It was the perfect weekend in the KL Junior League for FC Kuala Lumpur’s Under-14 and Under-16 teams. The sides faced Football Talent Asia and Little League Soccer respectively at The New Camp, Bandar Utama, and both came away with three important points for the league.
Coach Waq led the Under-14s first as they went in search of their first win of the season. Having struggled in recent weeks, the team was encouraged to focus on recycling the ball and building up play from the back – and the tactics paid off in the first half. Rahman latched onto a ball from Alif to net the FC Kuala Lumpur U14s a valuable early goal and their third score in the league this season.
AEZANEE MOHAMAD
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Captain for the game, Aezanee led from the back for the Under-14s, picking up his first Man of the Match award of the season
There was still work to do to defend the scoreline going into the second half, however, and Coach Waq was eager to impress on his players a desire to keep tight in midfield and defence.
“I wanted them to apply pressure and always, always track back,” the coach said after the game. “From there we could recycle the ball and counter before looking to shoot around the D.”
Once again, the players responded, picking up a second goal through Ryan with an assist by Amsyar. And though they conceded a goal, the Under-14s held on to take a well-earned 2–1 victory.
“I’m proud of the boys,” said Coach Waq after the full-time whistle. “They implemented what we practised this week in training and were able to deliver in the match.”
Under-16s Too Much for Little League Soccer
It was an unusual fixture in the Under-16 competition as Coach Chris and FC Kuala Lumpur faced their own club teammates in Little League Soccer. But the side went into their third match of the season full of confidence following an excellent 4–1 victory over the Royal Selangor Club the previous weekend.
That confidence was evident from the outset as FC Kuala Lumpur created plenty of chances early on. They couldn’t convert, however, and it would be Little League Soccer that took the lead after a weak back pass from FCKL was pounced upon. If they were going to win, then, they would have to do it by coming from behind.
It wasn’t long until Shafiq had brought the scoreline level following an assist by Nawi though, and the teams went into the break level at 1–1. Coach Chris knew the boys needed to step it up a gear and that’s exactly what they did following the half-time team talk.
MOHAMAD SHAFIQ ZAWAWI
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A goal for Under-16 centre back Shafiq opened the scoring for FCKL against Little League Soccer
With FCKL controlling the game, the Under-16s continued to create chances and Imran linked up twice with Aiman to slot home two good goals. It was then time for Imran to repay the favour, setting up a goal for Aiman before completing his hattrick with an impressive solo effort.
“Little League put up a good fight,” Coach Chris said after the game, “but we were able to turn up the pace and convert more of our chances in the second half.”
The Under-16s now sit second in the KL Junior League table, level on points with leaders Football Talent Asia.
The Under-14s and 16s now have a break in the KL Junior League until 3 April 2016 when they face Centaurz and the Royal Selangor Club respectively.