It’s impossible to deny that we played this match thinking about the following one, against BISS Pudong. Still, either to keep out winning streak or just to be the first place, we were focused on winning this one so we could arrive to the last match of Round Robin depending only on ourselves. BISS Pudong was doing their part; they had won all their matches we were almost tied in goal difference.
With Hailey out for the day and wanting to rest Franziska for the last match of the day, I had Tehillah as striker, with Inês center-midifield, Alva and Alice as wings and Mikayla and Kyra defending. Mikayla had the unfortunate role of keeping an eye on BCIS #10. She is notorious for having a short temper but she has skills and is VERY physical but since she did not start playing, Mikayla was just protecting our defensive side while Kyra was our last defender.
Our first chance was with Alva, on the third minute, getting a rebound from a shot from Tehillah. Our Unbreakable Dutch was having a hard time to position herself. It was the first time she was playing as a striker but still, she is a fighter. One minute later, she fought for the ball on the left corner, won it and pushed towards BCIS goal but the goalie defended.
On the 6th minute an amazing play. Mikayla avoided a counter-attack, passing to Alva. Alva passed to Inês, that returned the ball with one touch and advanced a little. Alva passed back to her and our Portuguese Brain had an amazing pass to Alice inside the box. The ball was out for just a little.
Due to the pollution, we played this match with 4 quarters of 10 minutes. Almost at the end of the 1st quarter, their #10 was already complaining with her own team out loud. I am super happy that one of our strengths is the teamwork. Even if the girls are not all BFFs from each other, we respect ourselves at least inside the field.
For the second quarter, some changes. Franziska as striker and Phoebe as the right wing on Alice’s place. Unfortunately, with 2 minutes of the 2nd quarter, a ball hit Mikayla on the face and her nose starts to bleed a lot. Nice Tacuma walked her to the nurse to help her out. What a gentleman!
We kept pressuring. I have to say that BCIS was playing well holding us back at the same time trying to attack. It was completely different from BISS Beijing that had all the team defending. With 6 minutes into the second quarter, Alva on the left dribbled one and shot a beautiful ball that went over the goalie but hit the crossbar. Such a pity!
Well, if BCIS was holding well our attackers, let’s call our defenders to help attacking! On a corner kick, with all BCIS team defending, Kyra came to the edge of the box and got a gorgeous pass from Inês. First attempt hit a defender’s arm but the second time our Glass Head shot was away from the reach of BCIS goalie on the right side. 1 x 0 . And that was it for the 2nd quarter.
For the 3rd quarter more changes. Now on the left I had Suh-Young and Alva as center midfield so Inês could finally rest. Alice was back on the right wing and Kyra and Tehillah defending. During this time BCIS had some more time on our defensive field but still did not shoot at Bella. I was getting a bit concerned because 1 x 0 can be very tricky. I was eager to have one more goal in our favour. 2 x 0 for me is a comfortable enough score. Only once in the whole season we conceded more than one goal (against Dulwich at the final match of SISAC). Nothing more happened on the 3rd quarter.
For the 4th quarter, a very scary moment. Right in the beginning, fighting for a ball, BCIS #10 lifted her foot really high and at the same time Inês lowered her head. I freaked out. I was sure that Inês was kicked on the face but luckily Inês jumped on the last minute and nothing happened but as you can see on the frame here, it was EXTREMELY scaring.
With 4 minutes, our Unbreakable Dutch trapped a ball on our defensive system and pushed forward, passing to Inês. Our Portuguese Brain shot, the goalie deflected and she still got the rebound but when she shot, a defender was on the goal line and saved it! I can’t believe! With one minute and a half to end the match, Kyra, once more her to save the day, advances on the left and shoot a lobby ball from far the goalie deflects and Franziska, as a natural striker as she is, scores our second goal. NOW we could rest a little, with only one minute to go. Just avoid any major trouble, hope that nobody get injured and get ready for the last match of the day.
Goals: Kyra, Franziska
Assists: Inês
MVP of the match: Kyra