NTU win varsity women’s soccer invitational

By reader Yinhong
 

National University of Singapore, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 – The NUS-NTU derby final for the NUS Women's Soccer Invitational saw the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) beat the National University of Singapore (NUS) 3-0 on penalties in an effervescent display of traditional rivalry.
 
The mini-tournament saw the women’s teams from the Singapore Management University (SMU), Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), NTU and hosts NUS battle in out in round-robin matches over the month of March with the top two teams proceeding into the title-deciding final.
 
The round-robin stage showcased an exciting round of football with many attacking chances amidst leaky defenses. NTU’s simple strategy of exploiting high back-lines with through balls paid dividends with high-scoring wins. NUS got off to a slow start, but fought back in their subsequent matches to qualify for the final as table leaders.
 
The final clash saw a fiery NTU strike force with 12 goals in the tournament, face-off against a sturdy NUS defense that conceded just two. NUS emerged winners in the same fixture earlier during the group stage, and were looking to replicate another victory in a match that had much higher stakes this time around.
 
From the kick-off, both teams fought with championship in mind, football in their hearts, and derby blood in their veins. NUS stuck to a disciplined, compact shape that was prepared to defend and press from the top, as NTU surged forward with its attack in full force.
 
NTU worked to gain more possession with its midfielders swinging in high crosses in a bid to penetrate the NUS defense. However, the NUS midfield was quick to press up, which prevented the crossers from finding their targets.
 
Spectators were treated to a close fight, as NTU relentlessly probed, only to be thwarted by a steadfast NUS defense which deprived them space and time needed to apply the finishing blow.
 
On the rare occasions where the NTU striker was able to run in with a through ball, an NUS defender was always there to usher her to safety. The NUS goalkeeper (#5) also put up a woman-of-the-match display, pulling off many great saves that protected the goal for the entire match.
 
With the game still tied at 0-0, penalties loomed and the players prepared to take their spot-kicks. The first three takers from NTU converted their shots, while NUS missed theirs to yield the crown.
 
NUS Coach Ong Jin Yi was positive despite the disappointment. He said, “We’ve got a young team and I’m proud of them. They performed surpass expectations. The penalty was a lottery so it was hard to determine the outcome.”
 
NUS Lineup
Foo Fang Chee, Sherlene Ng, Istyana P. Ibrahim, Sarah Neo, Chen Xiao Yuen (Alvinia Ow Yong), Sim Min Li, Cai Yinhong, Yeow Ting Wen (Dora Tan), Lee Wenting, Chung Jiayu, Madeleine Lim.
 
NTU Lineup
Ubrina Tock, Lian Jing Er, Michelle Huang, Dilys Goh, Ang Kuan Ren, Sherlyn Koh, Valerie Tan, Raneieri Koh (Kwok Chee May), Oh Shiyi, Nuriah Bte Mohd Noor.
 
Results
Match 1: NTU 5 SMU 1
 
Match 2: NUS 1 NYP 1
 
Match 3: NTU 7 NYP 2
 
Match 4: NUS 2 SMU 1
 
Match 5: NYP 3 SMU 0
 
Match 6: NUS 1 NTU 0
 
Final: NUS 0 NTU 0 (0-3 on penalties)
 
1st- NTU, 2nd- NUS, 3rd- NYP, 4th- SMU