Shanghai ReUnited vs. Long Tang AFC

Shanghai ReUnited came into the game slightly alarmed by Longtang’s 5-0 victory over Voodoo the week before, with stories of a new turbo charged striker called Xiao Xiao Peng provoking some concern. It didn’t take long for the man to make his mark either as he sprinted onto a threw ball, outrunning the ReUnited defence and putting the Chinese team 1-0 up with a cool finish.

ReUnited were surprised rather than devastated by this and continued to dominate possession and create chances with the game played mainly in their opposition’s half. The pressure paid off as their three strikers Steve Ishemezwe, Alex Pozhar and Mandela Ngueguim combined for the latter to tap in from short range.

As ReUnited pushed on for the lead they were struck by an identical second from Xiao Xiao Peng, the front man haring onto another long ball and finding the same far corner of the net. Again, ReU took this setback in their stride and continued to work at Long Tang until winger Adam Kling collected Mandela’s pass with a great first touch and fired past the keeper.

ReUnited were determined not to let Long Tang off the hook again and their next move was a dream combination between their rampant strikers. Alex swapping passes with Mandela and then Steve before ramming the ball home.

Xiao Xiao Peng was always a threat though, keeping the defence on their toes with his pace and offside trap breaking ability. He soon raced onto another through ball with only the quick thinking of ReU keeper Steve Rowland preventing him from a hat-trick. ReU pressed hard from the resulting throw in and Jonathan Dul won the ball and played long upfield where Steve lost and regained the ball before crossing perfectly for Mandela to head a fourth.

When the half finally ended ReUnited left the field happy but slightly confused by six goals and 45 minutes of drama. Their happiness faded early in the second period when Terry Gao smashed a slightly fortuitous long range third for Long Tang, the ball hitting the bar and keeper before finding the net.

Everything was up for grabs again and Long Tang were encouraged. Maybe it was this excitement that caused the invasion of the pitch by 3 little dogs belonging to the Chinese team’s entourage.

This stop start spell did not bother Adam Kling though who delivered an all-business corner for Alex to head in from close range. ReUnited’s two goal cushion was re-established but with Xiao Xiao Peng forever ready to turn on the burners they had to stay sharp.

A sixth goal would have surely put the game to bed and ReU’s flying Dutchman Jonathan was the main catalyst in its arrival, winning the ball deep and playing a sumptuous through ball to Steve who controlled it with his head, beat the keeper, and chipped sublimely to Mandela at the back post. 6-3! Peep peep! All over….

Despite all the goals and madness up front our Man of the Match was Max Priebe in central defence who again showed his fantastic range of passing and defensive skills.

Shanghai 3United vs. Voodoo 4:2

In the first round of the cup qualifiers, it was hard for any team to know yet what kind of adversary they would be set against in a season only 2 games in. 3United and Voodoo were both coming off week 2 losses and knew each other were both coming with something to prove. The first 20 minutes of the game was a ping ping battle with the ball going up and down the pitch but with neither side showing anything dangerous. It was Daniel Enock of 3U, that broke the seal by putting a ball rolling through the Voodoo box into the back of the net. David Lazarowicz was able to follow with a second goal to end a 3United dominated half, 2-0, 3United.

3United continued their late first-half dominance and by the 60″, Daniel Enock was able to put 2 more away clinching his first hat trick of the season. Voodoo surged late, with 2 quick goals put away within 10 minutes. One goal was scored off a mishandled ball off a corner and Voodoo was able to convert a penalty off a bad challenge by a 3United defender in the box. However, 3United was able to regain control in the last 15 minutes and keep the score 4-2. After a tough battle by both teams, 3United came out the victors advancing to the next round. Daniel Enock claimed Man of the Match with his beauty of a hat trick for 3United.