The annual Samurai 7's took place last weekend at YC&AC. Held over two days for two age categories, there were 10 teams in the O40's and 8 in the O50's. The tournament welcomed back some very familiar teams: the two time champion Shenzhen International, the vibrant expat football community Shanghai Kickers with a team for each age category, the raging Union Pacifico, the meticulously organized SC de Macau. It also saw many newcomers: Dirty Dozen from Seattle, Penang International Soccer Squad (what an acronym!), and also some local TML sides like Hibernian FC and Albion Old Boys!.
Cheers to a new year! The season has progressed quite smoothly despite a few hiccups with multiple venues. Thankfully we are ahead of schedule both in league games and in cup progression. With about half the league games played, most teams already know whether they are fighting for the title, or fighting to avoid relegation. And thankfully neither of these is fully decided, with at least 3-4 teams fighting for promotion/relegation. Makes for an exciting season until the end!
Attached below is the current cup/plate progression.
The top two teams in Division one have stark differences in their stats. While BEFC have the league's top goal scorer, Junji Thiago, Brunello lack any one individual player carrying them. That's not to say BEFC don't play as a team, they do have a clear group of core members that link up very well in possession of the ball. But compared to Brunello (and for that matter, any team compared to Brunello) the tactics are less detailed. So far they are getting good mileage off of refined patterns of play and clearly defined team rules.
After a dominating performance in Division 3, Teranga looked excited to carry on their streak in Division 2. However, their first game against Dutch FC at Setagaya Koen was a draw. Perhaps an indication that Division 2 will not be so easy, or perhaps Teranga have had one too many parties at the club over the summer. BEFC Lions, the other team that got promoted from Division 3, also could not preform so well their first game in Division 2. They took a loss from Zion 1-0. In Division 1, the story repeats itself.
Brunello FC
Pumas FC
YeBoiz FC
Clash FC
BEFC
FC International
Hibernian FC
FC Sagarmatha
Sala FC
Eastern Capital FC
Zion FC
YC&AC
Dutch FC
FC Nomade
Teranga FC
Saint Luxun Park FC
Shane FC
Panthers FC
Guapo FC
BEFC Lions
Lions FC
Saitama JETS FC
Kilimanjaro FC
Jetro FC
Albion Old Boys FC
BFC Tokyo
VJ Bridge FC
King George FC
SUNS FC
Fussa FC
Fine Vintage
BFC Masters
FJ Masters
YCAC Pulse
Kanto Celts FC
