3United had the 12pm kickoff vs Voodoo Child on another Saturday filled with pouring rain and mud, deep in Songjiang (starting to sound like a broken record). The previous kick off between second place Shanghai United and the Cosmos resulted in a 1-1 draw, which meant if 3U were to get the win, they would clinch the 1st Division title with still 3 games to play. Voodoo Child were there to try and stop them.

Soaked by the time the first whistle blew, both teams were ready to get down and dirty. Although 3United dominated possession for the first 15 minutes, it seemed that none of 3U’s play making would beat out the Voodoo Child defense and the rain combined. But ever trusty Nick Law, found a throughball from Guillaume Jeannerot and whacked a floating shot spinning through the murk and rain past the unsuspecting keeper, for the first score of the game. Despite a few breakaways by Voodoo Child and some dangerous chances in front of goal for 3U, the first half ended 1-0 to 3United.

The rain let up for a teasing few minutes at the start of the second half but inevitable started coming down again in force. Wet, cold and looking for a result, the second half was fought tooth and nail by both sides. Voodoo Child looked dangerous in the first 10 minutes with Ned Kelly and co. causing all sorts of trouble up front. But the 3United defense was able to handle all threats cleanly and safely and turn the tide of play back against them. 3United pushed hard against the Voodoo Child defense raring to get a second goal, but the VC defense battled back just as hard cutting a lot of play short and forcing play to reset at midfield. Finally, to break the deadlock with only 15 minutes remaining in the game, 3U’s Luismi Ramos ran onto a loose ball in the VC backfield and surgically shot a low ball into the bottom corner of the net to bring 3United some safety. Voodoo Child continued to battle back, energy never laying up, still looking for a goal to help turn the game around. Unfortunately, the time left was just too short to see anything happen and the whistle blew to end the game, 2-0 to 3United.

This win solidifies 3United’s first place spot at the top of the 1st division for the first time in club history. Regardless of the outcome of the next 3 games, 3United is now guaranteed 1st place as well as promotion to the Premier division next season. Well done 3United!