3United faced the Cosmos in the first match day of the 2015-16 SIFL 1st Division season. The weather was beautiful, the grass was green and both teams were eager to get the season started off with a win.

The first half saw 3United dominate, taking control of the game from the start. Team movement and passing were in excellent form, as 3U was able to launch a barrage of attacks down the wings and through the center. About 30 minutes into the first half 3United was finally able to convert one of these chances into a goal. Pierre Marconnet made a well timed run in the Cosmos left corner and give a cross to Oraz Arslanow making a dash into the middle of the 18 yard box, who then placed it nicely passed the keeper to give 3U the lead. The score remained the same until the end of the half.

The second half started off in the same fashion but 3United was unable to convert any of their many chances on goal. With 20 minutes left to play, the Cosmos stepped up the pressure and took over control of the pace of the game. But despite the offensive pressure, the 3U defense was able to fend off almost all attacks – the Cosmos’ closest chance to tying up the game came off a corner ball that was headed just past the left post, but in the end were unable to even up the score. 3United came out on top of this battle with a final score of 1:0. Vernon Tebong Mbah had the honors of receiving Man of the Match for 3United.

Reunited kicked off their season against the Germans with a convincing 2-0 victory. It was important to start the season with a positive result after a somewhat shaky preseason. It was also important as a mood setter with our shirt giving party scheduled for the evening afterwards.

With our attacking players back in the fold following extended holidays and other reasons it was a much more balanced team that took to the pitch. It only took 20 minutes or so to open the scoring when after a bit of a scramble in the box Adam took two shots and a deflection to open the scoring. At times our attacking play with fantastic to watch and we sliced the Krauts open again shortly afterwards as Tobi ran onto a Lucas through ball, rounded the keeper and then smashed the ball against the post with the net gaping.

The second half followed a similar pattern with our general play fantastic and only our finishing preventing us scoring a hatful. As the game got later it got tenser and twice Krauts striker Stas got behind our back line to be denied on both occasions by some fine last ditch defending from our centre backs. Our team stood up well to the pressure and never stopped fighting and competing, the second goal coming literally seconds before the final whistle as Lucas found Tobi who bamboozled Seb in the Krauts goal before laying the ball to Steve to put into an empty net.

So along with 3Us convincing result it was a great day all round and then a great night at our sponsor the Park Tavern. The beer and chat flowed for 12 hours before the last off us drunkenly stumbled home. Re-UUUUUUUNITED!