Story by REDintern Carissa Tan. Photos by Matthew Lau/Red Sports

UNITEC_Football_NUS_SMU_FINAL_

Ong Wei Ting (NUS #9) dribbles into the goal. (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)

Nanyang Technological University, Tuesday, March 10, 2015 — Despite an impressive performance in the first half, Singapore Management University (SMU) fell 0-2 to National University of Singapore (NUS) in the final of the Singapore Management University UNITEC Soccer Games (SMU-USG).

Joey Cheng (SMU #23) dominated the midfield. Along with Simran (SMU #24), she coordinated smooth passes between her wingers and backline. However, SMU attackers struggled to connect their passes which were easily intercepted. though they had a tighter defence than NUS.

In particular, good defending by Lynette Seow (#9) and Poon Chor Yi (#16) diminished many threats posed by NUS attackers.

Yet, despite their best efforts, a mishandled ball by SMU goalkeeper, Cheng Lynn (#15), gave NUS a clear shot at goal. An opportunistic NUS attacker, Ong Wei Ting (#9), pressed forward and was rewarded with a sleek run-in goal.

With NUS leading 1-0, SMU adopted a more direct approach with their defenders being quicker to clear and relying more on lobs forward to attack. This hastened the pace of the game.

In line with this, SMU midfielder, Joey Cheng (#23), confidently attempted a shot at goal from a free-kick which was saved spectacularly by NUS goalkeeper, Nur Shuhadah (#3).

The game picked up momentum in the second half with SMU once again enthusiastically lobbing balls forward for striker, Samantha Tan (#7). SMU played as a more cohesive unit in the second half than in the first.

Outstanding teamwork between midfielders Joey Cheng (#23) and Simran (#24) gave SMU a goal opportunity barely a minute into the half.

SMU pressed more eagerly for possession, winning more one-on-one challenges than in the first half.

However, in the 51st minute, SMU goalkeeper, Cheng Lynn (#15), fumbled a shot. This was put away calmly by Siti Wan Nabilah (#15) for the second NUS goal.

In order to maintain their lead, NUS tightened their defence, making it even more difficult for SMU attackers to cut through.

Long passes to Samantha Tan (SMU #7) were rather unsuccessful as NUS defenders crowded her out.

Despite the best efforts of SMU, they were unable to equalise and NUS emerged as the champions.

When asked about her thoughts of the match, SMU captain, Lynette Seow, said that she had mixed feelings because while it was an achievement that SMU made it to their first final, she felt that the score should have been a bit closer. Nonetheless, she felt that her team did their best.

Similarly, NUS captain, Kasfira Hilka Rashid, stated that she was proud of her team and that her team was lucky SMU did not score given that they had let in a lot of attacks.

Score by half
NUS vs SMU
1st half: 1–0
2nd half: 1–0

NUS Roster

Starting 11

Nur Shuhadah Bte Mohamed A G (#3), Nurul Asyiqin M Razali (#4), Kwan Pey Ee Cherly (#6), Clarissa Koh Cai Lin (#7), Ong Wei Ting (#9), Ang Lay Min Celeste (#14), Leo Huang (#16), Kasfira Hilka Rashid (#17), Tay Weijia Amanda Denise (#19), Chan Wan Wen Rochelle (#21), Woon Ling Melissa (#23)

Reserves
Jessica Ting Hui D’cruz (#5), Sarah Long Shi Yun (#8), Teo Wee Shiuan (#10), Chua Chu Yi Anne Marie (#11), Law Wei Ning (#13), Siti Wan Nabilah (#15), Lee Si Hui (#18), Teng Yuan Yiin (#20), Lim Yufeng Alissa (#88)

SMU Roster

Starting 11

Jennifer (#5), Samantha Tan (#7), Lynette Seow (#9), Amanda Lau (#10), Mao Ye Zhen (#11), Pauline Cheng Ochura (#12), Cheng Lynn (#15), Poon Chor Yi (#16), Samantha Koh (#21), Joey Cheng (#23), Simran (#24)

Reserves
Valerie Goh (#1), Yeong Siew Mei (#2), Kriffith Chiquitita Fernandez (#14), Ong Shwee Yee (#17), Sanika Kale (#20), Syafiqah (#25)

More photos on the next page