The White Swans cruised to a 3 nil opening day win over the Young Lions at Jurong East Stadium this evening. Head Coach Yoshinaga was keen to avoid another opening day defeat as they were last season, when Albirex was shocked 2 nil by Tanjong Pagar Utd.
Similar to the White Swans, Young Lions were much changed with Head Coach Philippe Aw returning to the helm. A new slate of players, strengthened by 2 Kobayashi's (Jun and Kan) from the White Swan's 2022 triumphant team, the Young Lions spot an even youthful look with a gleam of steeliness underneath.
The Young Lions kept the White Swans at bay for the first 30 minutes with a compact shape despite being deprived of the services from the suspended Kobayashi Kan, as he had accumulated 4 yellow cards in the previous campaign.
The breakthrough for Albirex finally came in the 33rd minute when midfielder Kaisei Ogawa tried a long shot from outside the box. Ex Albirex goalkeeper, Aizil Yazid, could only parry the shot and left winger Shuto Komaki was the quickest to react to put the loose ball into the net. 1 nil to Albirex.
【#7 Shuto Komaki】
Young Lions continued to hold firm despite the setback and the first half ended with the slender advantage to the White Swans.
Keen to avoid any Waterloo this match, Yoshinaga replaced his 2 wingers, Komaki and Nicky Melvin Singh with forwards Tadanari Lee and Riku Fukashiro at half time. It was thought that Lee would use his wealth of experience to break through Young Lions' defence while Fukashiro would provide the penetrative runs.
Fukashiro showed his impact immediately as he found space at the left edge of the box and unleashed a shot that hit the upright in the 49th minute.
One minute later, captain Yokokawa Asahi extended the lead to 2nil with the assist from Lee. The Young Lions may feel aggrieved with the goal as they stopped playing when centre forward Jordan Emaviwe stayed on the ground in the middle of the pitch after challenging the ball with Albirex players.
【#6 Asahi Yokokawa】
The Albirex players continued playing as the referee did not indicate any foul play and the White Swans got the goal eventually. It was probably a harsh lesson for the Young Lions as they would have to learn to play to the referee's whistle.
Angered by the goal, a number of Young Lions resorted to rough tactics. However, the White Swans stayed cool and remained unfazed with the pulling, tugging and sliding tackles.
Lee continued to look for openings and created 2 good chances for No. 10 Seia Kunori. However, Kunori pulled his first shot wide while his second hit the crossbar.
The White Swans finally put the game to bed when centre back Koki Kawachi arrived on the far post to knock in the corner kick in the 88th minute.
【#4 Koki Kawawachi】
The match ended 3 nil to Albirex and the White Swans lead the first round table on goal difference.
The White Swans receive a bye in the next round and will face Lion City Sailors on 9 March (Thursday) at Jurong East Stadium. Kickoff is 745pm.
Details of the Match
Similar to the White Swans, Young Lions were much changed with Head Coach Philippe Aw returning to the helm. A new slate of players, strengthened by 2 Kobayashi's (Jun and Kan) from the White Swan's 2022 triumphant team, the Young Lions spot an even youthful look with a gleam of steeliness underneath.
The Young Lions kept the White Swans at bay for the first 30 minutes with a compact shape despite being deprived of the services from the suspended Kobayashi Kan, as he had accumulated 4 yellow cards in the previous campaign.
The breakthrough for Albirex finally came in the 33rd minute when midfielder Kaisei Ogawa tried a long shot from outside the box. Ex Albirex goalkeeper, Aizil Yazid, could only parry the shot and left winger Shuto Komaki was the quickest to react to put the loose ball into the net. 1 nil to Albirex.
【#7 Shuto Komaki】
Young Lions continued to hold firm despite the setback and the first half ended with the slender advantage to the White Swans.
Keen to avoid any Waterloo this match, Yoshinaga replaced his 2 wingers, Komaki and Nicky Melvin Singh with forwards Tadanari Lee and Riku Fukashiro at half time. It was thought that Lee would use his wealth of experience to break through Young Lions' defence while Fukashiro would provide the penetrative runs.
Fukashiro showed his impact immediately as he found space at the left edge of the box and unleashed a shot that hit the upright in the 49th minute.
One minute later, captain Yokokawa Asahi extended the lead to 2nil with the assist from Lee. The Young Lions may feel aggrieved with the goal as they stopped playing when centre forward Jordan Emaviwe stayed on the ground in the middle of the pitch after challenging the ball with Albirex players.
【#6 Asahi Yokokawa】
The Albirex players continued playing as the referee did not indicate any foul play and the White Swans got the goal eventually. It was probably a harsh lesson for the Young Lions as they would have to learn to play to the referee's whistle.
Angered by the goal, a number of Young Lions resorted to rough tactics. However, the White Swans stayed cool and remained unfazed with the pulling, tugging and sliding tackles.
Lee continued to look for openings and created 2 good chances for No. 10 Seia Kunori. However, Kunori pulled his first shot wide while his second hit the crossbar.
The White Swans finally put the game to bed when centre back Koki Kawachi arrived on the far post to knock in the corner kick in the 88th minute.
【#4 Koki Kawawachi】
The match ended 3 nil to Albirex and the White Swans lead the first round table on goal difference.
The White Swans receive a bye in the next round and will face Lion City Sailors on 9 March (Thursday) at Jurong East Stadium. Kickoff is 745pm.
Details of the Match
