HOUSTON, September 9 (HFA) - Shooting Stars FC starts its 2007/2008 season with a deserved come-from-behind victory over rivals FC Dynamo on Sunday. The pitch was set for an enchanting match when FC Dynamo took the lead in the 1st half through a header. A burst through FC Dynamo’s right flank by Jameel, an ex-NSA (SSFC’s originating club) invitee, created a nice cross to SSFC’s box and was met by a superb header by an unmarked player put FC Dynamo 1-0 up. SSFC kicked off without seven of its players (four summer and three originating members) due to injury or late player registration. SSFC had dominated the 1st half with more than 4 opportunities but failed to capitalize on those chances. Saheed and Rotus had chances to level the score but it was not to be as both unfortunately placed the ball too wide from the post. The start of the second half continued where the first left off, with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity in what was a hugely entertaining and open match. Being down 1-0 was exactly what SSFC would have been desperate to avoid, but it was not to prove critical as the Stars were back on level terms inside 10 minutes of the 2nd half. Dynamo failed to clear the ball from their box after a corner kick by SSFC and Habeeb made them pay for it by blazing a low shot to the left side of the post. Dynamo felt the tension. Was this to be a repeat of our first meeting in this fixture last season? Only time will tell. That goal seemed to settle SSFC down and they enjoyed the better of the chances in the remainder of the half. Dynamo were not without their chances either, and they had sights of goal without being able to take advantage. Oke failed to hit the target and Justice decided to pass instead of taking his chance with a shot. SSFC also had a chance to go ahead after Wole dispossessed the ball from the opponent from SSFC’s half and took it to the other side. Justice stepped behind the last guy in anticipation of the pass and was called offside. SSFC finally got the breakthrough they were threatening about 15 minutes from time through Saheed. Having won the ball in its half, SSFC played a through ball to Saheed and he, as he had been doing all game long, broke free the defense. He rounded the goalie a little too hard and lost possession of the ball. His speed came to the rescue as he caught up with the ball just when it was about to go out of play and tapped it in. SSFC was up 2 – 1. The score remained the same after numerous attempts from both teams and SSFC was able to take all 3 points. SSFC’s next game is away to Celtic Bhoys at 1 PM on Sunday, September 16th, 2007 on field #27. In other news, Houston 1836 won TFC Elite 2-1 and GC International defeated Houston Strikers – Prime 3-1. FC Ankara and Al-Ahly both scored 3 unanswered goals against Silestone-40 and Celtic Bhoys 3-0 respectively. Synopsis: Three teams (SSFC, Houston 1836 and Al-Ahly) out of the five promoted teams won their opening match. Two existing 1B teams, FC Ankara and GC Internationals, also won their opening fixtures. Next week will be another interesting week as Al-Ahly and Silestone-40 go off on the memorial cup qualifications and FC Dynamo meets Houston 1836, a worthy adversary. |
