Match Proposal

Guys, there's a match proposal on 8 November 2007, Thursday which is Deepavali and a public holiday. Kick off at 1pm at St. Wilfred.

There will still be a match on 10 November, Saturday, 3pm.

Any of you interested? Reply asap so I can at least give an answer to the organiser.

Players available:

• Zhi Fei
• Seng Yew
• Chung Wei
• Clement

Mavericks Record Overdue Away Win

27 October 2007
Venue: Woodlands Ring Secondary School
Opponents: Haja FC

Starting line-up: Alex, Jeremiah, Chuan Ji, Chao Xing, Jiun Wei, Chung Wei, Seng Yew, , Boon Kee, Wei Long, Zhi Fei
Substitutes: Amir, Randy, Clement, Faizy

FT score: 5-1 (HT score: 3-0)
Goals: Chung Wei (’15), Zhi Fei (’20,’45), Amir (’60), Jiun Wei (’70)
Assists: Wei Long, Jiun Wei, Boon Leng, Zhi Fei, Chao Xing
Man-Of-Match: Zhi Fei
Injuries: Wei Long (Dislocated ankle), Chao Xing (Sprained back)
Yellow Cards: No.3, No.1 (Haja FC)

After weeks of bad luck and curses, Mavericks FC finally recorded its long awaited away victory at Woodlands Ring Road. It was a lovely afternoon for the team as fans saw their favourite team stroll past the opponents with a 5 – 1 victory.

The match started off as an intense affair as both teams had equal chances in the first quarter of the half. In the 15th minute, a through ball saw Wei Long open deep down the left flank. He took his time to make a nice cross into the box and Chung Wei headed home beautifully to make the score line 1-0. It only took the D'Maverians another 5minutes to widen the margin when a splendid long pass from the right put Zhifei through with the keeper. Without hesitation, Zhifei took a great one-touch control and fired straight into the net. Jiun Wei, playing at his best position as a right fullback, was the architect of this brilliant setup from his own half. The half continued with a couple of great plays by Boon Kee. Yet, he could only curse his luck as he wasn’t on his lucky boots for the afternoon. Furthermore, Wei Long, who had been having a great game, was stretchered off with what looked like an ankle ligament strain sustained in a challenge. However, this did not dampen the spirits of the men in blue as they got a third goal shortly afterwards.

The crowds watched Team Mavericks securing their victory just before the half-time whistle. A nicely executed through ball from Boon Leng gave leading scorer Zhifei another one-on-one situation with the keeper again. His low shot was initially deflected away from the keeper who could only curse his bad luck when the ball went in the path back to Zhifei. The predatory striker simply tapped the ball past the stunned keeper, leaving the opponent’s defence bewildered. Stingy defence offered by Chuan Ji and Randy also prevented the opponents from having a clear chance on goal. Keeper Alex was once again in superb form, as he thwarted the Hajarian attack with save after save which included a sublime one-handed save late in the first-half.

Team Mavericks continued to push forward for a fourth goal and found their reply in winger Amir's early strike in the 2nd half. After missing in action in the last game, Amir reintroduced himself by putting his own name on the scoresheet after a great one-two with Zhifei. He got past the defence and slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 4-nil for the Mavericks. Amir then showcased a brilliant piece of skill by releasing a seemingly onside Chung Wei on the left flank with a "rabona" scissors throughball but unfortunately, the referee, who had a really eventful afternoon, misjudged him for offside. Even though the victory was secured, hardworking Chao Xing, being pushed forward to the right wing from central defence after a tactical change, never seemed to slacken. This was despite missing a clear cut chance when he hit a weak rebound from Zhi Fei's deflected shot that was cleared off the line by the retreating Hajarian defender. Or after he missed several other chances including a one-on-one with the keeper after dribbling half the field length and past 4 defenders. And after drawing a few free kicks which were unfortunately not converted into goals, Chao Xing was finally rewarded for his efforts when he was brought down in the penalty box. Veteran Jiun Wei, who often complained that he had not contributed a goal and assist for the team ever since its set up a year ago, stood up and converted the ball in great calmness, breaking his zero goal and assist curse on the very same day. Congratulations, Jiun Wei!

A consolation goal was scored by the Hajas as a poor clearance by the Mavericks allowed the Haja striker put the ball into the bottom right. The team was off their guard as they are about to celebrate their victorious outing. Finally, the referee ended the match after blowing the final whistle. The game ended 5-1. Although the game was threatened to be cancelled due to some bad blood between Haja FC and the referee, it was still a good game by the D'Maverians. The well organised defence which included the irreplaceable Chuan Ji as well as Faizy who returned to action after his time overseas as well as great teamwork in the attack gave the opponents no breathing space. The best of all was the D'Maverian spirit, where they are gracious winners and supporters of gentlemanly and fair play. Well done, players!


-Wei Long

Commitment List

Guys I want a commitment list for the month of November. Meaning you need to write down which Saturdays you want to play a match. Please reply to the team email by 31 Oct 2007 or post a comment here. I expect everyone to at least respond. If I don't get everyone's replies, group leaders please ensure the message is passed down.

An email that takes only less than 5 minutes of your time will definitely not affect your studies. And I'm slowly losing my patience with perpetual pangseh-ing. If the guys are going to show the same type of attitude in their work next time, turning up as and when they like it, how will their future bosses and colleagues feel?

Not every university student is using the same excuse to miss matches for the past 3 months. I wish everyone will put it as a commitment to come down for matches. In case everyone doesn't know, players like myself and Alex, who are Engineering students, have been coming down to play, on days of hectic schedules and even when we didn't really have the mood to play. A few other players displayed the same commitment but the absentees (you know who you are) are definitely affecting the morale of others.

I have stressed about this before and I will re-iterate my stand today. Do not take the organisers for granted. They put in the extra effort and sacrifices such as their personal time and even their own playing time so that everyone can enjoy the game without much inconvenience. Organisers are the ones who inconvenience themselves most of the times.

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I post this entry. And I hope the players in question read this entry.


~Chao Xing

Match Preview (Updated)

Date: 27 October 2007
Location: Woodlands Ring Sec (near Admiralty MRT)
Kick-off: 1500 hours
Opponents: Haja FC
Costs: $80 per team

Players available:

• Seng Yew
• Chung Wei
• Clement
• Chao Xing
• Zhi Fei
• Wei Long
• Boon Leng
• Boon Kee
• Alex
• Faizy
• Jeremiah
• Randy
• Jiun Wei
• Chuan Ji
• Amir
  
  
  Players doubtful:
  
  
  Players out:
  
  
• Kee Siang
• Adrian
• Tommy
  
  
  Guys, change of venue. It will be Woodlands Ring Sec for this saturday. Only known information about the opposition is that they are a poly team. They must be a few years younger than us then, so I'm guessing they'll be faster as well.
  
  We haven't won in quite a while so let's go all out for one.
  
  Mavericks man-to-watch: Alex
  
  Mavericks' number one shot stopper has shone in matches and we'll be relying on him to keep the opponent from scoring. Able to organise defense well and having great agility to make important and sometimes seemingly impossible saves, Alex's presence will be vital in the upcoming match.

Player profiles

Guys, this is the format for the player profiles. Those whose ones have not been done please fill in then send to the mavericks email.

Name:
Height:
Weight:
Age:
Position:
Squad Number:
Preferred foot:
Fave club(s):
Fave player(s):

The following already got theirs done: Amir, Chao Xing, Clement, Boon Leng, Boon Kee, Jiun Wei, Zhi Fei, Kee Siang, Calvin, Chung Wei, Faizy

Match Preview

Date: 20 October 2007
Location: East View Secondary (Tampines)
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Nas FC (blue jersey)
Costs: $80 per team

Players available:

• Jiun Wei
• Seng Yew
• Boon Kee
• Chung Wei
• Alex
• Wei Jie
  
  
  Players out:
• Chuan Ji
• Kee Siang
• Wei Long
• Mike
• Zhi Fei
• Amir
  
  
  Players doubtful:
• Clement (ankle injury)
• Boon Leng
• Chao Xing
  
  
  Mavericks FC goes head to head with an unknown team of Nas FC with two consecutive losses in their account. Losing narrowly 2-1 on both occasions in the same manner with two quickfire goals from the opposition points out that concentration and focus is vital if Mavericks is to avoid similar result.
  
  Mavericks man-to-watch: Chao Xing
  
  Once again playing on unfamiliar ground, Chao Xing's leadership will be vital to Mavericks FC. Able to score and create, his versatility has been an asset to the team, excelling in both attack and defense. Watch Chao Xing as he cleverly manipulates team tactics and formation to suit to the style of the opponents.

Mavericks Stunned by Two Late Strikes

13 October 2007
Venue: Former Braddell View Secondary School pitch
Opponents: The Oranges

Starting line-up: Alex, Randy, Chuan Ji, Chao Xing, Jiun Wei, Chung Wei, Seng Yew, Wei Jie, Boon Kee, Wei Long, Zhi Fei
Substitutes: Kee Siang, Chao Yang, Jeremiah

FT score: 1-2 (HT score: 0-0)
Goals: Seng Yew ('66), Unknown Orange ('85), Unknown Orange ('88)
Man-Of-Match: Seng Yew

Mavericks FC looked to have finally recorded an away victory, only to be undone by two very late, and somewhat fortuitous strikes in the final five minutes. This time around, they may point to some super sub-standard state of the field and two doses of incredible bad luck, as the main causes of defeat. However, credit must be duly given to the Oranges, for their dogged determination and never-say-die spirit to fight till the death.

There were concerns whether the match would even take place after some persistent rain had ruled out the initial venue, Yio Chu Kang Secondary field. The referee did manage to secure an alternative pitch (fortunately or unfortunately), the hugely unimpressive former Braddell View Secondary field, resembling more like some outfield exercise ground than a decent soccer pitch.

The first half was played like some important cup final by the two teams, both ultimately cancelling each other out, with minimal goal-scoring opportunities for either side. The only real chance of note was some pinball action in the Mavericks penalty box in first-half stoppage time. A series of low crosses and shots inside the danger area caused panic in the defence, with Mavericks failing to clear their lines. Much credit would have to be given to the ever-reliable goal-keeper Alex for keeping the score level at half-time, with his vital saves and blocks.

After a goal-less first half, the match came to life after Seng Yew scored his first goal of the season in spectacular fashion, beating the Orange goalie with a top-drawer finish, as good as any you would see in the English Premier League (think: Steven Gerrard). Receiving a loose ball off a corner with limited space on the left edge of the penalty box, the midfielder unleashed a thunderbolt strike that arrowed its way into the top right corner, with the Orange shot-stopper diving and despairing, both hands clawing at thin air.

Stung by conceding the opening goal, the Oranges were not giving up without a fight. Perhaps inspired by Seng Yew's contender for goal of the season, the Oranges tried to do one better. Upon receiving the ball at the center of the pitch, an Orange midfielder took the ball a step into Mavericks territory, before unleashing one hell of an outrageous attempt on goal. The ball seemed to be heading out of play, until it abruptly dipped and came off the top of the crossbar, and somehow came back into play inside the six-yard box. With the defence shell-shock, a lurking Orange striker was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Buoyed by their equaliser, the Oranges went in search of the winning goal. With Mavericks also looking to score the winner themselves, the game was suddenly as open as a recent encounter between Reading and Portsmouth. A moment of inspiration from an Orange midfielder saw his through ball, bobbled and bounced off the uneven surface, on its way through to another Orange lurker, with the Mavericks defence unable to anticipate and cope with the unpredictable bounce of the ball. The Orange lurker did the rest, with a composed finish that Alex could do nothing about.

Doubly stunned, Mavericks FC poured forward in numbers, looking for an unlikely equaliser. With time not on the Mavericks' side, yet another away defeat was registered.

~ Boon Kee

Match Preview (Updated)

Date: 13 October 2007
Location: Yio Chu Kang Secondary
Kickoff: 1500 hours
Opponents: That Team in Orange
Costs: $80 per team


Players available:

• Chao Xing
• Chuan Ji
• Seng Yew
• Kee Siang
• Wei Long
• Chung Wei
• Boon Kee
• Zhi Fei
• Alex
• Wei Jie
• Jiun Wei
• Randy
• Chao Yang (guest)
• Jeremiah (guest)

Players out:

• Amir (Hari Raya)
• Faizy (Hari Raya)
• Fuad (Hari Raya)
• Calvin (studies)
• Clement (duty)
• Boon Leng (duty)
• Adrian (Party)
• Tommy (Party)
• Mike (Party)
  

Having missed a weekend's action (pangseh by the S-Team), Mavericks FC will be eager to get back on the pitch and let their boots do the talking. This time around, the identity of the opponents is shrouded in mystery. The referee Aza has offered no information regarding our opponents, except that there are "a team in orange". Mavericks FC may also feel slightly uneasy due to the fact that the match will be played out at the "potato pitch" that is Yio Chu Kang Sec field. However, the referee has promised that the field is now in "better condition". And, hopefully so.

The above list are the players that have confirmed their attendance so far. For players who do not find their names in the list, please kindly indicate your attendance in the "comments" section.

Mavericks' Man-to-watch: Kee Siang

After what seems an eternity, our star player, playmaker, midfield general and simply Mavericious No. 7 is back in business. His return will boost our midfield options that might be a bit stretched, given the absence of wing wizard "Nani" Amir, midfield enforcer Boon Leng and creative spark Fuad.

~ Boon Kee

"Fresh orange juice anyone? Any fresher, you gotta squeeze those fruits yourselves." Let's bring the our blenders on the pitch. The bench people, make sure everyone works hard, otherwise feel free to sub them out, at any point of the game.

~Chao Xing

Match/Player statistics update

*statistics accurate as of 16 July 2007 (9 matches)

Goals: 4 - Zhi Fei
4 - Amir
3 - Wei Long
2 - Kee Siang
2 - Wei Jie
2 - Boon Kee
2 - Chao Xing
1 – Fuad

Assists: 4 - Fuad
3 - Amir
2 - Chao Xing
2 – Zhi Fei
1 - Chung Wei
1 – Boon Leng
1 - Chung Wei
1 - Seng Yew

Man of Match: 2 - Zhi Fei
1 - Kee Siang
1 - Alex
1 - Chao Xing
1 - Amir
1 - Zhi Fei
1 - Jiun Wei
1 - Chuan Ji

Clean Sheets: 2

Clean Sheet Assists: 2 - Clement
2 - Chao Xing
1 - Chuan Ji
1 - Mike
1 - Jiun Wei

Boston

Augustana

Match cancelled!

Bad news guys..

Referee was unable to find us a match too as it was too last minute.. So i guess this is like a one week break for us. Anyway there will be a match next week, will update once details are confirmed..

Since there's no match today.. street soccer anyone?

Match Preview

MATCH WITH S-TEAM CALLED OFF!

Bad news guys. S-TEAM pangseh us.
Anyways, Clement says the ref CAN ARRANGE a match for us with some other opponents...but take note... There are many other complications which could mean a change in timing but nothing is confirmed yet..
Guys, this is a problematic thing.
So, WE NEED to CONFIRM whether u can make it tmr no matter the timing and venue.
REPLY ASAP.
THanX. Sorry for Inconveniences caused.


Date: 6 October 2007
Location: Singapore Chinese Recreation Club (nearest MRT is Farrer Park)
Kick-off: 1500 hours
Opponents: S-team
Costs: $50

Players available:

• Amir
• Clement
• Zhi Fei
• Seng Yew
• Boon Kee
• Chung Wei
• Fuad
• Faizy
• Alex
• Randy
  
  
  Players: doubtful:
• Adrian (army recall)
  
• Chao Xing (army recall)
  
• Chuan Ji (studies)
  
• Boon Leng (inj)
  
• Wei Long (inj)
  
  
  Players out:
• Mike (studies)
• Jiun Wei (overseas)
  
  
  Mavericks FC goes head to head with S team again for the third time but had not won them before, with previous encounters resulting in a loss and draw.
  
  Despite Mavericks' jinxed away form, they are determined to shrug it off with a win over S-team. S-team favourite tactics are long balls, so it's best Mavericks get the ball first time and not let it bounce.
  
  

Mavericks man to watch: Amir - After breaking his goal drought last match, Amir will be searching for another. His penetrating runs and dribbling has always tormented defenders. The last time MFC played S-team a few months back, Amir scored against them. Watch out for Singapore's Nani.

*note that S-team kindly agreed to pay full amount for the field which is $100+ and we only have to pay for the referee as they understand our financial situation. Mavericks FC would like to thank them for their generosity.

Mavericks go down

Location: North View Sec
Opponents: Kamikaze FC

Starting Lineup: Alex, Clement, Chuan Ji, Amir, Boon Leng, Seng Yew, Chao Xing, Wei Long, Boon Kee, Jiun Wei, Randy

Subs: Fuad, Chung Wei, Wei Jie, Jason

HT score: 2-0 to Kamikaze
FT score: 2-1

Goals: Kamikaze FC - Unknown (1') Unknown (5')
Mavericks FC - Amir (89')

Assists: Chung Wei

Man of the match: Chuan Ji


Two quickfire goals in the first 5 minutes right after kickoff was enough to condemn Mavericks further, reminding them of their woeful away form.

The first goal came just after 44 seconds on the clock. The Kamikaze winger sneaked a goal past Alex when a low cross was sent to the far post. It was poor defending on Mavericks' part as the player was unmarked, giving him an opportunity to tap the ball in.

Worse was to come for Mavericks FC just 4 minutes after the opener when stand-in centreback Chao Xing misintercepted a long ball into the area and allowed the pacey Kamikaze forward to capitalise with a close range volley past Alex.

Mavericks' plight seemed to be irredeemable as they were outplayed by Kamikaze virtually the whole of the first half. If not for the brilliant display of defending by Chuan Ji, Mavericks would have been in deeper trouble.

Second half was kicked off in high morale as Mavericks changed tactics to find a comeback. They gradually increased the pace in an attempt to claw back into the game. Although the away team had some excellent setups, credit had to be given to the Kamikaze defenders who thwarted many of the attempts at through balls. On the other side of the field, with Chuan Ji excellent at the back, especially with his well-timed tackles and intelligent reading of the game, Kamikaze just could not penetrate the stingy second half defence.

Amir sparked hopes of a late fightback when he broke his goal drought to get a consolation. Chung Wei's characteristically high work rate paid off when his flick on with a header fell invitingly to Amir's feet as he dribbled into the box to drive past the Kamikaze keeper.

However, it was too late as the referee blew the whistle to full time shortly after Amir's goal and Mavericks' knew that it was just not their day. Even though majority of Mavericks' thought the referee was biased and made many awful decisions, he made his call and they had to accept it and get on with it.

Man of the match review: Chuan Ji is fast earning himself the nicknames of 'Chuan Terry' and 'Chuannavaro' for his outstanding performances. He has been very consistent in every match and has grown to become an integral part of Mavericks FC. Expect a reinforced defence built around the commanding Chuan Ji.


~Clement