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By Dana K and Willard M
The soccer teams from AISG and The Concordia International School of Shanghai (CISS ) kicked off the first games of the 2024 season today, when both boys and girls teams gave an impressive performance to supporters in our home field in a friendly match.
CISS graciously flew down from Shanghai for the games this Friday and Saturday, as per AISG’s invite. The boys team played first at 2:15PM, and although classes were still in session, both students and teachers couldn’t help but come out and support our teams. The girls match started right after at 3:45.
The boys started out with a bang, with both teams giving all their might to get the ball out of their defensive half of the field. In these first few minutes, the ball barely met the grass.
As it progressed, both teams were making advancements to the goal, but the ball never stayed in one half of the field for long. AISG boys kept it safe by clearing the ball out whenever the offensive players from CISS were getting too close to the goal. This was demonstrated by Luke (19), and Alex (24), who showed his dedication to defend when he launched the ball into the trees surrounding the field.
Everyone’s heart was racing when CISS made their first move by aiming a shot at the corner of the goal, but goalkeeper Felix came in clutch and bumped it out last second.
10 minutes into the game, CISS had a close chance of scoring in a corner kick. The ball connected with a CISS player’s foot after the corner was kicked, and the ball bounced of the top bar before being kicked out by an AISG player.
When Tanner (18) got pushed over in the penalty box, the AISG boys knew they had to take this chance and score a goal in the penalty kick. Carson (15) was chosen to do it, and he confidently sent the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal, scoring the first goal of the season.
Another whistle was blown shortly after this, and Carson did a free kick, after which many players aimed to bump the air-borne ball into the goal but missed.
The atmosphere was full of anticipation when the CISS offensive players started getting close to our goal, and almost scored a goal when our goalkeeper was on the ground after a dive and the goal was open for them. However, the ball ricocheted off another defenders body and was deflected away.
In another heart-stopping play, a CISS player aimed the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal, and just when everyone thought they were going to score, Andy (26) from AISG intercepted the ball and brought relief to our supporters.
Unfortunately, the CISS boys team left with one of their teammates in a wheelchair, due to a collision on the field between players.
Although AISG boys were victorious at the end, CISS showcased their strength and determination to the last minute. We applaud both teams for their outstanding performance and wish them luck for their future games!
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