FC Irlande Ladies 3

In the misty Chaumont-Gistoux, FC Irlande Ladies III faces Ronvau Chaumont.

The match doesn’t start in the best way for FCI. The team struggles to control the ball and to evade the pressure of the opponent. This translates into the advantage goal for Ronvau Chaumont at the 9’. FCI fails in taking effective countermeasures to stop Ronvau Chaumont, which, thanks to its aggressiveness and physicality, keeps the game under its control. At the 30’ and 34’, Ronvau scores the second and third goals of the match. The first half ends with a clear 3-0.

Despite the challenging match, FCI wants to enter the pitch for the second half to keep fighting. Despite still being put under pressure and kept in the defensive half of the pitch, the team blocks Ronvau’s attacks more successfully and doesn’t concede any other goals. In the offensive phase, some attacking actions are produced, but not very dangerous enough to worry the opponent’s defence. And as in the first half, the match ends 3-0.

Like the match against RUA, this match gives last season flashbacks. A team forced to defend for most of the match, and with a few sporadic attacking actions. The break from matches will be fundamental to improvement on the weaknesses we showed and building on our strengths.

The match against Royal Union Auderghem, played by FC Irlande Ladies III, closes the Brussels derby weekend.

FCI starts the match in possession of the ball. From the first minutes, FCI suffers from the aggressiveness and pressure of RUA and fails to play its game. RUA breaches multiple times FCI’s defence and, at the 20’, opens the scoring. FCI reacts and, in a few minutes, has two clear scoring changes to equalise. Soon, RUA takes back control of the game and by the end of the first half doubles its lead. The first half ends 2-0.

After the last two matches’ experience, FCI players are aware is possible to overturn the first half score. RUA starts the second half with the same intensity, while FCI, despite the effort, struggles to find space to create the opportunity to reopen the match. At the 76’, RUA scores the final goal that closed the match with a result of 3-0.

Not the match we expected to play that ended with a disappointing result. Now, the only thing we can do is to understand our mistakes and understand how we can work on them, still aware of our value and strength.

After the long winter break, FC Irlande Ladies comes back on the pitch against RCS Nivellois.

The teams start strongly, aware that the match is a good opportunity to get some points. In the first minutes, FCI is more effective in putting pressure on the opponent’s defence, and it is thanks to this tactic that the first goal of the match is created at the 9’. Sophie steals the ball from a Nivelloios defender, enters the penalty box and puts the ball in the middle, and Zoe, left alone by the defence, finds the back of the net. However, the advantage is short-lived. At 12’, Nivellois well uses a free-kick and pierces a not perfectly-positioned FCI. FCI keeps its head up and tries to find the space on the wings to launch Sophie and Viktorija. 20 minutes later, Nivellois finds the second goal and is now winning the match. FCI goes close to the equaliser, but a wonderful shot from Viktorija is stopped by the post. At 45’, Nivellois nets another goal, making the result 1-3.

Despite the good performance of the first half, FCI is 3-1 down, but as the last match of 2025 taught us, it is feasible to come up from 2-0 down. The second half begins, and after a few minutes, Zoe scores the goal that reopens the game. 10 minutes have passed from this goal, and Nivellois scores its fourth goal, presumably, closing the match. For FCI players, the match still has a lot to say, and in two minutes, between the 71’ and 73’, they equalise the score. First, Eli delivers a perfect through ball for Zoe, who only needs to slightly touch the ball to score and then Zoe, with her head, arrives on a deflected cross. From then on, the two teams attempt to hurt each other but unsuccessfully. The clearest occasion to score arrives on the feet of Eli, whose beautiful shot ends over the bar. The match ends with the electrifying result of 4-4.

The new year brought to FCI a brand-new striker (not that we needed one) and the confirmation that we can have many flaws, but for sure, we are not quitters. If we keep the good work and attitude, we can have a really interesting and exciting second part of the season.

At Waterloo, FC Irlande did not surrender.

On the Waterloo battlefield, FC Irlande Ladies III faced Racing Club de Waterloo for an epic match and an electrifying midseason finale.

Waterloo kicks off the match and does it strongly. After not even 10 minutes, the home team is 2-0 up, with FCI unable to contain their attack. Despite this shocking start, FCI composes itself and finds the strength to react, knowing that it is not defeated yet and the battle is far from over. Action after action, the team improves the quality of its game, becomes more compact in defence and more precise in attack. At 42’, Marina assists with a header El, who keeps her cool in front of the goalie and puts the ball into the back of the net after it hits the crossbar. A few minutes later, Marina tries to find the equaliser, but her shot goes over the crossbar. First half finishes 2-1 for Waterloo.

The goal at the end of the first half galvanises FCI players, certain that the match still has a lot to say and a victory is still possible. Three minutes into the second half, a beautiful through ball from Marina launches Sophie, who, 1vs1 with the goalkeeper, cannot miss the chance to score her first goal for FCI. FCI did not come to Waterloo to equalise and keeps on pressuring the opponent. At 68’, Roxanne’s throw-in finishes on the arm of a Waterloo player; the referee does not have any doubts: penalty for FCI. Marina, confident in her abilities, steps up to kick the penalty and, with calmness, scores the goal of the overtaking. The remuntada is finalised at the 80’, another goal from Marina assisted in the penalty area by El. Waterloo reacts and creates a few scoring chances at the end of the second half, notably a free kick from the edge of the box, which is successfully neutralised by FCI.

Waterloo tried to hold us back, but we were stronger. We showed that we can win, but more importantly, we proved an incredible mental strength and confidence in our means. We can proudly say we have a perfect away winning streak. Now, for the second half of the season, we have to learn to win at home.

Under the watchful eye of the Waterloo Lion, FC Irlande Ladies III faced RCS Brainois in a match shaping up to be tight and engaging. 

Brainois starts the match in possession of the ball and reveals from the first actions its trump card: long balls to cut FCI’s midfield and defence, putting Brainois’ strikers in front of the goalie. However, FCI’s defence is constantly vigilant and prevents any major danger posed by this threat. In attack, FCI understands that Brainois’ defence is prone to mistakes under pressure, and as the minutes pass by, the team gets closer and closer to the goal. At 37’, Roxanne delivers a corner kick into the penalty area; at first, Brainois seems to clear the ball, but Gabi, turning her back to the goal, plays it back into the mix. The ball arrives at Clémence, who kicks it. The goalie initially catches the ball, but it slips from her grasp while Marina is there, lurking and ready to put the ball in the net. Brainois comes close to scoring the equaliser from a free-kick from the edge of the box, but Ana stops the shot. The first half ends 1-0 in favour of FCI. 

More rain and wind welcome the teams for the second half. Despite a good first half, FCI is aware that the match is still open, and Brainois will fight for a comeback. FCI gives the kick-off for the second half, but Brainois fields the ball and tries another unsuccessful long ball to break through FCI’s defence. Ten minutes into the second half, FCI is awarded a penalty. El steps up to take the shot, but the goalie neutralises it. Her moment of glory is short-lived: putting the ball back into play with her hands, she is not precise, and the ball ends up on Eli’s feet, who instinctively kicks it and scores a Puskas award-winning goal. 2-0 down, Brainois does not give up and becomes more aggressive and intense in the effort to get back into the game. FCI keeps it together and stops Brainois from creating any goal-scoring opportunities. FCI also has a chance to score the third goal with Marina, but her shot is deflected out for a corner. At the final whistle, the scoreboard says Brainois 0 – FCI 2. 

Not an easy game on paper, but the reality showed that winning was within our reach because everyone on the pitch knew what to do and did it excellently.

On a glacial Sunday, FCI faces FC Lions Leopold Uccle, second in the league ranking.

FC Lions Leopold Uccle starts the game in possession of the ball. The first chance to score is for FCI: a long throw-in reaches Marina, whose long-range shot from outside the penalty area strikes the crossbar. However, Leopold Uccle is not shy in the attacking phase and, with its quality, attempts to break through FCI defensive lines. At 18’, thanks to a free-kick from the edge of the box, Uccle scores the 1-0 goal. FCI continues playing without losing heart. It defends well without conceding too much space to the opponent’s strikers, but it fails to capitalise on the defensive mistakes and hesitations of Uccle. The first half ends 1-0 for Uccle.

The referee blows the whistle for the start of the second half. FCI players stay compact and composed, aiming to control Uccle’s game and increase the accuracy of their attacks. Uccle has the chance to double its lead thanks to a penalty. However, the opponent kicks it straight into Ana’s arms. The failed penalty seems to revitalise FCI players who find the last source of energy in the attempt to score the equaliser. The last ten minutes of the match are electrifying. Victorija finds herself one-on-one with the goalie, beating her; only the post denies her the goal. Moments later, Marina, with her ball control, creates the space to shoot; however, the goalie flies and blocks her effort. This concludes the match with the result of 0-1.

This is the second consecutive match that we have lost 1-0, leaving us with mixed feelings. On one hand, we are disappointed because both losses were due to small details. On the other hand, we are proud of how we played and what we showed on the pitch.

The highly anticipated derby between FC Irlande Ladies III and Royal Union Auderghem took place on Sunday, 16 November, months after the summer friendly match.

FCI enters the pitch motivated to demonstrate that the previous results against RUA did not reflect the value of the team and the progress made in these months. FCI starts the game with intensity, putting pressure on the opponent and preventing them from creating dangerous scoring actions. The teams are equivalent and incapable of breaking through the respective defences. At 36’, a cross from RUA’s right wing becomes a goal-scoring chance that RUA uses to open the scoring. FCI knows that the match is not over and continues playing its game. RUA defends well and does not concede enough space to FCI to find the goal. The first half finished 0-1.

In the second half, FCI gives everything to equalise. FCI does not suffer too much in defence, at the same time, struggles to create effective attacking actions against an opponent that can maintain its composure, fight for every ball and defend in an orderly manner. The clearest opportunity to score comes from a shot by Anna that the opponent’s goalie blocks. The match ends 1-0 for RUA.

Although the result of this match was extremely disappointing, we should be proud of our performance, effort and of the massive difference compared to this summer’s friendly.

FC Irlande Ladies III, for the second time this season, heads to Nivelles for a Saturday afternoon match, one of those matches that has one possible result: a win. 

FCI starts the match fully aware of the need for goals, and immediately puts Nivellois under pressure. Just five minutes in, FCI pierces Nivellois’ defence. Karissa’s long throw-in reaches Marina in the penalty box, who stops the ball and puts it in the back of the net. Following this opening goal, the first half becomes an endless series of goal-scoring changes and offside calls. A one-way match in which FCI struggles to put the result beyond doubt. While Nivellois is unable to pose a real threat to the FCI defence, the narrow margin could lead to an undeserved draw due to a small mistake.  

For the second half, FCI has to continue its good performance, increasing the level of precision in front of the goal. At 48’, a perfectly delivered corner from El is converted into a goal by Alex B.. This goal takes the pressure off the team, which now plays as it has never played before. Ten minutes later, Viktorija, assisted by Alex B., dribbles the goalie and scores into the empty goal from a tight angle. The momentum continues as Roxanne plays the through ball that puts El in front of the goal, who finishes it. A few minutes later, Roxanne assists again another goal, this time, for Marina. At 80’, Marina completes her hat-trick, thanks to the assist of Anna. The seventh and final goal arrives five minutes before the final whistle when El’s excellent corner finds Gabi, who fires it in. In the last minutes of the match, a through ball cutting the FCI defence gives the chance to Nivellois striker to go 1v1 against Ana; however, Alex recovers her thanks to her speed and preserves the clean sheet. At the final whistle, the scoreboard says 7-0 for FCI. 

This match report cannot contain all the actions and goal-scoring opportunities we created. With a bit more luck and fewer offside calls, we could have easily gone into double figures. On paper, this match against RCS Nivellois C was an easy job. However, we know how much we have struggled to obtain good results against opponents within our reach. The final score reflects both technical and mental growth. We had one job and we delivered it perfectly without getting too nervous and feeling too much pressure.

Sunday’s match against Maccabi Brussels started in a promising way for FC Irlande Ladies III. After some heavy rain during training, we actually got some sun, and within the first minutes, Marina had attempted two impressive bicycle kicks, one of which was not far off the goal. However, it would be Maccabi to open the score, and FCI went down. The team fought back courageously and levelled thanks to a nice goal from Marina. Unfortunately, Maccabi were skilful and dangerous in their counter-attacks, and they scored two more. A beautiful back post shot from Viktorija ensured we went into halftime 2-3, and with high spirits of turning the game around.

In the second half, FCI was aggressive and looking for the equaliser, which came thanks to a perfect low shot from Viktorija. They were hungry for more and looked like they were going to get it. But thanks to another counter-attack, Maccabi scored the last goal of the match, and FCI suffered the first defeat of the season.

Still, many positives to take from this match: our tenacity to come back twice, our attack looking more fluid, and some very nice pictures taken by Maccabi and shared with us.

Now, all our focus goes into preparing for our next match with a busy November schedule.

On Sunday, 5 October, FC Irlande Ladies III players put their football boots back on the Auderghem pitch for the first home game of the season against the leader of the table, FC Ronvau Chaumont. A match that promises to be tough, with both teams galvanised by their start in the league. 

Ronvau Chaumont touches the first ball and starts the match. From the first minutes, we witness an extremely balanced match. Neither of the two teams is able to get control of the game, and most of the actions are settled in midfield battles or a ping-pong between the two defences. The teams are unsuccessful in breaching the defensive lines, with the attacking players failing to create major goal-scoring opportunities, except for an attempt from Marina, who tries a sliding kick that finishes outside. Towards the end of the first half, FCI is awarded a free-kick that Sabri majestically delivers right in the middle of the penalty area, where the flying Catalan, Marina, anticipates the goalie and sends the ball at the back of the net. This goal allows FCI to close the first half with a 1-0 result.

Ronvau Chaumont enters the pitch for the second half with an aggressive manner. The opponent, now 1-0 down, knows that it has to do more to worry FCI’s defence and score. That is when a defensive inattention lets a through ball pass, leading to the equaliser goal for Ronvau Chaumont. After that goal, the match resumes the trend of the first half, challenges all over the pitch, with the teams failing to hurt each other and find the goal that means victory. The match ends 1-1.

As against Nivellois, also this week’s match was physical and intense. Probably due to the strength of the opponent, we were unable to find enough space in front to score the second goal. It remains an important point against the leader of the table that had won all their matches before this Sunday. Ladies I and Ladies II players were instrumental in achieving this result.

After almost two months of intense training, FC Irlande Ladies III finally kicks off its season. Away in Nivelles, FCI is ready to put all its spirit on the pitch and to fight for 90’.

FCI starts the match in possession of the ball, and from the first actions, it is clear that the team has its head in the game, playing tight and vigorously. At the 21’, following a throw-in, Anna controls the ball at the edge of the penalty area, crosses it in the middle and finds Viktorija, who, with her speed and ball control, skips the goalie and scores against an empty goal, despite being chased by three defenders. In the first part of the first half, everything goes smoothly. But as time passes by, Nivellois emerges and becomes dangerous. First, a cross that seems destined to go out hits the crossbar, and it is put back into play. However, FCI defenders are faster than the opponent to arrive at the ball and kick it away. At the 42’, Nivellois finds the equaliser when a cross coming from the right side of the pitch is converted into a goal by the Nivellois striker lurking in the penalty area. In the closing minutes of the first half, Nivellois goes close to overtaking: an unpredictable bouncing ball takes by surprise FCI players who, fast to react, stop the ball on the line twice in a few seconds. The first half ends 1-1.

The overall good performance of the first half makes FCI restart the match confident that obtaining a positive result is possible by playing intensively but calmly. At the 64’, Roxanne, putting pressure on the Nivellois defender, steals the ball inside the penalty area and, with her left foot, finds the perfect curve to edge out the goalie. 2-1 for FCI that wants to keep on pushing to find more goals. With one of their usual runs on the left side, Viktorija finds Eli well-positioned at the edge of the box. Eli takes the ball and shoots, but her shot finishes outside, caressing the post. From now on, the match becomes more intense, tense and aggressive. Nivellois fights back and is determined to find the equaliser again. At the 88’, Nivellois finds it. A killing-spirit goal…but not for FCI, that with the last source of energy runs on the left wing with Viktorija, crosses in the penalty box for Roxanne, who puts down the ball, pressured by two opponent defenders, touches the ball enough to find Eli, who rapidly shoots and scores the goal that ends the match. At the final whistle, the scoresheet says 3-2 for FCI.

1 match, 3 points… what more to say? All three goals scored were marvellous, requiring quality and above all, willfulness. The season in front of us is still long, and we know that it won’t be easy, but this first match and three points give us awareness of the role we can play in this league.

Forecast for September 2025 ✨

The full moon is a time to let go of anything that doesn’t serve you. Every month, we have an opportunity to identify the things we need to release and leave in the past so that we can dedicate our energy on pursuits that are more aligned with where we are going. On September 7, we had both a full moon and a lunar eclipse, which often signifies a turning point. This lunar eclipse in Pisces had a particular focus on intuition, letting go, and spiritual/emotional release.

In the wake of this full moon, FCI L3 decided once and for all that it was time for our winless streak to come to an end. We have another week to shed the elements we don’t want to carry into this next season. This creates a clean start for us to start manifesting the season we know we deserve with the new moon on September 21. On the same date, we will also experience a lunar eclipse in Virgo, offering a fresh start in the areas of service, work, health, perfection, and routines. While eclipse vibes add unpredictability and intensify the shift, we know one thing for sure – the FCI Ladies III team is on track to have a fun and exciting 2025/26 season.