RC Villers La Ville

For Valentine’s Day, FCI Ladies 3 had a date with Villers-la-Ville, in a romantic setting close to the Abbey.

Prepared to fight and hoping to walk away with points, they started the game full of energy. Unfortunately, a very good cross from the opposition was skilfully converted into a goal early in the game, putting the score 1-0 in favour of the locals. Soon after came another goal for Villers, a strong shot from just outside the box that found the net. The best chance in the first half for FCI came from a shot by Clemence which ended in the hands of the goalie. A third goal against came from a corner, and FCI found themselves down 3-0 by the end of the first half.

Determined to improve this result, and following tactical instructions from the coach, FCI started the second half pressing higher and closer, managing to win duels and create more chances for wingers. A lovely pass from Eva found a quick Roxanne who won the ball in a promising action before being taken down by the opposition in a fault that got them a yellow. Villers continued to show their tactical strength creating dangerous opportunities, but Marina was superb denying them a few clear one-to-ones. A fourth goal for Villers came from a good build-up and a strong shot. FCI continued their pressing and this earned them a kick from outside the box, which Lola took, scoring an incredible goal from what seemed like an impossible angle!

While the result was a tough one for FCI with a 4-1 against, there were many positives: good job by the defenders in maintaining the line and forcing an offside for the other team on several occasions, composure protecting the ball and winning throw-ins, a combative middle that won duels, a huge improvement in the second half, and strong team commitment from the all the players. Shoutout to those who braved sickness and injury to show up for this tough match.

Player of the match: Eliana

On Sunday, 13 October, FC Irlande Ladies III faced  RC Villers La Ville for another exciting home game.

Villers La Ville kicks off the match and starts playing with an offensive attitude. Unlike the recent matches, FCI has a more propositional attacking phase and manages to build a more organised ball control and network of passes. The most promising scoring opportunity arises from a corner kicked by Beaty: the ball bouncing in front of the goal is not decisively pushed into the goal by any FCI player. In defence, despite some imperfections, FCI maintains a clean sheet in the first half that so ends with the result of 0-0.

The second half starts with FCI in possession of the ball. The team does not lose the attacking inclination seen in the first half and brings the ball into the opponent’s penalty area but again a decisive touch is what is missing. Villers La Ville is also determined to score the opening goal and succeeds at 69’. Soon after, Clémence has the ball for the equaliser but the opponent’s goalie stops the shot. In an effort to equalise the match, FCI pushes forward. As a consequence, the team concedes space in its defensive half of the pitch to the opponent. Villers La Ville capitalises on this concession scoring at 84’ and 86’, closing the match with the result of 3-0.

The end score might be a too severe punishment for the performance of the team that showed more attacking initiative and better organisation compared to the last matches played. An even more severe punishment was the impossibility of petting the cutest dog ever at the end of the game due to the defeat.

Player of the match: Beaty