match, if not for slack marking which led to S-Team's equalizer.

The Mavericks welcomed back classy midfielder Boon Leng and flamboyant winger Amir into the team after the duo missed the previous matches due to international duty. Despite missing world-class midfielder Kee Siang in the first half, it wasn't a drab affair as one would have expected. The midfield pairing of Boon Leng and Wei Jie was more than a match to the rumble-n-tussle hard-tackling midfield of S-Team. The Mavericks also welcomed newcomers Faizy and Chek Yong who made sensational debuts. Also, veteran shot-stopper Alex was unavailable, due to commitments.

The White-Blues did have supreme possession of the ball in the opening minutes, but against the run of play, S-Team took a surprise lead, as No.10 took advantage of the makeshift right flank of the Mavericks, beating past two players before slotting the ball into the net. This did not dampen spirits, as within seconds of the restart, a clever one-two between Boon Leng and Wei Jie, released Amir down the left flank, as he finds Boon Kee whose shot was saved by the keeper. The Mavericks further stated their claim to get that elusive equalizer, as they released a barrage of shots on goal, with particularly Amir, who, on several occasions had a lot of shots on goal, only to no avail, as most of his shots did not trouble the keeper. Seemed that his shooting boots were a tad rusty that day.

A through pass down the flank from Chee Ming, caught the S-Team rearguard unaware, as Boon Kee was released down the flank, and with his blistering pace, he managed to turn past the left-back, only to see his shot, once again, saved by the on-form keeper. By now, the first-half was all the Mavericks' as the midfield got the better of the S-Team on several occasions, only that lady luck was on the S-Team's side as they maintained their one-goal advantage. By now Boon Leng and Wei Jie looked really outstanding in midfield, despite playing along side each other for only a couple of times.

The second-half showcased a vibrant display of "total football" by the men in white and blue as several tactical changes seem to pave the way in favour of the Mavericks. Boosted by the arrival of technical masterclass attacking midfielder Kee Siang, the Mavericks now have the stranglehold of the match as the team sorely missed his footwork in the first-half. The S-Team were in sixes and sevens as they could not contain his touches. This created more space in midfield, and soon enough, The Mavericks got the equalizer they deserved.

Several tactical changes were made, as the standard 4-4-2 formation was ditched for a more stylish 4-3-3, and it was used to great effect almost instantaneously. Chao Xing, playing as a winger in the 2nd half, stunned the opposing goalkeeper with a one-touch left footed curler from the edge of the box that whistled just over the bar. He then began a series of lung-bursting runs down the right flank, leaving the S-Team left-back eating dust.

In the 65th min, Chao Xing pitched in a Beckham-esque inch-perfect cross into the box, as the ball reached the right foot of Amir who slotted home past the keeper after a late run into the six-yard box. 70th minute, Boon Leng tried his luck from distance but the swerving shot, powerful as may be, missed its desired target at the back of the net by only inches. S-team heaved a sigh of relief, yet they would not expect that this warning shot would turn out to be an early preview of what would be one of the best goals of the match. 10 minutes after the equaliser, the Mavericks got their deserved lead.

The ball was at Boon Leng's feet again, but this time round, he decided to execute a sublime through-pass to Kee Siang. The pitch had a bouncy effect on the ball, and it was no surprise as eventually, it bobbed up into the air amidst a challenge of headers in the heart of the pitch. The hard-running Chao Xing got a touch to it with a header, as it fell nicely at the feet of the unmarked Wei Jie, whom having spurned a few long shots wide earlier on, made sure his 25-yard screamer evaded everyone but the net this time round. A brilliant goal indeed, after great build-up play from the Mavericks.

By now, confidence was soaring in the Mavericks camp, and several nifty touches and one-twos between the midfielders left the S-Team players chasing shadows. Buoyed by the second goal, the Mavericks became suspect in certain areas, especially when the S-Team launched rare counter-attacks into the Mavericks penalty box. In the 80th minute, S-Team got their equaliser, and once again, against the run of play. With players pushing up to aid in the attack, the Mavericks defense were beriddled when a squared ball into the area wasn't cleanly dealt with, and their No.7 manages to slot it in for the final goal of the match. Though the Mavericks continued to push forward for a third goal, it never came and the team had to settle for a draw.

It was clearly disappointing to concede that equalizer, but nevertheless, it was a great display of attacking football from the Mavericks, who are more than satisfied with their performance, despite the obvious result. Nevertheless, the team could take some consolation from the fact that it was a sensational back-four performance, especially with the new look centre-back pairing of the classy Chuan Ji and debutant Faizy. Clement was brilliant in shutting out almost any form of threat from the right wings of the S-Team. Oh, and Amir needs to practice his shooting. The new tactical look of the team, as seen in the second half, can be seen as a stepping stone for success for the Mavericks in future matches. ^.^


Match Report by : AmiR

Match Preview

4 August 2007

Venue: Singapore Chinese Recreation Club
Kick-off: 1500
Opponents: S-team

Players who have confirmed their availability:

• Chuan Ji
• Jiunwei
• Chao Xing
• Boon Leng
• Wei Jie
• Amir
• Kee Siang
• Steven
  
• Faizy
  

Probable Players:

• Clement
• Boon Kee
• Fuad
• Hisham
• Calvin
• Chung Wei
• Zhi Fei (inj)
  

We've faced S-team before at the exact same venue. The thing is that they are very familiar with the field because they play there like almost every week without changing venue. However, their weakest link is their defense. The previous time we faced them, we managed lots of through balls and scored despite having less than 11 men on the field at certain periods. Having said that, their defense may have improved. And we must never underestimate our opponents. Still, they won us the other time as many of our first team players were absent leading to miscommunication on the pitch.

On this saturday's squad, we have Amir and Boon Leng back to bolster our midfield. However, our star shot stopper, Alex is gonna be absent and our 2nd keeper, Adrian, will be too. After discussion with Chao Xing, if we still can't get a proper keeper by this saturday, we're gonna ask the substitutes to take turns to be keeper and then switch to play outfield. Bo bian haha. I have confidence that this time if we play to our best, we'll be able to beat S-team.

The important thing is please don't rain again this sat! Two consecutive weeks of rain has cancelled out our matches. Hope we still have some match fitness left. Anyway most prob you guys will be meeting at Farrer Park MRT and then take a 5 minute walk to the field. Remember the latecoming rule still applies. So see you guys on SAT!

~Clement

We have a few guest players for the upcoming match. Haha.. Anyway guys please make them feel welcome, okay? Bad news is that Zhi Fei has dislocated his shoulder during the Wake N Bake event; while Seng Yew is recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. Nonetheless, we should all gear up to reclaim the victory we deserve. I'm also sure after a 2 week break due to unfortunate rainy days, most of you are already eager to kick some dirt. Let's play tough yet gentlemanly. in varietate concordia!

~Chao Xing

Team Logo

Classic Outlook




Dark Cronus Edition

Yo guys, thanks to some feedback, I managed to fine-tune our logo, like changing the word fonts and stuff. In fact, I thought our logo looks cool on a dark background.. haha.. Here's for u guys' perusal.


~Chao Xing

Rolling Star

by Yui =)

Life

by Yui