The record is intact! Other than that, we have nothing significant to report on. There were wasted opportunities and spells of boredom but we still maintain a whopping 9-point lead on the drop zone. On a day when almost 5,000 showed up, the Bengara Boys only mustered a point.
FCR came out in a new 4-1-4-1 formation but you probably couldn’t tell due to Suzuki dropping back so much. Anyways, we gave Ochi the start while Tanaka was an unused substitute but nevertheless, away we go!!!
FCR really owned the first 15 minutes. They started so fast and had so many chances. The 3rd minute goal by Masutani was master class. A perfectly weighted ball from Tomidokoro found Masutani wide open for a bullet header.
FCR and Zelvia then exchanged opportunities on either end the remainder of the half. Uejo was creating all sorts of problems for Zelvia but in their own right, they hit the side netting and were making life hell for FCR at the back.
There were a couple of close calls by both teams in the first half, but for this entry, FCR never really threatened the goal and the close PK call that Uejo asked was rightfully ruled out.
The second half was equally as boring as FCR had a few notable opportunities turned aside in between Zelvia dominating possession.
Inevitably, Zelvia scored in the 83rd minute and FCR never recovered. Chance lost, score 1-1, the score does nothing and result means even less.
Zelvia had 18 CKs on the day if my math is correct! 18 folks. You and I both know FCR doesn’t defend set pieces well and this was a damning stat. FCR had 2, 2 CK’s on the day. Zelvia also dominated possession and chances. I thought FCR would be the one dictating play but we were on the back foot outside of a few early and late opportunities. We made some interesting moves late but for the most part FCR, were bystanders on a day dominated by Zelvia.
Match Takeaways: I said FCR needs to score early and often, make some lineup changes and overcome the 4-4-2 by Zelvia. We did 2 of 3 and nearly had it there at the end. This was an opportunity to put some distance between us and the drop zone that FCR ultimately fettered away. Nothing else needs to be said. See you next week but I’ll publish some mid-week articles to keep us engaged.
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