FC Bulgaria 4-1 FC Japan
FC Bulgaria put their disappointing loss to NIFA last week behind them with the 4-1 thrashing of second placed Japan. The lions were much better in defense and looked very potent offensively. A few changes were made in the line up, with Garo regaining his place in the midfield and Joro filling in for the not fully fit Angel at sweeper.
The game began superbly for the hosts. In the 2nd minute a fantastic left wing cross by Ico, was chested down by Boho, who chipped the rushing keeper with a sublime left footed touch. This goal settled the nerves, and the home side missed a few chances. Andro was very direct from the right wing and Garo was making threatening runs from the midfield. In the 28h a fantastic counter attack led to the second goal of the afternoon. Andro broke free on the right and cut the ball back to Boho, who unselfishly found Galin for the simple tap in. That was text book stuff from the lions. The visitors never gave up though and put us under immense pressure. The defense was holding firm though with Joro marshalling things well from the back. In the 41st minute though the industrious Bobby R. committed a foul just outside the box and from the resulting free kick Japan scored their first goal of the game, 2-1.
The first 10 minutes of the second half started well for the away side, and Koko had to pull a fantastic save from a close range header. Some tactical shuffling by Pepi though helped the lions to take the initiative and be more creative. Firstly, Bobby R. was in a great position to score but his effort was deflected in the last second. After wards Galin missed 2 clear cut opportunitie, and Andro was also guilty of wasting a one on one with the keeper before pulling out with a hamstring strain. Nevertheless, in the 85th a left wing corner by Ico was met by Bobby R. at the second post for 3-1 which practically ended the game. Galin finished FC Japan off, with a superb solo strike by beating his marker and chipping the keeper.
Next week will be a decisive one in the title race. Our opponents Stal Mielec have jumped up into second with a game in hand, and a thrilling contest is expected at Mc Carren park at 10 a.m.
Line up: 1.Koko 3.Doktora 11.Bobby D. (2.Angel) 5.Joro 6.Mladen 13.Bobby R. 18.Garo 12.Ico 14.Andro (8.Rado) 9.Galin 10.Boho
The reserve side lost 4-2 this weekend. The scorers were Plamen and Rado. UNfortunately, Ivan Minkov was badly injured. The talented midfielder broke his left arm. Everybody at the club wishes him speedy recovery.
©2006
FC Bulgaria