Mavericks Continues Fine Form in Hard-Fought Victory

Final Score: FC Centaurz 1 Mavericks FC 2

Goals: Amir, Jun Wen

Assists: Mark, Victor

MOM: Syafiq

Bedok View Stadium. Mavericks FC continued their fine form and came out victorious in a tumultuous affair on a rain-kissed afternoon. The return match against their vociferous opponents in Centaurz FC, ended in similar fashion to their previous clash in September. The Outsiders weathered the storm and held on for a hard-fought 3 points.

Mavericks legend Kee Kee Siang conceded an early penalty after he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. The resultant penalty was dispatched into the roof of the net past youth team keeper Dylan. Centaurz captain Ahmad wheeled away in jubilation much to the chagrin of the home crowd as they waved their nasi lemak packets in the air. Oh the joy!

Mavericks FC were not to be undone as they upped the ante and initiated a barrage of counter-attacks. After a quick exchange in the middle of the park, Mark split the defence when he released a brilliant slide rule pass to Amir who sprung the offside trap and slotted home for the equalizer.

There was more to come from the Outsiders with tireless defensive lynchpin Syafiq running the midfield supported by Mike and Melvin. Soon enough, Victor put in an exquisite through-ball for Jun Wen who blasted it into the net with aplomb. A beautiful team goal that will surely be a contender for the FIFA Puskas Goal of the Year award!

Late in the second half, Jun Wen had a brilliantly-crafted individual goal chalked off by Mr. Ali, the referee, after he was ruled offside. Nevertheless, the Mavericks defence held firm with Chris and Eric having solid games down the flanks. Soon enough, Mr. Ali blew for the final whistle, sending off the Mavericks fans in the away section home happy.

A hard-fought victory which will do wonders in the Outsiders' quest for a second championship title as they end the weekend as the league leaders.

Mavericks FC: Return to the Championship Fold

Final Score: FC Centaurz 1 Mavericks FC 2

Goals: Mike, Jun Wen

Assists: Jun Wen, Foxy

MOM: Jun Wen


Es Stadio Pasir Ris - Mavericks FC braved an early onslaught, battled hard and deservedly grabbed all the 3 points on a hot and less hazy-than-usual Saturday afternoon against their industrious Mexican opponents. Jun Wen's late first-half effort from outside the box trickled past the keeper's hands like a knife through expired polyunsaturated margarine, sealing the victory for the Outsiders.

All was not sunshine and roses in the early exchanges of the match, as majestically diving winger Darran sacrificed and took one for the team by standing in as keeper in place of legendary Mavericks custodian, Alex De Gea. It did not seem a good time to be playing after Alex's proposed move to Real Madrid broke down in the wee hours of the morning, and the board decided to hand Darran the gloves and he did not disappoint one bit throughout the match.

A cracking shot from outside the box from FC Centaurz striker Ahmad broke the deadlock halfway through the first half. An exquisite through-ball from Foxy down to Jun Wen on the right hand side, who then set it up for Mike to tap-in home equalised things for the men in blue. The goal sent the away fans in the rafters into ecstasy, while the home crowd was silenced and started eating currypuffs to cheer themselves up.

Jun Wen's goal settled the match afterwards, with Mavericks holding solid at the back thanks to the efforts of Hall of Famer KeeKee Siang and Leonard. Post-match Opta stats showed that the duo won every aerial duel in the game and together had a pass completion rate of 97%, more than anyone had in a match in the history of ESPZEN.

Things are starting to look bright again for Mavericks FC, as they currently lie second in the table. It looks like the Outsiders are back in contention, back in the Championship fold. Will it be their year this year? Only Mewtwo will know.

In other news, after a 2-year hiatus, the Mavericks FC blog is up and running again! Happy or not?

THE LEGENDARY DRAW!

Final Score: Mavericks FC 0 Purple Monkeys FC 0

 
The Mavericks Arena, Sembawang - Mavericks FC battled right to the death to achieve a historic result against 5 time ESPZEN champions Purple Monkeys FC on a blistering Saturday afternoon in a brutal, gritty affair.

Many pundits had written the Outsiders off especially with the fact that they were missing their first-choice centre-backs, and a depleted substitutes bench (in fact, there was no bench at all!). A truly magnificent defensive performance that would forever be etched in the history of this great club.

With a makeshift defensive line of Jake Chia and Christiano at centre-back and Matthew at right-back, Clement was the only player in his natural position at left-back. Another simply sublime vintage performance from midfield maestro Kee Siang with Wei Jie covering in the centre of the park, the Outsiders parked the bus in front of goal like there was no tomorrow.

The Purple Monkeys were relentless in attack, with onslaughts after onslaughts on the Mavericks goal a constant occurrence throughout the match. But the Outsiders kept their illustrious opponents in check, with their barrage of attacks yielding no end product.

Purple Monkeys FC were a truly formidable opposition, carving countless of chances forcing the Outsiders to keep their ultra-defensive shape throughout the match, with the occasional breakaway counter-attacks from Jun Wen the main threat the Outsiders had to offer.

Despite a dominant display from the men in purple, Mavericks FC held strong and resolute right to the final whistle with outstanding performances from Kee Siang, Matthew, Jake, Wei Jie and Christiano, and coupled by a superb work ethic from the team as a whole. Keeper Alex was once again a safe pair of hands with the likes of Varian and Captain Chao Xing chasing down the flanks.

A half-time tactical switch with Jake moving into midfield and Wei Jie to centre-back proved a crucial intervention into achieving this momentous result. With several players playing out of position, this was an inspiring performance from Mavericks FC, one that will never be forgotten.

On a side note, Purple Monkeys are a team predominantly made up of European players with a couple of Japanese imports, and they have a trophy-laden cabinet after winning several titles such as the ESPZEN Div 3, 5, 6, 9, and 12 during 2010-2013 and they were also the Goal Arena Champions in 2011 and 2012. Therefore, this draw against these guys was a totally awesome result lor!

Mavericks captain Chao Xing in a post-match interview -

"The sweetness of victory comes sometimes in the form of a clean sheet. Despite playing out of position under the scorching hot sun, no one complained and did their job well. Up against a 5 times champions, a draw with a depleted squad with no subs will be a victory. A clean sheet will be a sweeter one. We dug in and pounced on the counter with Kee Siang and Matthew running relentlessly. Overall everyone did their best and I'm proud to be part of it. Let's continue to work hard for a brand new season ahead."

Well done, team. Let's continue this streak =)

Mavericks wins again!

Final Score:  Pegasus FC 0 Mavericks FC 1

Goals: Varian

Assists: Vic

MOM: =)


The Mavericks Arena, Sembawang Sec - Vic squares in the ball into the box from the left after a great through-ball from Kee Siang. Varian gets on the end of it, then GOOOAAAALLLLL with a tap-in from his left-foot. Mavericks wins again and continues their winning streak! Total Yayness!

Mavericks' Matthew Marsiling Masterclass

Final Score: Kannan FC 1 Mavericks FC 4

Goals: Vic, Amir, Jun Wen, Matthew

Assists: Matthew (2), Barry

MOM: =)


Stadio delle Marsiling  - A masterclass performance from energetic winger Matthew for the Outsiders on a blistering July afternoon today ensured the away fans in the rafters went home happy in a victory many pundits considered one of the greatest in the club's checkered history.

Kannan FC were by no means a pushover as the scoreline would suggest, as the men in blue amassed a total of 14 shots on goal, but the Mavericks defence held firm, with custodian Alex yet again displaying his world-class agility and prowess in goal, thwarting chances after chances which came his way.

Vic broke the deadlock with a brilliant one-two with Matthew on the right flank, after he was put through on goal before dispatching a deadly low-drive past the keeper Varian, who was on loan to Kannan FC as they had left their first-choice keeper Balu Rajagopal at the nearby wet market.

Rumours has it that there was a rift between him and the team captain after they could not agree on the choice of meat of the Ramly Burger they were going to eat after the match at the Hari Raya pasar malam at Causeway Point. A recommendation though, should you hungry food-goers decide to stop by the shopping mall, you may want to try the Ban Mian noodles stall at level 7 (outside of the cinema). The succulent taste and tingling aroma of the freshly-made Ban Mian dish would whet the appetite of even the most ardent of food critics! 

Without digressing much further, Mavericks FC increased their lead, after a slick through-ball down the middle from Barry split the Kannan FC backline, as Amir latched on to it before slotting it past the keeper. 

Kannan FC pulled one back moments later, but to no avail, as right before half-time, Jun Wen played another brilliant one-two with Matthew, before taking a deft touch and blasting it into the roof of the net with aplomb.
No keeper would have saved that!

The home side took a hold of the majority of the possession in the 2nd half, as they pulled themselves back into the game. But Mavericks keeper Alex was simply sensational, pulling magical saves after saves; one of which was a point-blank double save late in the game. 

An amazing feat, from one of the greatest goalkeepers in world football today.  Alex is like so awesome lor! 

Alex > Buffon + Casillas + Cech + Neuer

Matthew ended the rout with an out-of-this-world thundering drive into the roof of the net in injury time to make it 4-1 before the referee blew for the final whistle. 

A great victory, as the Outsiders are looking strong, going into the start of the new league season. Let's continue this winning streak. Mavericks hwaiting!

Oh, and Happy 7th Anniversary, Mavericks FC. Yes, we are old.

Chairman Jiun Wei's double salvo sinks the Viets

Final Score: Mavericks FC 2 The Justice League of Vietnam 1

Goals: Jiun Wei (2)

Assists: Clarence, Christiano

MOM: =)


The Mavericks Arena, Sembawang Sec - Mavericks FC made a long-awaited return to their beloved home ground with a dominant performance against The Justice League of Vietnam football team. 

Despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, it was a great display from the Outsiders with Chairman Jiun Wei instrumental with two emphatic headed goals from set-pieces and an all-round commanding display at the back alongside cultured centre-back partner Guo Xiang. The Mavericks midfield was solid in possession with 'Bob' Boon Leng dominant in midfield, breaking up play whenever the Viets had the ball.

The return of Ansel, Clarence and Jake Chia boosted the Outsiders in a gritty affair whereby chances came far and few. Mavericks FC broke the deadlock after a curling free-kick from Clarence met Jiun Wei's head at the far post as his looping header avoided everyone and nestled into the bottom of the net. Not long after, Christiano whipped in a sweet corner from the right which Jiun Wei headed home with aplomb leaving the keeper with no chance.

Late in stoppage time, The Justice League of Vietnam reduced the deficit with a deflected freekick of the unlucky muscles of the unlucky Varian, as the ball swerved high past the flailing arms of Alex. An unlucky turn of events for the Mavericks custodian, but it was a case of too little, too late for the Viets as the ref, Anbu Ganesh Kalaivanan s/o Muthusamy Govindran Palasamy blew the final whistle. 

A well-earned victory, and a result which will put the Outsiders in good stead in pre-season as we count down to the kickoff of the new league season ahead. Mavericks hwaiting!

Clement's first ever goal for Mavericks FC (not exactly) !!!!

Final Score: Botakgang FC 1 Mavericks FC 2

Goals: Gao Wei, Jiun Wei

Assists: Matthew, Kelvin (guest player)

MOM: =)

 
Stadio el Marsiling - Mavericks FC got back to winning ways with a legendary team performance on a hot, not-so-hazy Saturday afternoon today, with two superbly-taken headed goals from striker Gao Wei, and Chairman Jiun Wei's emphatic header late in the game which grabbed a crucial win for the Outsiders after a tumultous 2013 so far.

Lady Luck deserted legendary left-back Clement Sar after the nottie referee ordered him to retake the penalty twice late in the game. Matthew made a brilliant run into the box before being felled from a late challenge from an opponent defender. 

Up stepped Clement, who dispatched the penalty with ease only to see the referee, Sivakumarsivalingam s/o Balakrishnansubramaniamganeshan disallow it due to a supposed "encroachment" into the box, before the penalty was taken, by both sets of players. 

Joy turned to tension once again, as Clement had to retake the penalty. But with unerring ease, Clement once again cooly blasted the ball into the top corner of the net. An amazing penalty! 

But once again, the referee Sivakumarsivalingam s/o Balakrishnansubramaniamganeshan decided to become a killjoy and ordered a retake much to the horror of Clemsy and his teammates due to yet another encroachment into the penalty area. 

The look on Clemsy's face was one of a panic-stricken deer in the Tanzanian plains of Africa being chased by the wild white cheetah of the Serengeti in the Kenyan border. Up stepped the left-back with his 3rd penalty. And with cool, calm precision, he drilled it into the keeper's hands and the keeper saved the penalty. =(  

(REFEREE NABEI #$!%#%!^)

Ah, such is fate. It has been 7 years since Mavericks FC was founded. And our legendary left-back is still awaiting his first ever goal. The moral of the story is, REFEREE NABEI.

Early on, Christiano, playing at centre-back, did a Titus Bramble and allowed the opponents to take the lead as the ang moh striker finished with aplomb past keeper Varian (Alex was lost in Seng Kang at that point of time). 

But Christiano redeemed himself with a commanding performance at the back alongside stalwart Guo Xiang. Gao Wei equalised for the Outsiders with a slick downward header from an acute angle before Chairman Jiun Wei wrapped things up with a majestic header from yet another corner. 

Vik, spotting an awesome botak haircut for charity, was instrumental alongside the magnificent magical KeeKee in midfield with Seng Yew pulling the strings in midfield. A legendary performance from Mavericks FC, and cheers to a new era as the Outsiders will be plying their trade in a new league soon. Oh and Amir come back already hehehehehehohohoho.

Also, a big thanks to our two guest players, Kelvin and Derrick. Two solid players, and great deliveries from the corners which helped make this victory possible!

okfinethankyoubye

 

Early Scare Turning Into a Wake-up Call

Final Score: Coca Cola FC 1 Mavericks FC 5

Goals: Victor, Jake Chia, Kee Siang, Desmond, Khai

Assists: Khai x2, Chris

MOM:  Khai

Stade de Commowealth - Long overdue was the victory that tasted even sweeter when not only the Outsiders suffered straight defeats in past league games, they fought back from 1-0 down thanks to a quick counter-attack by Coca Cola early in the first half. While the early thunder showers threatened to cancel the match, it was a calm latecomer Sar who saved the day with a message from the organisers.

Some pundits were predicting an easy game for Mavericks but Coca Cola looked aggressive and did not seem to give up the points as easily as the statistics say. Some sliding and hard tackling took down many feet but the Outsiders survived the onslaught and dominated the game. However, after losing possession in the opposing box in what could have been a real chance for Mavericks to take the lead, Coca Cola turned the tides on the sleeping Outsiders. One defender fires a long ball into the unsuspecting Mavericks defence and the striker did his job with a delicate chip over the out-rushing Alex. Mavericks, aroused and hungry by now, piled on the attack, making direct passes through the flanks and tormenting the Coca Cola defence, although the new creative play was limited by the small and waterlogged pitch and the aggression of the defenders. 

As Darran shot into the side-netting from the right flank just minutes earlier, Victor showed the world the difference between between a natural striker and a right-flanked forward as he let loose a low grounder from the same area and into the gap that the keeper left open. Yet there was little celebration, as Khai quickly shouted, "WE DIDN'T COME HERE FOR A DRAW!" Straight-after, Victor and Chao Xing were pairing up in torturing the Coca Cola defence as they ran around tirelessly across the back 4. A few good crosses from Darran ended up in vain, as the strikers were unable to shake loose of the the sticky defenders. The best chance came when Chao Xing came in to meet Darran's cross first time but under challenge, take a shot with his knee that flew harmlessly off the bottom right post. He blooped again soon after after being set on a through ball by Matthew from the left edge of the box as his left-footed strike whizzed into the side netting. 

Jake Chia, eager to score a goal on a match so important, got his wish as he did a clearance from defence which the keeper fumbled into the net. Rumours were that the approaching Chao Xing (who had been running at him a few times after some backpasses from his defenders) prevented him from punching the ball to safety that caused the mistake. But nevertheless, the credit was Jake's accurate clearance. 2-1 at halftime. 

Kee Siang, in the second half, was paired up with Desmond, to create a very strong attacking force to kill any chances for Coca Cola to come back into the game. Having taken a break from soccer due to injury, there were fears that Kee Siang is no longer the player he used to be. But alas, he proved otherwise by scoring with his head at his very first touch. The scenario leading up to the legendary goal is as narrated by Victor later on, "Kee siang's goal was assisted by Khai la. Khai took the free kick quickly when he spotted our players were inside the box - The ball flew in with a beautiful curve."

Matthew continued to be brilliant on the left, leading attacks after attacks but it was Desmond who stole the limelight later on as he took the ball, dribbled into the box, pulled the ball back, rounded 2 defenders, and tapped in a low shot that the keeper had no chance at all. Simply brilliant and what's better is that he has pledged himself to commit for the rest of the fightback season. 

And last but not least, Mavericks rounded up the game with a Khai solo effort. No one saw what happened. It simply happened. Just like lightning. When it happened, we asked, 

"What just happened?" 

"We got a goal."

"Who?"

"Khai." 

And the game became uneventful for 20 minutes after. 

A point to take note from this game. We are not winning enough headers as some of the players were not challenging enough for high balls. When a high ball came, it was observed that they stood a metre away from the jumping opponent and simply looked. 

Sidenote: A sense of deja vu and an emotional return to the Alma Mater for CX as the compound once belonged to River Valley High School. The familiar smells of the Gardenia bread if you ran around the Pandan reservoir, ahh the place he spent his first 4 years of his life as a toddler and then another 4 years of his adolescence, the Teban Gardens... And not scoring on this day, especially after wasting 2 good chances, added more woes to his current goal drought. 

A Good Fight

Final Score: ABN FC 1 Mavericks FC 3

Goals: Jake Chia ('1, '40), Chao Xing ('77)

Assists: Chao Xing, Kee Siang, Darran

MOM:  Khai

Stade de Ulu Marsiling - The Outsiders, eager to avenge the narrow league game defeat 2 weeks ago at the hands of the defending champions, fielded a star-studded side this day. Names like Chris, Khai, KeeKee the god, Barry, Chris.. were back in the lineup. Wait, there were 2 Chris-es?! Oh sorry because he plays so much like the younger Chris, the epitome of energy, power and aggression, while the older and more mature Chris is now more technical and can easily fill up the roles of the wings or centre back. Anyway, the "younger Chris" aka,  Ken Chow, I mean Joshua was a menace for the opposition today. The star of "Ah Boys to Men" was more than a pretty face, as he terrorised the right flank while older Chris was solid as stand-in for centre back.

Right in the first minute, capitalising on the poor passing by ABN FC, Chao Xing, who started on the left, took possession and played a simple through pass to Jake who coolly slotted in for the opening goal. The opponents seemed to have awoken from their slumber and piled on the attack for next quarter of an hour. However, it was the Outsiders who took advantage again. KeeKee, floated a freekick in from the right side off edge of the penalty box, that the gigantic Jake had no trouble putting his head to it to make it 2-0.

The Outsiders created a couple of chances in the second half, Victor's shot saved by the keeper within the 6 yard box, Chao Xing, now a striker, missed a volley for which he blames the bouncing ball. APN FC took advantage of the Outsiders' weakness in defending set-pieces and got 1 back from a header after their guy made a good cross from the corner. Apparently someone lost his man but shall not be named so as not to blemish his MOM. A couple of other good chances forced Varian, the stand-in custodian for Alex, to turn the shots around the post to keep the game in favour of Mavericks.

In midfield, the pairing of Barry (later KeeKee) and Khai broke up attacks after attacks and stringed many good passes to the wings time and again. It would seem that Mavericks will hold on to the lead or maybe grab one more goal. But APN FC will not allow that to happen as the Outsiders wished, as they upped their aggression levels from "NORMAL" to "HARD". Lol.  

Chao Xing, the villain again this time round, missed the chance to kill the game, as he got a good pass, made 2 defenders clash into each other in the penalty box but simply hesitated before losing the ball. Not long after, Ah Boy "Ken Chow", I mean Joshua, was involved in a heavy challenge and got so heated up that he almost threw a punch at the opponent, which almost resulted in a brawl. Ah well, we were all ah boys ourselves before too. As chairman Jiun Wei later commented, "Well I once threw a punch and received 3 back. It's not worth it at all to fight on the pitch." Wise words indeed from the astute businessman. The moral of the story is, "Don't fight unless you are sure to get something out of it"?

Minutes past, an excellent pass down the right flank by Khai found Darran through who then crossed in low, and a Chicarito-style left-footed drive met the cross first time and had the ball flying into the top right corner. Yes, it was him, the poacher of recent games, who finally redeemed the bloopers earlier.

A good win and most importantly a morale booster for the next league game. As usual, defence with Seng Yew and Jiun Wei was good. So was Sar, who was almost the MOM today if Khai had not played. Let's build on this and do even better in the coming games.

Mavericks FC kicks off the new season with a bang!

Season 2013 - League Match 1 -   26 January 2013

Final Score: Youth United 0 Mavericks FC 3

Goals: Jiun Wei ('55), Chao Xing ('67), Jake Chia ('75)

Assists: Chao Xing (2), Jiun Wei

MOM:  TBC


Anderson Sec Pitch - Mavericks FC kicked the season off with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Youth United on a hot, tempestuous Saturday afternoon. 

The Outsiders lost in their pre-season clash with their opponents in green, but today was another story altogether as a solid display from the team throughout ensured the 3 points were in the bag way before the referee blew for the final whistle.

Khai and Oreo were dictating play from midfield, backed by a solid defensive display from Guo Xiang and Seng Yew which effectively neutralised the threat of Jacob Peterson Van Thomas Henderson Hoffman, Youth United's star Dutch midfield import as well as Ah Lim Piu Piu, their midfield general. 

Star striker Jake Chia was a handful for their defence, and their opponents never look settled at the back. And Faizy is Cheick Tiote.

It was apt, that Chairman Jiun Wei opened the deadlock, with a majestic finish after a layoff from Captain Chao Xing. A rare goal from the Mavericks legend, but a goal that proved so vital.

Chao Xing continued his rich vein of form in front of goal, with a brilliant drive into the bottom corner of the net; a goal that effectively ended the match as a contest.

Not before long, Jake Chia slotted home a deserved goal from another assist from the captain, sending the away fans of the Outsiders in the rafters home happy.

A truly great team effort from the men in the blue and white stripes, and hopefully this will set the momentum going for the matches to come in this league. 

The greatest, most most most awesomest manager in the whole wide world, Jake Tay a.k.a 萧白, was once again spot on with the tactics, and it was a superb team display throughout.  

Let's move forth, and look forward to the next league match. 

Mavericks hwaiting!