SFSF: Newly promoted Moamoa took on the might of Sogi in the GM Bakery Cup last weekend in round 3 action and for ¾ of the match they gave as much as they got. Sogi faced a determined Moamoa outfit looking to cause the first big upset of the season and in an entertaining opening period, they matched the Cup holders stride for stride.
In an end to end encounter both sides missed good opportunities but Setufanu and Tokuma in the Moamoa and Sogi goals respectively kept a clean sheet until right on half time. In a typical Sogi fast break the ball finally found Lene who unleashed an unstoppable right foot shot from just outside of the penalty area as he bore in on the right side. 1-0 to Sogi at the break and an exciting 2nd half looked in store, but this was not to be.
Moamoa were keeping Sogi danger man Ben Timo in check in the 2nd half, but numerous stoppages for niggling little injuries started to break up the flow and rhythm of the game. Moamoa lost midfield dynamo Manu and the tide started to turn in Sogi’s favour. Moamoa pushed players forward in an effort to snatch an equaliser, which naturally left them short at the back on numerous occasions. Ben Timo twice hit the woodwork when scoring seemed easier. Lene conjured up the miss of the match when he completely missed the target, with an open goal at his mercy, for Timo to blaze over the subsequent rebound, when a clinical finish was needed.
The game eventually finished with Moamoa running out of ideas but they will take this performance as a positive and into the regular season no doubt full of confidence that they can compete at this level once again.
Lupe ole Soaga were due to face Strickland Brothers Lepea, but the game ended in a walkover, following the none appearance of the Reds. The choice between rugby and soccer at the Lepea club is now most certainly an issue and information received points towards this. Not a satisfactory outcome for soccer, when other teams wishing to play, cannot.
Moataa met fellow strugglers Vaivasetai with both teams looking to improve on last week’s performance. Once again a disappointing game with Moataa running out 2-1 winners against a depleted Vaivasetai who seem to be a shade of the side from last year.
In the other game completed, Kiwi retained the Ladies Cup with a 1-0 victory over new comers Carlton. Despite the majority of possession and numerous chances, Kiwi failed to convert their superiority, but finally overcame the gallant Carlton side, with a late goal to run out victors.
Torrential overnight rain washed out games on the top, field much to the disappointment of National Coach David Brand, whose Manumea side were denied their game against Sinamoga, at a crucial time in the squad’s preparation. With the naming of the final squad just over a week away this was a huge dent in the teams selection process and the opportunity for players to impress. At the end of the day he was certainly an unhappy man.
“Look we cannot do anything about the weather and yes teams in the past have failed to appear, but I have to be honest and say that I am most frustrated that Lepea did not turn up. I feel for Lupe as well, after looking forward to and preparing all week for the game. Then there is money they have wasted today, including loss of wages for players. Lets also not forget the other sides, which could not play due to the weather and financial losses for the federation. For me there is no excuse for not notifying the federation that your team is unavailable. Fixtures could have been rearranged to make the most of the weather condition’s much to the satisfaction of many supporters and teams, but no opportunity was given and the National team is one of many to suffer,” he said.
Brand nevertheless was full of praise for the Tuanaimato staff with the following comments.
” The International field was in superb condition once again, with games scheduled to start on time. The ground staff must be congratulated on the work they do to maintain the fields in such magnificent condition. The volume of rain overnight was tremendous but the drainage on the No 1 field once again held up. I am certainly appreciative of their efforts which makes training and playing at Tuanaimato a pleasure.”
SAMOA FOOTBALL SOCCER FEDERATION
G.M.BAKERY LTD CUP
ROUND 3 RESULTS
SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2004
TOLEAFOA JS BLATTER SOCCER COMPLEX TUANAIMATO
FIELD NO1
10.00am Lupe ole Soaga WBD vs Lepea Men
11.45am Moataa 2 vs 1 Vaivasetai Men
1.20pm Kiwi 1 vs 0 Carlton Ladies Cup
3.00pm Gold Star Sogi 1 vs 0 Moamoa Men Cup