Saturday, March 12, 2011 - Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung Compass drew Taichung Tubbies for the first Southern League match of the season. The Tubbies showed up with their best side, augmented by at least two new additions - a fast Russian expat, and a good English player new to the Taichung football scene. While Compass had a solid side, we were missing a number of starters to various causes.

Compass settled into its passing game and controlled most of the first half, with Lukas and Gaetan anchoring and distributing from the center midfield, and had many near-goal opportunities on its opponent's net (many stopped by keeper Jon, who did a great job for Tubbies). However, just a few seconds before the half, Tubbies' Japanese midfielder Tepi managed to put away a goal, making good on one of their few offensive drives.

Tubbies came into the second half with high expectations. Although Compass still managed to resume its passing game, Tubbies' Camillo scored a second goal on a corner kick that was untouched until it hit the far corner of the net. "Go Tubbies!" chants could be heard across the pitch. This led to a period of more confident drives and pressure on Compass by a confident Tubbies midfield and offense. By this time, both Compass strikers, Ben B. and Angus, were sitting on the sidelines with injuries, while our rasta Russian Artem was also taking a break from an injury.

Despite what seemed like a dire situation, the Compass players remained calm and focused. With 25 minutes to go in the game, our veteran French warrior Laurent slotted home a nice goal, opening the flood gates. Following his countryman's lead, Gaetan made a fast drive into the box and was taken down from behind by a heinous slide tackle. Michael took the PK and finished it off as it deflected back to him off keeper Jon's outstretched hand. With five minutes on the clock, Michael followed this up with another nice goal that sealed the win (and 3 League points) over a demoralized Tubbies side.

Michael, Laurent and our other forwards and midfielders deserve big credit for continuing to push hard against a strong Tubbies side. Our midfield played a key role setting the tone for our overall passing and control game. And our defense fought hard for every ball, effectively neutralizing Tubbies' very fast offense. I must note that one player showing increasing tremendous versatility for Compass is Robert who, in a change from the usual, played a wing defensive position for most of the game and did a great job. As he has mastered almost every other position on the pitch, I now plan to test his skills as a goalkeeper in the next match (don't worry, Rob, I'm kidding).

Overall, the entire team showed tremendous spirit and never put its head down, never got visibly frustrated or angry, or gave up. This well-deserved win puts Compass at the top of the Southern League points table (following last week's Pacers-Massive tie), which is always a nice way to start.

On what may be a sad note, it looks like there's a strong possibility that Angus may be leaving us to return to Canada after a much too-short time with Compass. He notes that there is a small chance he may still remain in Taiwan, but it's not looking too likely. We still hope that you change your mind or delay your departure, Angus, but if it doesn't work out, we've truly enjoyed getting to know you and sharing the pitch with you. In a very short time, you've already become a valued member of this team.