Liga PPIS 2012 Review

PINTU FC finished in second place in Liga PPIS 2012. They were so close defending the title they won last year, but in the last game, they stumbled against the eventual Champion, PINUS, 1-2, in a tight, evenly-matched game. It was PINTU FC's only defeat in the tournament, which ended their hope winning the Liga.

Before that lost, PINTU FC was having a quite impressive run during the tournament, winning seven out of nine games, with a whopping 41 goals scored, with the other two games, drawing once, and losing the other one.

PINTU FC started the Liga with winning 4-2 against Republic Poly when Andhita scored a brace, and Alvin Kennardi scored a goal from his own half with a beautiful pump; before thrashing 8-0 against PSB B on the first matchday, as both Hans Saleh and Reza Radiya scored hattrick, and Virvandy made a brace in this match.

They were held by Curtin 4-4 after leading 4-0. It was a tough result to accept, but after that, they recorded 5 consecutive wins, including the next match, where they win against PSB A with five goals to 1. In this match, Christiandy scored a brace, and one of his goal were brilliant, as he raced through half court before putting the ball past the keeper. PINTU FC almost lost their fifth match, but they showed great determination to overcome 2-3 deficit to seal a 4-3 victory against Kaplan, as both Reza Raditya and Andhita scored a double.

PINTU FC continued the Liga by winning against both SIM B and SIM A. Once again, Hans and Reza Raditya scored a hattrick in the same match, versus SIM B, as PINTU FC strolled 8-1. Alvin Tandias also registered his first goal for PINTU FC. Against SIM A, PINTU FC were able to hang in to the 2-1 win, despite severe pressure towards the end of the game. The highlight of this game is beautiful goal scored by Alvin Kennardi, gunning down through the goal from the left flank.

Then, PINTU FC recorded an impressive 5-2 victory against third placed KUMIS. Andhita scored a beautiful acrobatic volley kick  and Hans Saleh made his third hattrick of the tournament in this match. On the last match, despite battling hard against PINUS, PINTU FC went down 2-1. PINTU FC could've sealed a draw result, had Christiandy's shot not hitting the crossbar.

This year team might not possess the strong defence the previous team had, conceding an average of 1.78 goals per game. But, as the different strategy was deployed on the field, the goalscorers are spread, not only dependent on one person. Everyone could score a goal, only three players were unable to score a goal, and two of them are goalkeeper.

Hans is still leading the spearhead of the team, scoring 14 goals from 9 games. Reza Raditya was a deadly finisher on the left flank, scoring 11 goals for PINTU FC, as he played his last tournament for PINTU FC. Andhita was always threatening with his long range shot. Alvin Kennardi played the deep role well, and was never run out of breath among all the PINTU FC player. Eugene made a vast improvement throughout the tournament.

Christiandy and Virvandy brought a different style of play from the bench. Both of them are quick footed, and possessed a great technique. Christiandy even made one magical goal against PSB A. Alvin Tandias was able to support attack more - and even scored one goal -, and defensively improved, while Ericko was not losing his brilliant keeping skills. Dillon showed some promise as a defender, and should have a bright future ahead.

PINTU FC also wants to thank supporter from PINTU, who had come to support to the team from NTU throughout the tournament. It was a great atmosphere from the supporter, and the players were delighted to play in front of supporters.

Liga PPIS Matchday 5 Report

PINTU FC 5 KUMIS 2

1-0 Hans Saleh

1-1

2-1 Andhita

3-1 Hans Saleh

4-1 Hans Saleh

4-2

5-2 Andhita

PINTU FC and KUMIS battled in such an intense - but entertaing - game, in the matchday 5 of Liga PPIS 2012 in Jurong West Sport and Recreation Center. Both team showed flair and created many chances in front of goal, but it was PINTU FC who came out of the top in this match, with 5 goals to 2.

PINTU FC opened the score within two minutes, after Hans Saleh did a round releasing himself from a defender and fired it low to the far post, leaving KUMIS' Keeper, Howard, rooted on the near post. 1-0. KUMIS reacted quickly after that goal. They had one great chance when a cross failed to meet any of player in front of goal, and forced Eugene to make one good save. However, KUMIS equalized within few minutes after the goal, after they got another chance, with one of their player ran towards Eugene, just to see the ball tipped by the keeper, before hitting the post, but another KUMIS player was there to take the rebound ball, and slotted it past Alvin Kennardi, whose effort to clear the ball of the line was futile, as the ball was hit hard and high.

That goal was like a wake-up alarm for PINTU FC, and they slowly got the grip of the game, dominating possession like usual. They came close as Reza chipped the ball wide from the goal, and Alvin Kennardi made two chances from his usual pump, but the keeper made great saves to deny it. Finally, the awaited goal came as Andhita made an acrobatic first time shot to the left side of the goal, leaving the keeper shocked, and didn't move from the middle of the goalpost. 2-1. 

PINTU FC got the most of possession after this goal, but KUMIS' defence was sturdy to withstand the attack. PINTU FC got a chance, when Reza was one-on-one with Howard, but the keeper made brilliant job to shut Reza's shot. KUMIS also created a chance to equalize, but Eugene was there to deny a one-on-one chance and kept the rebound out of goal

Hans Saleh made the second goal of his in this game, shooting the bottom corner of the goal, after receiving a neat pass, 3-1. First half ended with 3-1 scoreline.

KUMIS pressed well in the early of second half, as Hans were substituted, leaving PINTU FC only able to pump the ball forward aimlessly. They were creating chances, but their finishing wasn't there. They almost made it 3-2, when their striker failed to put the ball into the goal from two yards from goal, the second chance as they got a one on one chance, but Eugene made a superb save to deflect the ball, before the ball hitting the crossbar, and cleared by Alvin Kennardi. Eugene made another good save with his right foot, as the ball was smashed to the far post.

However, after the reintroduction of Hans Saleh, they started to regain control of the game again. He nearly got another goal, as his long shot skimmed over the bar just by few centimetres. Hans Saleh finally completed his hattrick and extend PINTU FC's lead to three.

As the clock ticking down, KUMIS withdraw their keeper, and replacing him with a defender, playing as a keeper, to dominate the game more, as in they played five outfield and no keeper. However, it was PINTU FC who added more goal. Hans Saleh completed his hattrick as he went to a nice position, with only the keeper to beat, and he made no mistake to calmly put the ball to the bottom right of the goal. 4-1. The decision to fielded five outfield players paid off as they grabbed their second goal of the game, giving them a glimpse of hope. 4-2

However, on the dying moments, Andhita sealed PINTU FC's victory with his second goal of the game. He dribbled pass one defender before putting the ball into the empty net, as the keeper was venturing forward on that time. 5-2. The full time whistle is blown, leaving KUMIS locked in the third place, while PINTU FC and PINUS are deciding their fate in the penultimate fixture in the Liga PPIS 2012.

PINTU FC 1 PINUS 2

0-1

0-2

1-2 PINUS' own goal

It was the real final to decide the winner of Liga PPIS. PINTU FC were leading on the first place, before the match, while PINUS in the second place,  just behind by goal difference. 

PINTU FC dominated the game in the early stages, forcing PINUS to defence. However PINUS was rock at the backline, giving no room to shot, and PINTU FC didn't get any clear cut chances, with only getting several corners, which unfortunately not leading to a goal. Most of the ball thrown forward could be denied by PINUS defender, even before reaching the keeper. PINTU FC's long shot wasn't too accurate, in this match.

PINTU FC committed some fouls and almost given a team foul in the first half. PINUS finally took a lead when one of their striker put the ball to far post, after receiving the ball on the left side of PINTU FC's defence, and penetrating, leaving Eugene no chance to save the shot. 0-1 now.

The second half was more intense. PINTU FC throwed more man forward, and PINUS were more comfortable in counter atttack. PINUS created chances, and almost added the second, before Christiandy did a last ditch tackle, resulting in corner. However, PINUS finally grabbed the second goal, after smashing the ball to the top of the goal, 0-2. PINUS could've added the third, but Eugene made a great double save to keep PINTU FC on the game.

Christiandy's introduction gave a different dimension for PINTU FC, and PINTU FC started making more chances. Andhita came close as his shot saved by the keeper, while Hans Saleh was unable to release a shot in front of goal, as the defender came quickly to denied Hans. Alvin Kennardi could've done better with one unmarked position on the left flank, but it was unclear whether he wanted to cross or shot, as the ball heading nowhere. Finally, PINTU FC got the goal to reduce the deficit to one goal, as confusion in the front of goal leading to an own goal by PINUS player. 1-2, and PINTU FC pressed more in search of equalizing goal.

Christiandy came close scoring twice for PINTU FC, as his shot denied by a nice save by PINUS Keeper, and once denied by the crossbar, to the disappointment of PINTU FC's supporter. However, until the final whistle, the scoreline remained.

It was an even game, with both team sreating chances, and could've easily gone either way, but on this occassion, it was PINUS who came out as a winner, and PINTU FC have to be contented with the second place in Liga PPIS 2012, despite the encouraging display throughout the tournament.