This weekend in Waigaoqiao, the first round of the Hebiguchu cup brought the 2nd seeded teams in both divisions together, the Shanghai Lions (Premier) and 3United (1st Division).

In past match ups, the Lions controlled the games and dictated play but this weekend, the tables were turned. 3United went into the game with a 3-5-2 formation, ready to defend and attack with equal force. In the first half, 3United showed their true colors. The defense was ready for all attacks the Lions were able to formulate, the midfielders controlled and pressured the midfield on and off the ball, the wings were up and down the pitch creating dangerous plays as well as defending attacks and the forwards kept the pressure high on the defense and keeper. 3United’s tenacity, teamwork and discipline did not go unrewarded. About 30 minutes in, Luismi Ramos recevied a ball at the edge of the right side of the Lions box and hammered a bullet toward the keepers right side. A good save was made but the keeper was not able to control it and richoeted in front of the keeper box, with Nick Law racing on to the free ball before any defenders could react and curled a clinical shot past the scarmbling keeper into the back of the net. This was the only score of the half, ending 1-0 to 3United.

Going into the 2nd half, the Lions knew they would have to change something and they definitely stepped up their attacking plays. They were rewarded two penalties during the half (one of which was questionable), with one missing past the right post but the other finding the back of the net only 15 minutes later. With the score tied at 1, 3United tried to find the back of the Lions net one more time but were unable to convert any chances before the final whistle blew, what felt like, all too early. Being a Hebiguchi cup game, the game went straight to penalties. 3U converted 4/6, while the Lions were able to convert 5/6 making the final score 5:6 to the Lions.

This is the best game of football that 3United has played in the history of the club, hands down. We may not being going to the next round of the Hebiguchi cup but this is something we should all be proud of! Let’s keep this up for the rest of the season!