TAFA Football – First three games
After multiple weeks of training, we finally were able to have our first game for TAFA. We were playing the Lions, which are an adult team who play together a few times per week. I have played the Lions before with OSC, and was aware that all of their players were technically gifted, but not as physically in shape.
We lined up for the game in a 4-2-3-1 shape, where I played on the left wing in the 3. The start of the game was fruitful for us, as we were enjoying the majority of the possession and getting into good advanced areas. However, pushing too many bodies forward in search of our opening goal left our defenders isolated, and their striker scored a counter attacking goal from our mistake. The second period started off with a mistake from a corner leading to a free header for them. This kickstarted our fightback, as from then on we dominated every aspect of the game. Unfortunately, I picked up a calf injury, and it was extremely painful to have to sit out the rest of the match. We created tons of chances, but were just not clinical at all in front of goal. The game was a good learning experience, and we used it to prepare for our next game the following week.
Our next game was against a school called Alethea. We lined up for the game differently, due to numerous injuries. The first half was the same story of the previous game. We were dominant in possession, but could not muster a goal. The second half started excellently, with striker Luca scoring a lovely finish cutting in from the left, and Iason then striking a fine volley into the top right corner. However, we were soon put under the pump when Ryan hurt his foot, and his replacement Lani injured his shoulder almost immediately after getting substituted on to the pitch. With Kaalep already out for the game with a wrist injury, we did not have any more defensive options. I had to fill in at center back alongside Teague, an uncomfortable position for me. The final 15 minutes of the game felt like an absolute eternity for our team. The Colombo afternoon heat was belting down on us, and numerous losses in possession from midfield left Teague and I vulnerable at the back against an energetic Alethea outfit. Thankfully, we were able to just about hold on, and win the game 2-1. I was extremely thankful to Teague for helping me, as a makeshift center back. He organized the back line very well and made smart reads on numerous occasions. Our partnership towards the end was key to us holding on to win the match.
LO5 Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Our third game was against another club called Renown. The game was on a much smaller field, so we knew goals would be plentiful. Almost immediately, we committed too many bodies forward from our own corner, and they capitalized to score and fine goal on the break. We turned this around almost immediately, as Moussa tapped in courtesy of Iason’s darting run into the box and cut back. Moussa then one upped himself, scoring a screamer from 35+ yards out.
Moussa getting ready to line one up from 35 yards
In the second half we continued our dominance, and despite conceding again Sam scored once from a deflected cross, and once from my through ball to give us a 4-2 lead. Despite this assist, I missed a few quality chances and should have given the team a bigger lead. We eventually held on for a solid 4-3 win, but we still felt we could do better. At the end, we were left ruing missed chances, and defensive errors, that could have left us with a more than comfortable win.
Upon analysis of my personal performance in these matches, I think that I could have been much better. My positional versatility was good and helped the team a lot, but I struggled to become fully comfortable in any of the positions because of it. I had some good moments of creativity and attacking intent as a winger, but overall was too passive and not nearly as clinical as I would like. Moving forward, I need to improve my ability to read the opposition’s back line, while also being more clinical in front of goal.
LO1 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Unfortunately due to the COVID situation following Sinhala & Tamil New Year, we will not be able to play any more matches this term. It is disappointing, but I am grateful for the opportunity to play competitive sports at a time like this.