Adecco MVP BEFC Lions vs Albion Old Boys - Mark Kuroda

  • Adecco BEFC Most Valuable Player vs Albion OB - Mark Kuroda

BEFC Lions started their second game with a changed squad, rotating players around to reflect the more inclusive philosophy of their team. Against an older and slower opposition in Albion Old Boys, BEFC Lions were able to field their veteran players.

The game started well, with the team taking advantage of a lack of preparedness on the Old Boys side. Galic started the game up front, and almost had a goal but the keeper got a touch to it. Bateman was also able to trouble the defence, and test the keeper with an on-target free kick. The first half saw the Lions press up high, and CM Akito had a number of good touches and passes. With the Old Boys on the ropes, the break-through finally came through a goal from Vice Captain Komatsu, who drilled in a low cross.

By the end of the first half, the Lions looked and felt comfortable. However, this complacency ultimately cost the team the lead. The Old Boys scored a goal right at the end of the first half, through some good footwork and trickery from their left-winger.

The second half started with the team knowing that they could and should win the game. However, even though the team strategy was to sit back and strike on the counter, a lack of experience and discipline on the Lions team saw the defence exposed and the Old Boys scored again. Captain Viran had a chance to equalize after receiving a perfect through-ball from Galic, but agonizingly smashed the ball on the wrong side of the post.

With some dodgy offsides being given by the opposing linesmen, the lack of experience on the Lions team continued to show. The team also lacked hunger in the challenge, and could have conceded more goals if it wasn’t for RB Reece, CB Donald, and some athletic saves from GK Palmer.

However, two players provided the grit and determination the whole team needed. DM Torsten and Vice Captain Kuroda were both solid, mopping up any trouble and supplying the attack with good passes. Mark won a number of headers despite not being one of the tallest players on the team. Showing composure on the ball that he is not always known for, Mark demonstrated the leadership that shows why he is a Vice Captain and why he is this game’s Adecco MVP.