Blood, Sweat & Tears

Kaya FC  vs  Stallions FC

[semi-final match]

" Keep On Fighting -

You Will Not Feel the Pain ! "

[entering the first extension period ] - SFC Head Coach Coach Ernie Nierras

I bore witness to one of the most exciting semi-finals matches in the UFL Cup [as of late]

[I actually have not covered that many a UFL Match], yesterday, at the Rizal Stadium.  

Stallions FC pretty much dominated the early going in the 1st half, but Kaya FC kept apace with Ernie Nierras' boys, in the 2nd - both teams having close calls, [no one really controlling the pace] - and when SFC went ahead 3-2  { during the first extension period }  via a Jordan Minta goal [celeb image below] - it seemed a Done Deal     ...........

 After his First Extension Period Goal

Minta gives thanks 

{ The first Finals Berth is now just minutes away  - for SFC  }

or so it seems ...... 

...........  But Kaya FC stunned the Stallions w/ an equalizer in less than 30 seconds ! - 

{and the 2nd extension period ended scoreless}

On the ensuing PSO, Kaya keeper Nick O'Donnell saved one of the five Penalty kicks of SFC, while Kaya converted ALL 5 of their Penalty Kicks - [two images below] - Enough to settle the issue - and give Kaya FC the first UFL Cup 2015 Finals Slot

This goal [below] by Shirmar Felongco gave SFC a 2-0 lead, during regulation time - BUT Kaya FC simply came back to equalize - to forge two extension periods

Shirmar and Jordan Whoop it Up !!
Sadly for the SFC - this mood was short-lived - as Kaya FC equalized 
Literally !! - Just Seconds After !!!

 Just a few more random game images follow below  .....

 -------------------------------------------------------------

 A Dramatic Sub-Plot

And, as if the Semis loss to Kaya FC was not enough - Stallion Frontliner Simone Rota sustained a rib-breaking  injury

I barely caught Simone Rota's accident - from my vantage point   .....
[I heard that a knee hit his rib area]   [two images follow ]

Fact is - after several minutes on the pitch - w the PTs, and all, unable to move Rota, as he lay on he turf - the Stallion striker was eventually carefully carried to the area, in front of the SFC bench.

The young man was continuously making unintelligible moans, writhing in extreme pain !!  [he even spat blood, at one point] - and 'twas just totally heart-wrenching [for me] to witness -
 Truth be Told !

I discreetly managed to capture two very evocative images of those unforgettable moments, but, as of now I have decided to wait, to find out of Simone Rota himself, will be comfortable IF I release the said two images.  { I sent the said images, tho, to SFC Head Coach Ernie Nierras via e-mail  }

Witnessing Real Men go through prolonged excrutiating moments of pain is something I don't enjoy ..... But such, are rare moments  ....that I am challenged to capture - With Objectivity and Tact

Rota had two of his ribs broken [#7 & #8] - and he will be obviously out of action for awhile.

 Let us all pray for his speedy recovery.



PS
One is simply reminded how Brutal and Extremely Risky the sport of Football can be.

Wether one feels the pain or not - in Football, or in any sport, for that matter - even in the Game of Life  -   Pain IS Part and Parcel and simply has to be Dealt With  - 
  {If One Intends to Succeed}

But One Has To Keep On Fighting.



brosi gonzales