FC. Suryoyés Bruxellois

Journey to Neder-Over-Heembeek for FCI to face Suryoyés on a Friday night match on 24 February.

Like in the game in the first leg, Suryoyés does not put a complete squad on the pitch, but like in the first leg, they lack quantity but not quality.

The start of the game is shocking; after 5 minutes, Suryoyés finds the first goal. At this moment, the game looks like a repetition of the game played in Auderghem. Suryoyés’ goalkeeper takes the ball with the hand after a pass made by one of her teammates. Therefore, an indirect free-kick in the penalty area is awarded to FCI. Liza takes responsibility for kicking it but hits the crossbar. After this opportunity, Suryoyés regains control of the match and scores the other two goals by the 25’. FCI tries to get back into the game. An excellent opportunity to score comes from the feet of Antonia, who finds space on the left wing to shoot, but the goalie stops it and concedes only a corner kick.

In the second half, FCI enters the field more motivated and ready to show that the one seen during the first half is not the true FCI. Despite the gritty beginning of the second half, Suryoyés scores the fourth goal of the match. After this goal, FCI does not lose its head and continues with the same determination to try to change the course of the game. The attacking pressure of FCI bears its fruits only 5 minutes to the end of the game. From a corner kicked by Liza, Patigol scores, with a superb header, her farewell goal. Not much time left in the game, but FCI still wants to show its value. Liza scores her fourth goal of the season from a magnificent freekick. The freekick closes the match with a disappointing 4-2 for Suryoyés.

The first half did not go as expected, and it is by far the worst half played by FCI. It is not the 3-0 that was disappointing, but how the result was produced. Hunger and focus were missing among FCI players, and the skilful and technical players of Suryoyés took advantage of the situation. Hesitation in the defence and the middle of the field, not enough precision and aggressiveness in front of the door characterised the first half. Even though the effort of the second half did not allow us to achieve a better result, it was reassuring to see how it was played, demonstrating the one in the first half was the ghost of FCI.

To make the night even sadder, it was the last match played by Patigol that confirms her nickname scoring her last goal for FCI (we hope for this season). We will obviously miss her goals, but we will miss more her positive and cheerful attitude that she brings everywhere she goes. In the next games, it will be strange to enter the dressing room and not feel the paradisiacal smell of the tiger bomb (her secret to scoring goals, together with the smelly socks).

On Tuesday, 29 November, FC Irlande Ladies III faced FC Suryoyes Bruxellois at home.

What a month of November for FCI, three victories, two victories in the league and the first victory and points at home to finish the month in the best way possible.

The fog waits for the teams on the pitch to create an authentic Belgian atmosphere. Suryoyes starts the game with high intensity, showing that they may lack quantity but not quality. FCI seems surprised by the talent of some of the opponent’s players, particularly the number 9, who creates havoc in FCI’s defence with her slalom and ball control. And it will be the number 9 that at the 18’ will score the first goal of the match. A cold shower that does not let FCI’s down but revitalises them. The goal is the necessary slap to focus more and give everything we have to win the match. In 5 minutes, FCI flips the result. As in the previous game against British United, we obtained a free-kick from inside the penalty area. The two same people are on the ball, but the result is different. Dakota touches it for Anna that with a magnificent shot, passes the opponent’s wall and scores. FCI is extremely lucky to have the best Finnish player since Jari Litmanen. At 38’, it’s Liza’s turn to score, assisted by Sophie. For Liza, it’s the second goal of the season FCI III and, again, a winning goal.

In the second half, FCI is more in control of the game, preventing Suryoyes from creating dangerous scoring chances. It would be difficult to mention and remember all FCI’s shots and goalscoring opportunities. On multiple occasions, the team is close to scoring the third goal, but it is enough cynical or lucky to score the match.

A game that is worth six points and pushes us to 11th place in the ranking. The game was more difficult than expected due to the quality of the Suryoyes’ players. But in the end, we fought more to obtain the result and put all our team spirit, commitment, strength and talent. The table says that we are not the best team in the league, but the table can only consider certain parameters. The table does not display all the love, passion and dedication we put in every time we wear that glorious green shirt; for that, we are second to none.

For FCI, November has been a fantastic month also off the pitch, with the news that soon the team will have a new player/supporter.