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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! The annual ladies 1 trip to the depths of Beautiful Belgium, to play at the formidable fortress of Sibret. The nearly 2 hour drive left the girls wondering what awaited them on the lovely grass pitch, as the vista changed from sunny blue sky to hailing black clouds too many times to count.
Lo and behold, the sun shone bright for the duration of not only warm-up but the match as well. Inspired by the equally sunny and forceful disposition of Coach Helene, the ladies braved the “squishy” (oh so squishy) pitch against 3-ranked Sibret with an air of confidence and positive energy. In fact, the ladies in green dominated the match from the outset, with lovely combination plays all around the pitch. Our wings, Mel and Pri, made many a dangerous run down the line and towards goal, challenging the opposition’s goalkeeper time and time again. Giorgia had a killer debut, playing striker and exhausting the defenders with her penetrating runs and poetic challenges.
Our defense, guided by Geani and Rebecca in the middle, and Rosey and Isa along the sides, gave the opposition little sight of our goal. And when needed, Mariana pulled through with some amazing saves.
Our center trio—Magda, Momo, and Olivia—controlled the middle of the pitch.
Unfortunately, our referee, as often goes, enjoyed whistling his whistle a bit too much for our liking. At the end of the first half, a free kick was awarded right outside our box, and a cheeky sneak play from the opponents caught us off guard enough to slip the ball into the net.
Shortly after half time, another verrryyyy soft foul was called right outside our box. This time the referee forgot to blow his whistle, and a clear offside play off the set piece was not called, in turn putting the opponents up to a 2-0 lead.
Nevertheless, the ladies in green continued to dominate play. They fought relentlessly, with many shots on target. Shoutout to the opposition’s goalkeeper who made maaany saves to keep them in the lead. With a few minutes left at the end of the match, Pri scored a lovely goal off a corner kick. Despite numerous occasions by FCI to tie the match out, the match finished with a final score line of 2-1.
A tough loss given the clear domination of play from our side, but nevertheless a positive performance given the circumstances and the caliber of the opposition. We hope to take this positive energy with us to the final match of the season.
On this very sunny and warm afternoon, FC Irlande headed onto the pitch with determination for this must win game.
The game started with good passing, possession and intentions. Unfortunately, the opponents were able to capitalize on a mistake and scored (0-1). Yet, this did not shake FC Irlande, who continued on their journey, and in the 25th minute, a beautiful strike from Momo equalized the game (1-1).
At half time, following a well deserved water break, the team strategized and motivated one another and stepped on to the pitch to finish the game strong.
At the 55th minute, the opponents were able to score (1-2), but FC Irlande, still determined, quickly equalized (2-2). And shortly after, scored another beauty by Parker, putting FC Irlande in the lead (3-2). In the 70th minute, the opponents scored, tying the game (3-3). But again, FC Irlande fought, and put themselves back in the lead (4-3). And this time stayed in the lead, winning the game!
At the blow of the whistle, the players, coach and supporters full of triumph, were proud of the energy and fortitude shown on the pitch.
USG VS FCI LADIES 1
On this Sunday afternoon, the ladies 1 traveled to Anderlecht to face the ladies of Union Saint-Gilloise. Under a cloudy skybut already summery temperatures for the start of April, the women in green were determined to snatch the 3 points from the Union! From the first minutes, Parker pierced the net of the Union goalkeeper who couldn’t do anything against her magnificent free kick, more than 20m from the goal line. Unfortunately, the opponents quickly responded with a shot from the entrance of the penalty area that lobbed our goalkeeper and ended up in the little net. 1- 1, the intensity and pressure on both sides was present. Our ladies played very physical, while the players of Union tried to break through the defense with their speed, but without success against the rapidity and tenacity of Isabel, Michèle, Geani and Sarah. In the camp of Irlande, we tried to build, to overflow on the flanks to find the strike of Parker or Momo, but the little yellow ladies pressed hard and it turned out to be difficult to develop our play and finish up. As the sky began to shed a few drops of rain, the Union captain planted a free kick in Virginie’s net 14 minutes before the final whistle. Coach Ben then decided to field a more offensive tactic, trying everything to equalize, but despite the fight and combativeness of our 11 players during the last quarter of the match, the final score was2-1. A defeat that is hard to digest, as the opponents didn’t show any more quality than our Ladies!
The match kicked off under a bright sun, with FC Ireland quickly taking the initiative. Dressed in their striking green, they took control from the get-go. Parker was particularly active, finding herself in tight spots but still managing to threaten the goal. The team was setting the stage for a strong performance, making it clear they were there to dominate. However, the game took an unexpected turn when a player from Liege, about 25 meters out, took a shot. The ball, caught in a volley, described an unpredictable arc over our goalkeeper’s head – a rare moment of luck for Liege amidst our dominance.
At halftime, down by a goal, FC Ireland didn’t let their spirits wane. Coming out stronger, they pressed even harder, crafting more opportunities. Their efforts were rewarded when Olivia’s through-pass found Mel, who confidently equalized. It was just what FC Ireland deserved. The game continued with FCI turning the screws. Parker kept hammering away from difficult angles, testing the Liege defense. Then, a mix-up by Liege presented Mel with another opportunity, which she and her immaculate striker instincts didn’t waste. Her goal put the Ladies in green ahead, a lead they were determined to keep.
As the game neared its end, the challenge wasn’t just from Liege but also from a sudden hailstorm, adding a literal sting to the competition. Despite the hail, FC Ireland managed to push the score over the finish line, not allowing the opponents any final chance . The final stats speak volumes and made the girls equally as proud as the final result – 301 successful passes, 12 shots on goal, 18 entries into the opposition’s box, two goals for FC Ireland, and countless proud smiles.
This weekend we headed to Charleroi with the objective of bringing back some important points.
It was a tough match against a very close team in the ranking. Despite numerous occasions on both sides, no goal was scored on this Saturday. The team did a great defensive job while Virginie honoured her first full game with a clean sheet and amazing saves.
0-0, final score. 1 point back home
Did you know that the ‘tarte au sucre’ is one of Charleroi’s specialities?
This game against Ath had many peculiarities, even before kick-off.
For starters, the game had already been rescheduled twice from the opponent’s side due to bad weather and pitch conditions. Now on Wednesday 6th of March, on a week DAY and not week END, we were finally able to play.
After a long day of work, we faced the long drive to Ath.
Once arrived, we quickly realized that both teams play in green. After some discussions with the ref and opponent managers, we were able to play in their second jerseys. But here again another peculiarity, we were given jerseys with multiple same numbers. So a quick arts & crafts session took place to change numbers.
Once out on the pitch, we observed it’s conditions, and although technically ‘playable’ mud patches could be seen everywhere. After a solid warm-up the ref blew the whistle and the game began!
The first half was dominated by FCI. Headers were won, physicality was shown and shots were taken, but the Ath keeper was pulling out incredible saves.
The second half became a bit trickier. Including some questionable calls by the ref. Unfortunately, FCI returned back to Brussels with a 2-0 loss.
This game was frustrating. As the result does not reflect the energy and determination the players showed on the pitch!
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams meant business. Irlande, clad in their signature green jerseys, demonstrated their attacking skill early on, with Nikki’s darting runs causing havoc in the left side of the Mons defense and Sophia getting some wonderful through balls but struggling a bit to adjust her runs to avoid the offsides. Mons proved to be no slouches themselves, with their goalkeeper pulling off a stunning early save to deny Nikki a goal that seemed destined for the back of the net.
As the first half wore on, the game was tight, and both sides were arriving closer and closer to each other’s boxes. However, the ladies in green were the side creating more danger. Finally, after a great ball recovered in defense and a quick long pass from our warrior Sarah, Sophia was setup for a sublime finish to break the deadlock. Like a GPS with an taste for detours, our striker finally found the right route to goal after a few offside adventures. The crowd erupted in cheers as Irlande took the lead, but it was clear that Mons would not go down without a fight.
Mons came out firing in the second half, managing to level the score with a well-taken goal of their own just a few minutes after the start of the second half. However, Irlande refused to be shaken, and with Momo’s amazing header rattling the crossbar, it seemed only a matter of time before they regained the lead. But with the 1-1 still up on the scoreboard, Mons was not ready yet to lose their faith in finding a good result. Our fearless goalkeeper, Stonewall Olatz, was called into action in a critical moment, making a crucial save by punching the ball away from the Mons striker’s head, preventing Mons’ from getting ahead on the scoreboard and shattering their convictions. Mons started to feel they would need to work more than Sisyphus to get something out this match.
Sure enough, with time ticking away, Mel seized the moment, latching onto a perfectly timed assist from Michelle to slot a second goal for the home team. But the deal was not sealed yet with Mons throwing everything they had forward in search of an equalizer. Irlande remained resolute in defense, soaking up the pressure before launching a lightning-fast counterattack pulled by Mel’s fast lags that culminated in a third goal by Olivia, who with chill and skill managed to dribble through a couple of opponents before taking an amazing shot from the top of the box, sealing the victory in style.
As the final whistle blew, coaches Ben and Helene could be seen fist-bumping on the sidelines, celebrating the well-deserved 3 points with the team. His trusty camera capturing every moment of this match to be watched with the team later on, but not before some strategic editing to protect against any remarks that might raise eyebrows if plucked out of their original context.
This Saturday, ladies 1 traveled to the infrastructures of Standard de Liège, which has one point more than us in the ranking.
We faced a young and talented team.
The match immediately started with a lot of intensity and despite a more or less equal game in the first half, our opponents created more openings and dangerous chances which led them to score 2 goals in the 20 first minutes.
We obtained 1 free kick after half an hour of play, nicely scored by Louise.
Just before the break, Standard created a great opportunity with a curling shot into the top corner on which Olatz could do nothing.
In the 2nd half, we suffered a 4th goal after 10 minutes. But Momo reduced the gap again 1 minute later. We were less organized defensively and unfortunately the opponent took direct advantage of this by scoring 3 additional goals.
Final score 7-2
Home game for our ladies 1 against the 1st in the league : RUS Loyers.
The game starts with them pressuring us in the first 5min and Olatz saving a great shot into the top corner with a firm touch. We take the lead after a good deep pass to Sophia (forward !) who beats the last defender and makes a brilliant pass on the left side to Rebecca, who had followed and finds herself alone at the second post, controls and shoots perfectly : 1 – 0 FCI !
We are dominating the game but despite that, they find the weak spot with a final tiki taka behind the defensive line. 1 – 1 with 15’ still to play in the first half.
The second half starts with Loyers being agressive and going after those 3 points. They score after a few minutes and take the lead. They will never lose it again, until the end of the game. Two more goals which push them directly through the victory and the solid 1st place in the ranking.
Final score : 1 – 4
Special mention to Sarah who struggled the whole game to follow their best player, number 17. Great job, thumbs up !
There was no disappoint this past weekend with a goal scoring rampage from the FC Irlande Ladies 1 team. A quick summary our scoring success:
Irlande ladies headed into the locker room at half with a 4-0. The energy and execution of skilful play wasn’t going to stop there. The practice and dedication would continue for the next 45.
This was yet again another amazing game for the FC Irlande Ladies 1 team. Somewhere along the way, the other team had one goal, but that happens. They played their game of football and dominated the possession game to ensure consistent and successful opportunities to attack. It was a beautiful game of football to watch.
First game of the season 2023 vs the dreadful white star team. We played against a very young, talented and technical team.
During the first half-time we put some time to be organised on the field in front of a team that attacked very well both sides of the field.
After that we began to play our game, we built more actions.
Unfortunately after 10 minutes we conceded the first goal. During the same half-time Momo’s unlucky header hit the crossbar.
The end of the first half ended with 1-0.
Auderghem’s players wanted to show their potential. The start of the second half was balanced on both sides. Unfortunately their number 31 scored her second goal.
The rest of the match wasn’t decisive for both teams.
Thanks to our coach Ben for your wonderful job as a ref!
This match closing the end of this first part of the season. See you in a few weeks for the first match of the 2024 season!
FCI Ladies I played their tenth league game on December 2 at home in Auderghem with a loss against Wallonia Club Sibret A.
During the first half, FCI struggled with its defensive organization, maintaining possession, and winning balls in the air. The defense held together until halfway through the half when SIbret broke through following a good shot from outside the box. The defensive confusion continued through the half, which ended 0-4 following three more well-worked goals from SIbret.
The team showed character in the second half, refusing to give up despite conceding an early goal to make it 0-5. Captain Sophia Müller pulled one back after FCI was awarded a penalty. Sibret got one more around the 65th minute. From then on, FCI dominated possession, winning multiple free kicks in SIbret’s defensive third. A second goal came through the follow-up runs on the Sibret keeper’s free-kick save. Despite hitting the crossbar once and a couple other close chances, the game finished 2-6.
On Sunday, November 26, FC Irlande Ladies I played its next league match against Cercle Sportif Andennais. With only four points difference, Andennais were only two places below FCI in the table, so this game was of high importance for both teams.
FC Irlande started the game well with a high share of possession. There were many good combination passes in the midfield, as well as switches from one side to another through the defense.
Although FCI dominated the game, Andennais had a good chance after 20 minutes. A long-range shot from around 20 meters against the crossbar almost gave Andennais the lead. However, both sides failed to score and the score remained 0-0 at half-time.
FCI continued to dominate the game in the second half. Despite a high number of good passes, there were no dangerous scoring chances for FCI. A couple of far distance shots from FCI were saved by the good goalkeeper from Andennais.
In the end, both teams were able to get a point, as the match ended without any goals.
Overall, FCI clearly dominated the game, making 255 successful passes, but were unable to score a goal.
The lights shined bright at home in Auderghem for an authoritative victory by FCI Ladies 1 over R. Union St-Gilloise A.
After kickoff, the FCI ladies defense absorbed initial USG pressure well and began to find great success in counter-attacks through the pace of Parker and Rebecca. A corner kick halfway through the first half saw Isabel collect the cleared ball and set it on a platter for Rebecca who bent it like Beckham into the far post’s side-netting. A little later, the USG keeper slipped on the wet pitch while receiving yet another back pass from her defense and staring down an oncoming Parker, who was then able to easily slot the ball in.
The second half began with the FCI ladies moving the ball better and holding posession. USG pulled one back at about the 75th minute thanks to an impressive bicycle kick in front of goal. USG’s late push for an equalizer, however, was no match for Olivia’s line-breaking pass, Mel’s speed down the left-wing, and Michele’s calm finish in the box to make it 3-1. The team’s collective defense saw out the rest of the match.
The only question remains is…where do we find the official after-match interviews of FCI captain Isabel and Coach Ben?
Saturday night prime time.. what dreams are made of. On Saturday evening, our Ladies I squad ventured out to take on Royal Football Club Liege for a frigid 8pm kickoff (which unfortunately was past Momo’s bedtime, hence her absence from this match).
Sure, some of the FCI ladies may have been feeling hunger pangs from the dinner they were missing, but, as a squad, they were even hungrier for a win after their two week match-hiatus. The start of the match reflected this hunger, as the ladies in green fought to dominate a pitch that was as wide as it was long. The first half was marked by the team finding their passing groove, with a series of penetrating passes from the Defensive Trio (Geani, Mich, and Isa) and Mid Trio (Sarah H, Olivia, and Magda) to the speeeedy wings (Mel and Rebecca). Meanwhile, our feisty strikers (Nawal and Ines) did what they could to be a nuisance for the opponents’ overloaded defense. Huge shout-out and kudos and love to our ever faithful goalkeeper (the one and only OlAtz) who put her body on the line on many an occasion to protect the goal—a commitment that ultimately earned her a yellow card. Also huge shout-out to Michele’s shoulder who took quite a beating when it collided with Olatz’s head. Nevertheless, despite matching (and dare I say, surpassing!) their opponents in level of play, FCI found themselves down 1-0 at the half after a goal off a corner kick (the exact details of which the author of this match report does not remember).
FCI came out in STRONG in the second half, challenging the opposition’s defense from the first minute. Shadia and Nikki came on to take over the offensive forces, and immediately made an impact with their dangerous combination play with the midfield. Nevertheless, the odds were not in FCI’s favor and the ball simply would not go into the opponent’s net, despite clear possession and play domination. A breakaway play by the opponents in the last minute may have crushed our hearts, but our spirits remain intact.
GO SPORTS!
In the context of a particularly intense home match pitting FC Ireland against Sporting du Pays de Charleroi, the atmosphere was electric from the kickoff. Charleroi began the game by dominating the first few minutes, but FC Ireland didn’t give up. Instead, they reorganized with incredible determination, invoking the war cry “Geronimo,” and held on to maintain the score at a draw until halftime.
At the 47th minute, Parker, like a heroine, delivered FC Ireland by scoring an unforgettable goal. The Irish team continued to display their ferocity on the field, and in the 67th minute, Parker shone again with a brilliant play that sent the fans into a frenzy.
However, injustice struck in the 79th minute when the referee awarded a free kick to Charleroi, even though the foul was questionable. This allowed Charleroi to narrow the gap. Nevertheless, FC Ireland didn’t give up and continued to fight until the very end.
Furthermore, Charleroi’s team attitude on the field was notable, with unsportsmanlike behaviors that sparked controversy. Their coach, shouting like a madman from the sidelines, only added to the intensity of the match.
In the end, the match concluded with a 2-2 score, but FC Ireland deserved much more than that result. They proved their strength and hope to take their revenge in the return match, once again showcasing their true fighting spirit.
Goals galore this weekend for Ladies 1. After a good start from Mons, with Irlande struggling to get into the game, Parker decided to take matters into her own hands pushing off one of the Mons defenders and nicely putting the ball in the net. After this Irlande started to find each other, creating more chances, with Momo beautifully scoring shortly after Parkers goal.
Mons managed to score from a long range freekick putting the team under pressure, making the score 1-2. However, the girls were not frightened, with Louise scoring a beautiful goal from a shot outside the box within two minutes of Mons’ goal. It was a weekend of worldies for Irlande, with Parker and Momo also scoring nice long-range goals in the first half.
Irlande started the second half like they ended the first, fighting for each other, creating nice chances, and scoring goals. They kept focus, not letting the score affect the way they played. However, after one of our centre-backs caught the ball in the penalty box, it gave Mons a goal from a penalty. Nevertheless, the team did not give Mons the opportunity to come back into the game with a great defensive display from the Irlande backline. The game was topped off with Parker perfectly executing a step-over and scoring in a 1v1 with the goalkeeper, a step-over we have so often practiced in training.
Overall, it was a great game for Irlande, with the defence being solid and the attack managing to find each other very well and scoring plenty of goals.
On a cool evening at Auderghem, FC Irlande faced a tough match against Standard C Liege. The game began with intensity, both teams establishing their formations and battling for control. Dounia’s nimble footwork was quickly put to the test, earning a free kick that set the tone for a game full of opportunities.
FC Irlande displayed remarkable teamwork, with strategic plays that resulted in Momo capitalizing on a well-timed assist from Mel – 1:1. Everything is up for grabs again. The teams went into halftime tied, with Irlande’s defensive strategy honed in on containing Liege’s strategic offense.
The second half saw Liege stepping up their game, breaking through with two goals despite Irlande’s resilient defense. FC Irlande continued to fight back, creating chances and pushing for a comeback, but Liege’s defense stood firm.
Despite resolute defense and a spirited offensive, Liege’s physicality tipped the balance, netting two additional goals in the second half, finalizing a 3-1 victory. FC Irlande, although not triumphant, can hold heads high, having delivered an admirable performance against a tough opponent.
FC Irlande began in a 4-5-1 and Sainte Ode began in a 4-3-3 with very high wingers.
1530 Game start with Irlande defending into a strong wind and Sainte Ode defending a goal full of mud. Sainte Ode plays an early through ball centrally that Olatz charges forward to clear to our right wing.
Generally, our defense is connecting well. Both FBs have shown pace and good instincts to cut out the oppositions passes.
12 min- Goal FC Irlande- Momo (8) scores a beautiful free-kick from ~40m- lofting a driven ball over a three-woman wall to the far-post upper corner of the goal.
14 min- Goal Sainte Ode- Opposing #10 plays a long lofted around the four woman wall to the far-post. Olatz jumps to save, but the ball pushes past her fingertips.
Half-time: We handled well the heavy wind and ensuing pressure from Sainte Ode. Ines has had an amazing match with ~10 smothers of clear chances to the opposing 11 or 3 and some great overlapping runs up the pitch. Violette has been very strong in the 3 with several defensive headers to cut through passes and not been beaten by a single play.
50 min- Goal FC Irlande- Nawal (8) checks to Ines (7) to receive and uses a good skill move to turn upfield against the defending 6. She plays a diagonal through ball behind the 5 who has stepped to her putting Momo (8) in on goal. Momo holds off the opposing 4 and chips the charging keeper calmly to score.
56 min- Goal FC Irlande- Parker (9) checks onto a through ball from Mel (7) and drives a central cross. Nawal (8) heads the cross through to Ines (11) who collects and calmly dribbles with back to goal in the box. AJ overlaps inside and is played in 1v1 with the keeper. AJ lays a slotted shot to the far post low on the keepers left.
60 min- Goal Sainte Ode- Handball penalty against AJ (6) at the edge of our penalty area. Shot is driven low and to the keepers right. The goal is a muddy mess, and Olatz doesn’t get a touch.
81 min- Goal Sainte Ode- through ball from the opposing 7 put Sainte Ode 1v1 with Olatz (1). Olatz makes a slap save to her left and low, but the ball is spilled directly in the path of the attacker who scores.
Full Time- 3-3. Sainte Ode fans are cheering like they won the match, and we can’t help but feel like we left points on the table. This always seemed like a weekend that we needed to survive with so many injuries, sicknesses, and last minute cancellations, then the weather and calls seeming to go against us. Throughout the day, most of the team was playing in unfamiliar positions and handled well their responsibilities and attitude.
For their second game of the season, first one away, the ladies in green went with a full squad to Loyers, to play one of the toughest and most technically skillful teams of the league. Sarah brilliantly covered their best player giving her no room to breathe. Parker challenged their defense accompanied by Louise and Cintia. Momo and Magda kept a tight midfield, allowing no passes through. Isa, Geanni, Michel and Rebecca in the defensive line took Loyers’ attacks apart and didn’t let them through. Yet, in spite of keeping a tight formation and having a couple of great shots, the ladies ended up the first half losing 4-0.
Thanks to the great coaching and words of encouragement from Ben and Hélène, the ladies went onto play the second half with renewed forces and a clear strategy in mind. The ladies played their beautiful game and gave loyers a very hard time, scoring not one (Parker), not two (Mel) but three (Parker) goals! Goes without saying also thanks to the timely additions of Mel, Nawal, Priscila and Lilly who helped the team to push harder and end with a great 4-3 score.
All in all, one of those matches the ladies can be proud of despite not bringing the 3 points home. Shout out, to the amazing ladies who came to complete the squad even having played a previous match on the same day. And to our supporters, especially to the youngest and MVP, Sutton.
Sunny and warm, very warm, day at Auderghem to play the first game of the season of our LADIES I against CS PAYS VERT OSTICHES-ATH, champion of P1 last year and recently promoted to D2.
We had some fresh faces out there – Rebecca, our new central defender, who will definitely become a brick wall this season, and we welcomed back Nawal and Geani after a season break from FCI. It’s great to have them back on board !
Our Girls in Green started strong, but CS PAYS VERT OSTICHES-ATH brought some serious game too. They were building up some good actions until FC Irlande decided to show their magic. Louise stole the spotlight with a stunning long shot, earning the team their first goal. Momo made it two with a penalty shot after Mel was tripped in the box. In the second half, Mel worked her magic again, scoring the third goal for the girls in green.
Our ladies fought till the very last minute, and they shut it down with a clean sheet.
And let’s not forget to give a shoutout to the fantastic new coaches, Ben and Helene; they’re doing a stellar job.
Exciting season for our ladies 1 ! See you next Saturday at Loyers !!