It was about as inevitable as a lottery ticket, but on Sunday, March 14, Daan won the Carnegies Premier League (CPL) 2009-2010 championship in a thrilling 7:1 rout over 10-man Red Lions. Starting the season with one win out of four games was far from ideal. We went from strength to strength mid-season, though, handing defeats to powerhouse teams such as the mighty Eagles, Black Stars, and the Animals. The season winding down, a draw between the Animals and Daan meant that the title race would be even tighter. In the end, we drew even on points through a string of wins, and captured the title on superior goal difference.
4 P.M. was match time for the final and decisive match of the season. The game had been delayed and rescheduled over and over. Daan needed to win, and win by three or more goals to clinch the title. The Red Lions had played a game that morning, and were one man short to begin with. Daan, however, prepared as for any other game - concentrated and serious, with a strong squad and a small but supportive group of fans on the sidelines.
Starting the game for Daan was Dale in goal, Tetsu, John, Sunil, and Gary in the back, Yamada, Alex, Ken, and Chih Feng in the middle, and Mora and Andy up front. An She, Mark, Jordaan, Aimar, Liang on the bench. Spencer was suspended for accumulated yellow cards. We had our game face on, but the Red Lions came to play as well. Most of the game was contested in the middle of the pitch with a lot of action in the Red Lions half as well. The lions threatened on occasion with counter attacks and corners, but were on the defensive for the majority of the half. Daan pushed and attacked, winning more fouls, free kicks, and corners than their opponents. Approximately 15 minutes in, Andy opened the score line with a headed off an Alex pass from the left. Soon after, Mora headed one in too off Andy's cross from the right. The Red Lions weren't backing off in any regard, and while Daan weren't exactly dominating the game, we were putting together passes and runs from the middle of the field all the way up, with Alex, Mora, and Chih Feng crossing the ball left and right in the lion's half. Changes were made as Liang, Aimar, and An She came in for Yamada, Andy, and Gary. Then, Alex scored with a left-footed shot to make it three - the minimum goal difference we needed. The ball came in from a corner, bounced about and was kept in the area by a blocked shot from Ken. Alex pounced on the ball , faked right, turned left, and ripped one along the green and into the net. Before the half was up, it was 4:0 courtesy of another Andy goal, this time scoring with his foot.
The fan support was great. Friends and family came out. My sister, Jen, and roommates, Michael, Emily, and Phil all came to show their support. It was also their first time seeing me play. Michael and Phil, in particular, waved hand-made cardboard signs saying "加油 (Jia-Yo) Daan", and "Ken IS #1."
Coming into the second half, we were looking to increase the lead, but it was the Red Lions that hit the back of the net first. Timothy James Brown, a.k.a handsome Tim, leapt up in front of Sunil on the edge of the six yard box and knocked a corner in. Beautiful header. 4:1. At this point, the Red Lions realized that one more goal and Daan would lose the championship. The outcome of the game was never in question, but the title was on the line, and the lions were doing everything they could to deny their opponents the glory. The game was a physical one. Alex and Chih Feng were pushed over several times while holding the ball. Ken got a good knock on his shin in the first half too. Yamada and Liang did well on the left side. In the back, Tetsu, John, Sunil, and Ang She were reliable as always. Gary worked the midfield and back, wherever he was needed. It was physical but not dirty, the ref keeping a firm and steady hand. Yamada made it 5:1 with a right-footed, low shot from the edge of the box off Alex's diagonal cross from the right. Then Chauncy, the lions mid-field engine, tackled Daan captain, Alex, and sent him flying. The ref handed Chauncy a card for his ferocious tackle, and Alex one too for excessive protest. "Give me a yellow, ref! Give me one too! Give it to me!" Ten minutes later, we won and played a free kick in our own half only to be blocked by Chauncy. Two yellows. A red. The Red Lions were down to nine men. We kept attacking. Chih Feng added another from the edge of the box. Assist from Mora. Jordaan came on late and got on the score sheet as well. He fired one in from the middle of the area after a blocked shot by Alex. We hit the crossbar three times, Gary and Tetsu both having chances. The lion's keeper, Rob, made several fantastic saves. The Red Lions had some scoring opportunities too, but couldn't capitalize. Final whistle. Daan 7, Red Lions 1.
It was a close and well fought battle. Thanks to the Red Lions for giving us a hell of a match, even after playing a game earlier that day. Thanks to the refs for doing a great job. They were fair and impartial. Thanks to the fans who came out, Mike and Phil in particular, for their boards, body paint, and enthusiasm. You guys are too much. Thanks to Tim Brown for representing the Red Lions and graciously joining us in celebrations at Le Rouge. Thanks to Francis, owner of Le Rouge, for his sponsorship and support. The after-game beers were a nice touch. We did it guys! We're champions!
As Gary put it, later at Le Rouge, Daan played hard throughout the season. We were a bit of a long shot at the beginning, but we kept fighting, we played our hearts out, and we play with sportsmanship.
Cheers, guys! To everybody on the team. We did it!
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