Match Review: Legend in the Making

Ztec Phoenix vs Dalat Falcons
4-1(2-1, 2-0)

First Period:
08:25 Chern Hang
12:46 Teik Hong
16:24 Kyle Ladner ( Brian Weidemann )

Second Period:
25:10 Adrian Koay
25:54 Calvindav

Bench Penalties:
Ztec Phoenix 2mins x 2
Dalat Falcons 2mins x 1

The Big Boys strutted out their stuff on court last Saturday in what seemed to be the showdown of the league and at the end, only one proved to be more superior.

Both teams were without a full squad due to unforeseen circumstances and as such, we predicted a slow start in the game. However, Phoenix proved otherwise. Phoenix by far, displayed their best start in a match as compared to previous games. They ignited the first few minutes with hard body-checks and was surging forward confidently. Phoenix's Teik Hong managed to trigger the first shot of the game but was blocked by fellow Falcon, Kerry Mahoney. At the other end, Falcons' reciprocated with Drew winning a thrown ball by Yung Ming, and unleashed a volley that went inches wide the goal.

Although Phoenix showed tip-top form from the beginning, their defense however did not. Chern Hang fumbled the ball in the middle of their defensive zone against Falcons' Jared Williams who fired a shot that thankfully for Phoenix, went wide. Falcons released yet another shot by Brian Wiedemann from his own half that was palmed away effortlessly by Yung Ming.

Then came the freak goal by Phoenix. In a brief moment of lapse of concentration by Falcons' keeper, who was seen adjusting his goalpost or net, Chern Hang's long and seemingly harmless shot from the left just went rolling into the goal. Everybody, except the Phoenix, was left in confusion. Freak goal but a goal nonetheless.

Drew, as always, was the most energetic player out court. He covered almost every corner of the court - from forward dropping down to the centre and then right down to defense - notwithstanding his insane stamina, he was a little off form in terms of his "poacher" instinct. Kerry Mahoney's free hit who's shot went through the legs of the wall strolled across the centre of the court and conveniently fell on to Drew who bizzarrely missed the ball.

Phoenix's Teik Hong showed interest to be voted as MoM with his many penetrative runs in the heart of Falcons' defense and with his effort in taking shots at goal. Samuel Ong made a pass up front that caught Falcons' defense off guard. Teik Hong capitalized on that and managed to get a one on one situation against the keeper. Daniel, Falcons' keeper, showed that he was more superior. But the nightmare wasn't over for Falcons as the ball dangerously bounced back into the centre of their defense and was only relieved once Brian Wiedemann cleared the ball away.

Samuel and Teik Hong once again showed their hunger for a second goal advantage. Samuel made a spledid run down the left flank and made a cross to the middle and found Teik Hong umarked as Falcons defenders failed to fall back. Teik Hong made sure he scored this time in another one on one situation and he did.

2-0 up for the Phoenix.
Desperation for the Falcons, excitement for the Phoenix.

Another MoM contender was Phoenix's goalkeeper, Yung Ming, who showed incredible reflexes and superb agility guarding his goal. Kyle Ladner's deflected shot proved Yung Ming's ability as he instinctively saved the shot with sheer reaction. Again, he proved his reliability as he saved Drew's shot from the centre.

Falcons were getting desperate for a goal. Phoenix, on the other hand, was scrummaging for possession and pulling their socks up in defense. With these two teams tugging hard at both ends, the game began to built up with more agression and tension.

Falcons constant hassling in front of goal paid off. One of the Falcons took a shot which ricocheted against the rink behind Phoenix's goal and fell onto the stick of Kyle Ladner. Standing just few inches away in front of goal, there was no way he was going to miss it. Yung Ming was left stranded.

2-1.
The Eagles were now hopeful, the Phoenix a little fearful.
And with that, the first period ended with Phoenix still clinching onto a slim lead.
Can the Falcons bounce back in the second period?

They definitely showed signs of that happening as the second period kicked off with Drew slapping in a shot that was saved by Yung Ming and another one by Kyle Ladner that went just wide across the right post. Allan Goh of Falcons also took a shot that was deflected. It bounced up and painfully striked against the post. Just when you think lightning doesn't strike twice, Yung Ming's throw was intercepted by Falcon's forward who took a shot on the volley that went straight to the post, AGAIN! Within the span of just few seconds, Falcons hit the post twice!
Phoenix was lucky,
Falcon wasn't.
A nervy start from the Phoenix but a promising display by the Falcons.

PFL clearly revealed players lack of understanding of the rules and regulations. Chern Hang, who failed to block one of Dalat's Falcons' forward, loses his stick in the process. Instead of picking up his stick first, he went straight to the ball and kicked it away rewarding himself with a 2 minutes bench penalty. He was the second Ztec player to be sent off for such an offense.

It was obvious that Phoenix shifted into defensive mode, clearing off incoming shots and making sure Falcons' forwards were taken out. As defensive as they were, they still showed some jittery moments with Chern Hang continuously making crucial defensive mistakes. However, what made them a better team in this match was their ability to capitalize on every given opportunity in front of goal.

5 minutes into the second period, Drew loses the ball up front and fell onto Teik Hong, who once again made a solo run forward. He managed to make a drop pass to Calvindav who took a long shot that went wide. Then, came the goal of the match, Adrian who picked up the ball on the right side, dribbled past Falcons' defender into the middle and then unleashed a shot. There was no stopping him.

Goal! Superb solo effort by Adrian who has helped him team cruised past with a 3-1 lead. More bad news for the Falcons.

By now, the Phoenix were soaring high and their 4th goal followed soon after. The Falcons gave away a free hit to the Phoenix for a high stick offense. Calvindav took the free hit on the left side of court, giving them a comfortable 4-1 lead. Another goal for the Phoenix in the 5th minute of the second period.

Despite being down with 3 goals, the Falcons did not display a deterred spirit. Riley Mahoney was still lively up front, hunting down for every ball, dribbling behind Phoenix's goal and all around. He only lacks the urgency to release a pass or a shot. Nonetheless, great effort from this young lad. His counterpart, Drew Steiert, also showed no signs of fatigue. Drew was more quick to release shots but he just wasn't decisive enough to finish it.

A free hit was given to Falcons just outside Phoenix's crease in front of goal for another high stick offense. Falcon's shot almost found its way into the net only to be guarded by the saving hands of Yung Ming.

Samuel and Teik Hong seemed to be the deadliest duo in this match. Their numerous counter attacking partnership showed great potential. Samuel's quick feet got him to a loose ball who manages to deliver a pass to Teik Hong who's shot was blocked.Interesting pair to watch.

The match continued with Falcons' relentless effort up front. Shots after shots were taken but they just couldn't convert it into goals. Credit must be given to the Phoenix as well for defending well. At the end of the day, only one proved to be more superior than the other.

The mystical Phoenix showed why they are legendary in their own rights, bagging a 4-1 win this time around. For the Falcons, fret not. It's not over yet. After all, they say that legends are made up.

Ztec Phoenix:
Winning this game has now granted them the top spot in the league. This game is by far their best game. Considering how they kicked off in their previous matches, this time they showed a burning heart to win from the start. Oddly, they started the first period with "omph" but then started off the second period with lapse of concentration in their defense. Weird.

Defensively, they can be very erratic. At times they may seem confident taking any offensive line down but when they lack concentration, they can cause a mess in front of goal. Also, most of their players are still not aware of important floorball rules, which has contributed to several bench penalties on their part. They were lucky this time as the Falcons weren't in their best form. They have good strong defenders but these advantages need to be used in its most optimum way.

In attacking, the Phoenix were still lacking incisive finishing in the final third as they squarderd twice the amount of chances before putting in four. They also lacking build up in attack, other than the goal from Teik Hong who came from a build up, the others came a mistake, a solo effort and a set piece. But then again, it has become a trend in Div 2 whereby the fastest wins the match and with their closest rival out of the picture, their physical advantage will give them the luxury to miss those chances as long as they put in enough to win. The leader is for their's to lose.

MoM:
Yung Ming, the goalkeeper. He was the only consistent player on court for Phoenix. Having an erratic line of defense, it wasn't easy for him to trust his players. Thus, it was his instinct that made sure he was up to mark. Though most of the time Falcons' shots were off target, but when it came down to real business, he proved to be at his best. Numerous quick natural reflexes saves that helped his team win this match.

Dalat Falcons:
Losing this game is a heartbreaker. Last year's champion is now being tested. Truth be told, they weren't at their most deadliest form.

Their forwards constant annoyance in the face of Phoenix's defenders were great and critical effort. Their instinctive "final touch" just wasn't there in this game. So many shots were taken, mostly went wide, either that or were saved by Yung Ming. Drew and Mahoney's energetic runs up front, although lacking the proper finishing, proved to be a vital asset.

Defensively, Falcons' were much more consistent as compared to Phoenix. Dalat19, Kerry Mahoney commanded his line well. It was unfortunate that they let in 4 goals in this match. Their advantage in defense is the experience and composure of their senior defenders. Their downfall however would be their lack of speed. Most of the goals conceded came from a counter attack in which their defensive line were to slow to retreat and stand on guard.

MoM:
Kerry Mahoney. The veteran held frim in defence, was strong and decisive in halting Phoenix's forays. He proved to be a hard sheild to break, as the Phoenix forwards runs was constantly broken down as them rammed into Kerry. He provided the much needed confidence by the Falcon's forward to fire all cylinders up front knowing he'll provided the rear guard. However, the constant rampaging up front left the defence helpless when the forwards failed to track back as Phoenix countered in numbers, scoring a few in the process. 4 goals conceded but a good game nevertheless.