SC Ixelles A

Where were you on Friday the 22nd of March 2024 when FC Ireland played against SC Ixelles?

For years to come, this question will be asked over and over again. In pubs, in metros, at family gatherings, and in the streets of Buenos Aires. If you, Dear Reader, did not spend it at the Stade Albert Demuyter (Field 1), I regret to say that it will haunt you for the rest of your life. Let me therefore offer you some solace through a few paragraphs, and take you back to that historical evening.

It was cold and the rain was pounding on the artificial straws of grass. Despite the conditions (and the late hour for such an occasion), the Ladies in Green marched proudly on to the field, ready to take on the higher ranked opponent. The whistle rang and a game of the most beautiful sport in the world began.

The first 45 minutes showed clearly that this was not a battle fought hiding in the trenches. Both teams wanted to take the control of the game, the possession was shifting constantly. The wings had to work hard as the centre was blocked and Ixelles tactic was clearly to play down the wings to their quick attackers. FC Ireland did not run out of ammunition and the opponents goalkeeper had to stay sharp to handle the counter-attacks.

At halftime, CPT DOF Stobbs, a legend among coaches and a God among motivational speech writers, lit up the fighting spirit. The tired, bloody and bruised green soldiers were now ready for another round.

The second part started like the first, physical with sliding tackles taking place around the field. In the 55th minute, Ixelles got a freekick outside the box and did not waste the opportunity. It was 1-0. However, the sound of the home fans fire works was silenced only 12 minutes later, as Tiittula got the ball outside the box, smooth touch with her stronger left, surprises by moving the ball to her right and takes a shot. The ball hit the net in the left corner and FC Ireland had risen again.

Ixelles was desperately trying to reach the 3 points they had expected, but the warriors of centre defence Vuorenlinna and Joyce, continuously sacrificed themselves by heading away ball after ball through the smoke of the flares. The shots Ixelles managed to get on target were each time met by gloves worn by a legend, “Mariana, Mariana” the green crowds sang in excitement.

Dear Reader, I wish I had the time to take you through each second of this evening. I wish I could recite all the phenomenal performances of each player, but I cannot. So Dear Reader, if there is one name I want you to remember from Friday the 22nd of March 2024, that is the name of Willemyns. The pride of Argentina and Auderghem, was everywhere. She ran, she tackled, she headed, and meanwhile she smiled, because she knew, this was the night of the Greens and no one was going to get pass her.

This Saturday night ladies II went against Ixelles in Auderghem. A team that have been excelling this season. So we knew it would be a though game.

The first half started with a lot of pressure from their side, making it hard for us to get out of our half. Their Midfields were very good and physical. We manage to hold the 0-0 thanks to an amazing save on the line from AJ. After that, we got our head in the game and matched their play. Leading to the end of the first half without many chances on both sides.

We started the second half better. Until around the 60′ when they manage to slip through our defence and score the first goal. That goal made us loose our focus and they quickly scored the 0-2 and the 0-3. We managed to get back in the game and stood strong once again until they got the final corner kick of the game where they scored their fourth and last goal.