Story by REDintern Carissa Tan
NTU (pic) defeated SMU 3–1 and secured a semi-final berth. (Photo courtesy of Beatrice Tan)
Nanyang Technological University, Friday, February 13, 2015 — Brilliant teamwork from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) gave them a well-deserved 3–1 win over Singapore Management University (SMU) in the preliminary round of the Singapore Management University UNITEC Soccer Games (SMU-USG).
The match kicked off with rapid exchanges of possession between the two teams. Both were quick to counter-attack and equally eager to fight for possession.
However, NTU appeared to have the upper hand as good teamwork between midfielder Priscilla Tan (#18) and striker Chris Yip-Au (#9) gave them many chances at goal.
On the other hand, SMU’s lone striker Samantha Tan (#7) was repeatedly outnumbered by NTU defenders. Despite her valiant efforts, SMU were forced to rely on through balls and long shots to have a chance at goal.
In the 30th minute, Priscilla Tan (#18) slid in a cross from right winger Denise Chua (#2) to give NTU their first goal.
SMU’s attempts to equalise were repeatedly thwarted by NTU centreback Suria Priya (#11) while NTU continued to pressure SMU for a second goal.
Just before the end of the first half, a header from Priscilla Tan (#18) off a corner kick from Chris Yip-Au (#9) gave NTU a 2–0 lead to take into half time.
The second half of the match saw a more aggressive SMU eager to narrow the margin. Through passes to SMU striker Samantha Tan (#7) finally proved effective when she had a clear shot at goal just three minutes into the half. However, this was calmly put away by NTU goalkeeper Beatrice Tan (#22).
In the 63rd minute, Chris Yip-Au (NTU #9) deftly swerved in a shot off a corner kick. This unexpected shot caused SMU goalkeeper to fumble the ball and add to NTU lead.
SMU were finally rewarded for their determination when the referee awarded them a penalty kick from an NTU hand-ball. Joey Cheng (#23) stepped up to take the shot and calmly put it away to give SMU a well-deserved goal.
Yet, despite their continued efforts, they were unable to score again and NTU sealed the 3–1 victory.
NTU’s vice captain, Amrit Kaur Jastol (#16), commended SMU for putting up a good fight. She said, “SMU played well but I think NTU could have played better. SMU is very defensive and so it was a bit difficult for NTU to play a passing game to penetrate.”
The match concluded the preliminary round of SMU-USG and NTU, SMU, National University of Singapore and Institute of Technical Education have advanced to the semi-finals.
Score by half
NTU vs SMU
1st half: 2–0
2nd half: 1–1 (3–1)
NTU Roster
Denise Adele Chua Hui San (#2), Goh Xin Yi Ondrea (#3), Jolene Cheng Joo Lynn (#5), Yip-Au Hew Seem Chris (#9), Fatin Aqillah Bte Mohd Ridzwan (#10), Suria Priya (#11), Chan Yi Jun (#14), Amrit Kaur Jastol (#16), Priscilla Tan Hui Yee (#18), Beatrice Tan Li Bin (#22), Genevieve Lee Min (#23)
SMU Roster
Jennifer (#5), Samantha Tan (#7), Lynette Seow (#9), Amanda Lau (#10), Mao Ye Zhen (#11), Pauline Cheng Ochura (#12), Cheng Lynn (#15), Poon Chor Yi (#16), Ong Shwee Yee (#17), Joey Cheng (#23), Simran (#24)
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