R.FC. de Liège A

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.

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!