In the second match of the season, Compass faced the Kaoshiung Massive at home in Taichung. Compass started the game on a somewhat disorganized, less-than-controlled note, giving a well turned-out Massive side most of the offensive action for the first 10-15 minutes. It was towards the end of this period that they got a point off of an unlucky header off two of our defenders in what appears to have been a Compass own goal. However, for the rest of the half, Compass outplayed them and took control of the game.

Compass wasn't overly concerned about being down at the half. Sure enough, things turned around 6 minutes into the second half when a clear hand ball in the Massive box setting up a penalty opportunity, which Seb put away. Barely two minutes later Ben B. put Compass ahead with a goal scored in coordination with Daniel, who was all over the defense. Things pretty much carried on the same, with more close calls on the Massive net that didn't go in. The disappointment came about 15 minutes from the end when Massive put in a second goal, giving them a real boost and increasing pressure significantly on our defense for much of the remaining time. Even so, Compass continued to put heavy pressure on their net right up to the very end.

Obviously, it was disappointing to come from behind to take the lead, only to drop a goal for a tie. In such times, I find some comfort in the fact that it happens every day to superior professional sides around the world. For this match, I wanted to make special note of a few players, including Lukas, who soldiered on in the center midfield and fought gamely through almost the entire match despite coming into the evening already feeling rather tired. Artem, playing right midfield, had an excellent game, consistently pushing past the Massive defense to threaten them, working in coordination with the defense and forwards. I want to also give a special thanks to guys like Eugene, Yves and Daniel, who certainly didn't get as much playing as they would have liked, but never complained about it. I have to add that Eugene is also quite useful as sideline strategy sounding board, particularly when I get indecisive. :)

Despite the somewhat disappointing result, Compass leads the Southern League going into the second week of the season with 4 points, with Massive in second place with 2 points. We do have a game in hand over Pacers and Phoenix, so next weekend's results by other sides' games will give a better indication of where things stand. Compass next league match is tentatively scheduled for March 28 at home vs. Tainan Phoenix.