RFC Saint-Michel B

This past Sunday, FC Irlande Ladies III faced off against Saint Michel in a highly anticipated and hard-fought encounter, under the first signs of spring in Belgium. The team took to the field with renewed energy and a revamped tactical setup, lining up in a 4-4-2 formation—a change that saw some players revisiting roles they hadn’t occupied since their teenage years.

FC Irlande started the match strongly, displaying good organization and discipline. The team successfully contained Saint Michel’s early attacks and looked to open up play along the wings, in line with the strategic instructions from coaches Kevin and Eli.

As the first half progressed, Saint Michel increased the tempo and forced FC Irlande into an intense defensive effort. Despite the pressure, the team held firm and went into halftime still very much in the game.

Returning from the break with determination, FC Irlande focused on neutralizing Saint Michel’s key attacking threats—namely, players number 18 and 40—while also looking for opportunities to strike on the counter. However, Saint Michel’s persistent runs in behind the defence eventually paid off, with two goals scored during the second half.

Despite the setback, FC Irlande continued to push forward, notably through the efforts of Beaty, Roxanne, and Viktorija. Karissa contributed with several long and accurate throw-ins, reminiscent of American football, adding a unique dynamic to the attack.

Even with the attentive support of their loyal four-legged fans, Nala and Cafezinho, who watched every moment from the sidelines, the result was not in FC Irlande’s favour this time, the team left the pitch with determination intact and the desire to give their all for the remainder of the season—always with a focus on teamwork, growth, and enjoyment.

Player of the match: Roxanne

On Saturday, 16 November, FC Irlande Ladies III faces RFC Saint-Michel.

The match starts on the wrong foot for FCI. Taking advantage of an FCI’s distraction, Saint-Michel finds the right space to cut the defensive line and scores the opening goal after only two minutes. This immediate goal does not demoralise FCI. The speed of the three attacking players, Beaty, Ida and Roxanne presents a danger for Saint-Michel’s defence allowing FCI to arrive at the opponent’s penalty area easily but, as in previous matches, a determined shot towards the goal is missing. A loose ball in the penalty area does not find a decisive deflection or touch to outwit the goalie and equalise the match. Goal missed, goal taken: from a corner kick, Saint-Michel scores the second goal at 30’. Despite FCI’s offensive effort, the first half ends 2-0.

Encouraged by the good performance of the first part of the match, FCI enters the pitch for the second half motivated to worry Saint-Michel and score. For the entire half, FCI puts constantly under pressure the opponent aiming to score the goal that would re-open the match. An excellent through ball that puts Clémence alone in front of the goalie but the shot is too central to pass. The massive effort and performance of the second half does not pay off and the 2-0 result closes the match.

Overall it was a positive match for the team that played with an unusual offensive proactivity

and for the first time in a long time, we had more chances to score than the opponent. Sadly, goals are still missing, so becoming more clinical and cold in front of the goal is essential. Ladies II victory, dogs, pizza and love stories cheer up part of the team in post-match.

Player (s) of the match: Alex and Sophie