False start for the Rovers

The Rovers got off to a disappointing start to the 2018/19 league season, with both men’s teams losing away from home

SC München Süd 4-0 Munich Irish Rovers FC

Poor defending from set pieces characterized a disappointing defeat for the A team in their opening fixture against SC München Süd who, like the Rovers, were also newly-promoted in the A-Klasse. The hosts opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Mikey Aspinall’s free-kick save fell kindly for SC striker Kai Vogel to on the rebound.

Despite spending most of the first half under pressure, the Rovers kept things tight and restricted their opponents to long-range efforts, knowing that a 1-0 deficit at the break was more than recoverable. Alas, SC pounced on a momentary lapse of concentration to score twice in four minutes on the stroke of half time - once from a corner and then a penalty.

After some strong words from captain Andrea Storti at the break, the Rovers came out all guns blazing in the second half, pressing high and winning possession in the opposition half. With 25 minutes to go, the Rovers were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot, but Jordan Maciel’s strike down the middle was saved and cleared from danger. It just wasn’t meant to be. A number of notable chances followed, but as the clock ticked on, the goals just wouldn’t fall and the hosts finished off the game with another poorly-defended set piece in the 90th minute.

The team will be hoping to make amends next week at home against TSV 1860 München IV (12:45).

ESV Neuaubing 2-0 Munich Irish Rovers FC II

The Rovers IIs got also started with a loss, 2-0 away at ESV Neuabing II. It was a very close game packed with challenges and few chances from both sides.

The first goal fell in the 32nd minute, in unfortunate circumstances, when a cross from the left side was parried by Jamal and the rebound was fired into the open net. Shortly before the break, a quickly-taken free kick from 30 yards out by Stevie Meyer almost caught the opposition goalkeeper off guard, while Luis Pino also fired inches wide of the post from the edge of the box, but the equaliser just wouldn’t fall. Neuaubing sealed the victory with a second goal.

A tough opening weekend for the Rovers that exposed plenty of areas for improvement, but also many positives. It’s still early days, but we’ll keep working hard as a team to bring home the three points at home next weekend against SC Baierbrunn II) 14:00.

On a positive note, the weekend marked the official debuts for Jamal Hamidu, Andres Carbonell, Daniel Branagh, Niklas Bohrs and Cehrina Sow.

Authors: Jordan Maciel & Luis Pino