April 27, 2014

Hi Guys,

It looks like we've found another worthy opponent in Taichung. Our match today against the Thai Team was a hard-fought, back-and-forth affair that saw both teams push each other very hard. Despite their largely diminutive statures, the Thai players were--as Chris noted beforehand--well organized, skilled, fast, quick on the ball and very aggressive. They also didn't make that many mistakes or give up many balls.

On offense and defense, they consistently pressed us very hard, forcing our defense to play a more conservative line, although Chris and Eugene did get some drives up the wings. Perhaps I'm biased, but I did think Compass got quite a few more scoring opportunities, although Thai pressure meant that we were always under heavy pressure. Needless to say, the midfield, anchored in the center by Lukas and Arnaud, was busy on both ends of the pitch.

The score remained 0-0 in the first half and throughout most of the second, until the Thai pressure on us in the box finally coughed up a goal in 83rd minute. I have to add, though, that Steve "The Wall" did great in the net and made a number of good saves. Compass didn't give up and maintained its own offensive pressure, starting with an incredible shot by Arnaud with his first touch from the half line. The ball sailed up and over the Thai keeper...and bounced off the crossbar. Further pressure came to no avail and I was starting to resign myself to our first official defeat since last August when Robert was taken down in the box by a Thai defender and the ref awarded a PK. Dennis stepped up and--no doubt eager to get a goal--kicked the ball before the referee blew his whistle. This perhaps was fortunate, as the keeper saved the shot. The ref asked for a retake and this time Dennis put it into the net. Less than a minute later, the final whistle blew, leaving it a 1-1 tie.

If we count the Central League match Scunners forfeited a few months ago, this marked our 31st undefeated official match. Don't count that match and it's our 30th. It also means no lost matches since we started playing again last August. So a big CONGRATULATIONS, men!

The Thais were nice guys and seemed interested in more future matches, so we can look forward to that. Chris noted that they seem to be improving in the time he's seemed them play.

It's also important to note that we were joined by several new additions today--Italian midfielders Stefano and Antonio and central defender Dave from England. Defender Geraldo also joined us for a few minutes towards the end. Welcome to Compass, guys!

Now it's time to look towards our next challenging Central League match this coming Sunday in Hsinchu versus Jhubei FC. I'll confirm more details later (including kick-off time), but need to hear from more of you as I only have about eight players right now. We'll also arrange rides in cars for everyone, so let me know if you're willing to drive.

Finally, Rob, Arnaud and I are starting to discuss a team BBQ & Beer party in Arno's front yard again, perhaps on a Sunday evening sometime in the next few weeks. We'll keep you posted!

GO COMPASS!

Doug