Story by Carissa Tan/Red Sports. Photos by Matthew Lau/Red Sports
Clara Christy Kosasih (SAJC #19) scoring a penalty for the first goal of the game. (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)
Saint Andrew’s Junior College, Wednesday, April 29, 2015 — Saint Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) triumphed 2–0 over Temasek Junior College (TJC) in the National A Division Girls’ Football Championship.
SAJC were on the offensive right from the start. Just four minutes into the game, they gained their first opportunity at goal. This was saved by TJC goalkeeper, Tran Nguyen (#1).
TJC were kept on the defensive subsequently. They were forced to rely on lobs forward to their striker to counter-attack. This strategy saw little success as SAJC players easily intercepted them at midfield.
Conversely, SAJC players were able to navigate freely into TJC’s half by employing tactical passes.
In an effort to block out shots, TJC defenders used sheer numbers to crowd out SAJC attackers. This forced SAJC attackers to shoot from far, which hurt their accuracy.
Despite this, most of the play was still stayed in TJC’s half. TJC players were unable to attack in numbers and hence, had no credible chances at goal.
A handball in TJC’s penalty box gave SAJC their first clear opportunity. Clara Christy (#19) fired the penalty into the top corner for the opening goal.
This was closely followed by a second goal from Megan Ortega (#18). She dribbled through four defenders to slide in a grounder.
SAJC continued mounting effective attacks in the second half. By adopting a tighter man-marking system, TJC defenders managed to neutralise SAJC attackers multiple times.
However, this meant that TJC were kept on the defensive throughout the entire half. They were forced to concede numerous throw-ins in a bid to disrupt SAJC’s momentum. Such a strategy, while effective in slowing down play, did not stop SAJC attackers from shooting at close range.
SAJC shots came in quick succession but most were blocked off by either the TJC backline or their goalkeeper. As a result, no goals were scored in the second half and the match concluded in a 2–0 victory for SAJC.
“It was a good game. Both teams put up a good fight. It was really fun. I could see that my team really enjoyed the game. I think Megan did a great job. She calmed herself down and managed to break through the defence line even though TJC’s defence was compact,” said SAJC vice captain, Lee Zhi Hui (#8).
On her opponent’s play, she commented, “TJC put up a very tight, compact defence that was hard to penetrate and they also covered well for each other.”
This is TJC’s last match of the season. SAJC will be playing their final match against Tampines Junior College at SAJC on May 6 at 4.30 p.m. Having lost to MJC and RI in their first two matches, both teams are out of contention for a top-four finish. MJC currently top the group, with RI slightly behind.
Scoring by half
SAJC vs TJC
1st half: 2–0
2nd half: 0–0 (2–0)
Scorers
SAJC
Megan Ortega (#18) – 1 goal
Clara Christy Kosasih (#19) – 1 goal
SAJC Roster
Nur Shyartini Bte Saifulbahri (#1), Gan Sze Jing, Jean Kimberly (#4), Xener Kaur Gill D/o KS (#5), Karina Lalchand Sheri (#6), Joyce Foo Wei Wen (#7), Lee Zhi Hui (#8), Sim Hwee Kiang Janine (#9), Esther Thang Hui Ling (#10), Mavis Lim Mei Ting (#11), Ang Ying Xuan (#13), Sandra Lee Yun Ling (#14), Samantha Faye Duran Solco (#15), Chan Qing (#16), Seow Yu Hui (#17), Megan Ortega (#18), Clara Christy Kosasih (#19), Kess Khor Jing Shi (#20), Tay Su Xia (#22), Sung Ting Ting, Valerie (#25), Saranya Thiru (#29)
TJC Roster
Tran Nguyen Lam Giang (#1), Lerdthuwanon Chutimon (#2), Tan Yee Jing, Chloe (#3), Tan Kit Yung (#4), Amrit Kaur (#5), Yan Junqiao (#6), Louisa Lim Si Xian (#7), Hew Qian Yu (#8), Shai-ann Koh Seow Yen (#9), Shruti Natarajan (#11), Iffa Daniesha Bte Mohamad R H (#12), Kaisah Amalia Bte Sulami (#14), Denise Lim Yu Qun (#15), Melissa Boey Jia Hui (#16), Peh Jie Ee Tricia (#17), Kelly Lai Xin Yi (#19), Anjitha Ramesan (#20), Ravipha Nilju (#22), Natasha Wong Yun Theng (#23), Ong Hui Min (#25)
2015 National A Division Girls’ Football Championship – fixtures and results
More photos next page
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