The weather in Shanghai was at its best for the start of the SIFL season. A newly merged ReUnited consisting of the old ReU and 3U teams faced off the formidable Cosmos who showed their talent and dominance after getting promoted the previous season.
The battle was heated from the first whistle with both teams eager to earn three points in the first game of the season. The first five minutes were a little shaky on both sides as the teams felt each other out but a rhythm was soon formed. ReUnited was able to find room to put through balls into the Cosmos backfield and keep the pressure on high while the Cosmos were looking to counter ReU on the flank. ReUnited’s pressure paid off in the 9th minute when a header across goal from Denys Yarych landed at the feet of Nikolay Homich who clinically shot into the far corner of the goal. The second goal came 6 minutes later for ReU when Steve Ishemezwe crossed a dangerous ball across goal to an open Denys Yarych, but was intercepted by a sliding Cosmos defender and unluckily directed it straight into their own goal. The next 20 minutes saw a lot of back and forth – seeing a handful of off-target shots for ReU and the Cosmos pushing deep into ReU territory but unable to create any dangerous chances on goal. However, the half wasn’t over for ReUnited. In the 41st minute, ReU’s Ishemezwe was able to dribble through the Cosmos backfield for a solo goal and in the 43rd minute a great team play gave Fabi Ruwisch the chance to bury a 4th goal in the back of the net to seal their lead.
The second half started with the Cosmos high on the attack, winning the ball in the midfield and putting constant pressure on the ReU defense. For the first 30 minutes, most of the possession was spent down in the ReU half as the Cosmos fought hard to create a chance on goal. With more than a handful of corner kicks coming ReU’s way, the Cosmos never relented in their push for a score. But fortunately for ReU, the defense and keeper were able to clear and collect all dangerous balls that came their way. ReU tried to counter during these 30 minutes but were unable to create any real chances. It looked like the game was going to end with a scoreless second half but ReU continued to put the pressure on and in the last 5 minutes they were rewarded by two more unlucky own goals as the Cosmos tried to clear crosses flying through their penalty area.
It was a game of high intensity with two teams who did not give up at any point during the game but it was ReUnited who came out on top on game day numero uno. Final score ReUnited 6, Cosmos 0.
Man of the Match: Denys Yarych
