RCS Brainois A

On a frosty Saturday night, FCI Ladies III travelled to Braine-l’Alleud to play against one of the top teams in the league. We knew it was never going to be an easy match, especially given our small squad, but nevertheless, our 12 winter soldiers were determined to show their best game.

R.C.S Branois start the match strong and create danger with their skilful attackers. The strongest of them is able to dribble through FCI’s midfield and defence to score the first goal for the hosts. Despite this cold shower, FCI keeps calm and builds its own game and keeps the opposition away from other dangerous occasions. The first half is very even and FCI finds some good combinations in attacking too, especially on the right wing with Beaty and Lola.  No more goals are scored so the first half ends on 1-0.

In the second half, FCI is bringing even more danger in the attacking zone while some important saves by Marina are keeping FCI in the game and giving us the much-needed confidence for our defensive phase. Even in corners, FCI is managing to clear the situation quickly, notably with Maz clearing one with a header. However, towards the 70^’ R.C.S. Branois manages to score their second goal of the evening. FCI is now facing a steep uphill climb but, despite having only one sub, the team is pushing even harder towards the end. The pressure is mounting for the Branois who are now scrambling to clear the danger from their goal area, especially after the impressively long throw-ins by Karissa.  A freekick from Sandra creates a big commotion by the goal but FCI does not manage to kick the ball in and in one of the last actions Julia, Lola and Clemence are bringing the ball up but end up too close to the goalkeeper. The match ends 2-0.

While we lost, the match showed again that we can create danger against the top teams and keep the game even. The goals are still not there but if we keep on playing like this (and training in attacking phases), they will eventually come. Everyone gave their 150% on the pitch and outside of it (huge thanks to Antoine and Angela for braving the cold to be there) and we had fun playing together which shows: when even the opposition coach wants to compliment the team and say, “your ranking does not reflect your level”, we are definitely going to the right direction.

At the end of the cold and eventful evening, we also got some gingerbreads and “best sandwiches yet” before heading home. And as it was heard on our bench right after the match, “there’s always le match retour”.

Player of the Match: Beaty