R Ixelles SC B

On Friday, 31 January, FC Irlande Ladies III faces R. Ixelles SCB, in a crucial match for the future of the season.

FCI starts the match with a plan: stay defensively compact for the first part of the first half and study the opponent. In the first minutes of the game, the plan seems to work. FCI keeps the ball in possession and stays in the Ixelles’ defensive half of the pitch. However, with time passing by, Ixelles gains confidence and hurts FCI with rapid and well-managed counterattacks. During one of these counterattacks, Ixelles goes close to scoring but a providential run and intervention by Alicia stops the ball on the line. FCI has the opportunity to score thanks to an indirect free kick, however, the team does not make the most out of it. In contrast, Ixelles makes the most out of a free kick given to it and opens the score. The first half ends with the result of 1-0.

For the second half, FCI puts all its determination into the field to score the equaliser. Twice, FCI goes close to scoring: the first chance comes from a shot by Clém that hits the post; the second chance comes from Beaty’s foot, her shot from the edge of the box finishes over the bar. FCI does not worry Ixelles any further while defending neatly. The match ends 1-0.

A defeat that hurt and, once again, made us understand how high the level of this league is. As has happened multiple times in the previous seasons, the pressure was maybe the first opponent of FCI to perform well and take home the necessary points to continue fighting not to be relegated. The only thing to do is to do our best in all the remaining matches of the season without thinking about the future.

Player of the match: Clémence

On Sunday, 29 September, FCI Ladies III welcomes R. Ixelles, one of our direct opponents for the relegation battle, for the second match at home. A match full of changes for FCI: pivotal players missing, different initial formation and white jerseys.

FCI starts the game with 4-3-3. However, the new formation does not give the desired results bringing confusion to FCI’s midfield and positions overlapping. This also means that Ixelles takes control of the game and creates quite a few problems for FCI’s backline. Going back to the usual formation allows FCI to become more solid and organised finding the first goal-scoring opportunity of the match with Roxanne. Despite FCI’s improvement after the change in the formation, Ixelles shows great quality in ball possession and circulation. The first half ends 0-0.

Both teams start the second half determined to find the winning goal. Ixelles is the fastest and at 55’ finds the space to score the 1-0 goal. FCI cannot let this match go and with determination scores the equaliser with Roxanne, that registers her second goal of the season, assisted by Hanna. The last minutes are a continuous back-and-forth attempting to score the decisive goal while avoiding conceding again. The match ends with a 1-1 draw.

This match taught us that the team that is currently sharing with us the bottom of the table is remarkably good, especially, in ball control and circulation. We should have remained calmer and taken advantage of their uncertainty in defence. The equaliser is a huge relief considering the difference in the amount of goal-scoring opportunities created. This match also taught us that we look good in white.

Player of the match: Roxanne