ReU U19 Help Elders Maintain Top Spot

First February Fixtures were outstanding as upsets toward the top of the table meant that the top 7 teams are all within 3 points of each other! ReUnited celebrated at the news their younger counterparts ReU U19 staged a 2nd half comeback to beat Pacific Prime, meaning ReUnited still stand on top. But closest match of the night goes to the slick-tongued Spanish-speakers.

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Ahhhh the passion invoked in a good battle between the Spanish Tirachinas FC and Central/South American Atlético. Always a tasty match between these two high level, high intensity groups, both showing ferocious stride and punching passes. Despite the hefty competitive edge, both teams have the utmost respect and are excited to lock horns every season. It was 0-0 approaching the first half, but Atlético drew blood first. Felipé found net at 10:25 in elation at the idea of beating rivals T’chinas. But almost immediately after, Tirachinas came roaring upfield dishing to Dani, their star scorer. He made it 1-1 just before the half, elevating the already intense atmosphere. The second 30-minute bout delivered superb back-and-forth movement from both squads, the Spaniards showing a bit more tact in the way they cut upfield together. Yet Xavier, who has been a recent star scorer for Atlético, pressured the box to put the ball just inside the left corner to put his team in the lead. It came down to the last minute of the game when Dani - pictured below left - put himself back in the game to take on 2 players and crack a skimming shot leaving Atlético’s keeper no chance. At 2-2, the game went to a shootout. Kilian earned Son of the Pitch staying centered for Atlético’s attempts, getting a hand & foot on it, while his teammates drained both their shots taking down 2 points.

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An Unexpected Win came for ReU U19 this week, but it didn’t come until late in the game. Pacific Prime took command early when Pierre stole the ball midfield, carried forward and cracked a left footer only 5 mins in. Just after, a ReU hand ball in the box gave way to a Ramsey penalty, draining it past Mandela for a 2-0 lead. But ReU U19’s Max upped his game, to score 2 straight goals, the 2nd a bouncing half-volley from a through pass. U19 used a counter attack as Pac put Stef, Ramsey, Meison and Kevin upfield leaving Pierre and Mattea defending. Meison found net before half time for 3-2, but 2nd half was all U19 scoring 2 great goals via Max and Alex with Mandela pumping his fists that his youngsters overtook his own team (he plays for Pac) for an amazing 4-3 upset win!

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Muscled off the ball was the early theme for Phoenix heading against ERS. The French looked clean in the first 20 minutes, but surprisingly Phoenix was up 2-0! Dave and Berto scored convincingly yet orange midfield had no control of the game. ERS’ Viet landed a goal before half time from a quick turn around shot in the box for 2-1 going into 2nd half. Not sure what ERS discussed at half time, but it worked. Phoenix fell apart after 2 early goals put them down. Then, a stunning 3 quarter field lob from Rafael went right over Phoenix’s keeper Nikita. Orange heads dropped and ERS maintained a steady scoresheet. Phoenix’ Matt had a great game but not before Viet, Nico, Cam and Raf popped in 8 goals during 2nd half drawing 8 points in the table between ERS and closest competitor Phoenix.

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Returning stars for the Italians graced the pitch to help lift Compatti’s current mediocre performance this season. Piercarlo came back with a cool head to assist his fellow blue shirts take control within the first half over SJFC. John Piero took a smashing low left corner shot for Compatti’s 2nd goal 20 mins in, but SJFC fought back gaining 2 goals from Mattea and Alex. Tommasso put Compatti in the lead just before the break, carrying Italian momentum into the 2nd half. Max and John Piero helped to get an additional 3 in the last leg of the match, with Fede doing great midfield work to seal 3 points for his team, leaving teams placed 10-12 in the standings all fighting for further points at 7-a-piece.

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A Bashing from the Bandits left Phoenix Reborn scratching their heads post-match, their opponents offering up some stellar goals while shutting out any and all of Reborn’s opportunities at net. It started with Brian raking in a hat trick, forcing Sam to sub him off to give others a chance. BaiSe Bandits didn’t step off the gas, continuing to pound Reborn’s backline. Gary was the key player for BB this time, earning SOP honors with Kevin earning his own hat trick. Sam briefly halted his sideline management to step in and score 2 with Jack a solo, making it 10 straight goals for the Bandits kicking them up to 2nd place only 8 goals behind leaders Shanghai ReUnited.

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Strong Squads this week for both Bastardos and Lucky 13, with an early back and forth bout that ended putting Lucky 13 on top of the Spoon division. The 13 group had a solid crew with Alex scoring early after dribbling past black defense. But 13 put out a hand ball in the box allowing Roy to even the score for Bastardos (shown below). Jonathan stepped up for Lucky 13 pounding one in the net, but Orwa earned himself Son of the Pitch for Bastardos stealing midfield balls all game, also allowing for a great goal from a set piece. But overall it wasn’t Bastardos game and Lucky 13 continued into 2nd half scoring 3 more and earning a well-needed 3 points. Next Round both teams face tough top-table opposition and hope they can muster a win.