The Plate Cup final of the 1st division was held on a warm, cloudy afternoon in Waigaoqiao where the Shanghai Vikings faced off against Shanghai 3United. Both teams held 2nd place on the table for a couple of weeks but unfortunately were unable to hold their position on the table until the end of the season. The Plate Cup final was both of their chances to prove their worth and take some silverware home to the clubhouse.

Like many of the games this season, the match started with both teams on form giving full effort from the first whistle. Possession was split 50:50 for the first 15 minutes with both teams alternating pushing into each others halves but resulted in very few chances. But then 3United stepped up to the plate and found excellent form dominating the rest of the half with 5 or 6 shots on goal but the Viking keeper was on excellent form and made some spectacular saves. The first half ended as a scoreless draw.

The second half continued where the first half left off with 3United keeping a majority of the possession, with the sun making its first appearance of the day. But for which team, it wasn’t immediately apparent. Finally, after the 65th minute, the first goal was scored. 3United’s Joe Williams received a ball at midfield and charged down the left side beating 2 defenders and placing a dangerous ball across the keeper box to the waiting 3U attackers. Before the ball could be attacked by a free 3U attacker, a Viking was able to stick his foot out to steal the pass but unfortunately kicked the ball into his own net for the first goal of the game. Five minutes later, Edouard Simmonet received a ball in the Viking box and buried a finesse goal into the right side of the net to give 3U a 2-0 lead. It looked like easy sailing for 3U but the Vikings fought back and in the 80th minute were awarded a penalty on a foul against keeper Matthias Kuck. The Vikings were able to convert and close the lead to 1. However, 3United were able to solidify their defense and maintain possession as well as their lead until the final whistle. 3United won the Plate Cup, 2-1, for their first cup title victory in their history in the SIFL! Edouard Simmonet was awarded man of the match for 3United.

Congrats boys, this is something to truly be proud of! Let’s keep it going into the closing tournament and into next season!