After the disappointing defeat against DIB in the SIFL cup semifinal three weeks ago, we were determined to strike back against them in the league, and by doing so securing the 3rd spot in the league table. Three points on that day would seal the deal and there would be only a theoretical chance left to drop to fourth place.

Though a few regular players were missing, we had again a strong squad together: Cody in goal, Will and Seb in central defense, Hajo and Thomas on the fullback positions; Adam and Alex Pozhar started over the wings, while comeback kid Joel Tyra, who came all the way from Nanjing to help us out played holding midfield. Next to him Luismi was the other holding midfielder, while Steve played central midfield and our newly discovered all-rounder Niklas took the striker position. With Alan Mulvany who came back after being injured for several months we had a second comeback that day. Oraz was floating up from 3United and Ronald Kana completed our squad.

We started the game strongly, putting pressure on DIB, but at the same time we saw the same tactics like in the previous game against them, using high balls and their fast wingers and strikers to put pressure on our defense. As opposed to the last game, we managed to score early on though: After a corner ball from the right side, Joel headed the ball on the keeper, who was not able to control it though. Niklas was there and converted from short distance – 1-0 for ReUnited (5.). 17 minutes into the game, DIB struck back though. It was Cai Meng Sheng who managed to dribble into the box from the left side, and with a long shot to the far post from the pointed angle he beat Cody and Thomas on the goal line. However it did not take us long to take the lead again: in minute 31 Hajo played a beautiful long ball on Niklas, who could not be stopped by the DIB defense and put a clean shot on the far post into the net. Yet we were not able to keep the lead until the halftime break. It was a free kick from the left side and our missing wall allowed the ball to get dangerously into the box, where DIB’s striker had an easy time putting it from short distance into the goal: 2-2 at halftime.

In second half we saw on both sides pretty much the same tactics like in the first half, yet we put more pressure on the DIB defense. Nevertheless it was them who took the lead now: about 20 minutes into second half DIB’s Pepe played a through ball from outside the box towards Cyrille, who appeared to be in an offside position. The flag stayed down though and Cyrille made it 3-2. We stepped up our efforts even more now and the game was getting more heated. For DIB’s Chris it was too much and after DIB got rewarded a free kick he lost his nerves and threw the ball at Adam. Since he had already been booked before, the referee had no other chance than to send him off. We kept our fighting spirit and the reward came just minutes before the final whistle: after a long free kick by Adam from the left side the ball arrived at Oraz’ feet, who quickly put the ball inside the box where Niklas was waiting and scored his third of the day – 3-3. We kept on pushing for the winning goal now, but time was too short and both teams headed back home with one point each. Steve received man of the match honors and in the last game of the season on June 21 we will have the next chance to lock horns with DIB and finally secure the 3rd place in the league.