【Match Report】2021 SPL MD1『Albirex Starts Defence of Title with 3-1 Win』
Champions Albirex overcame a tough Hougang Utd fight back with a 3 -1 victory at Jurong East Stadium this evening to start the defence of their title.
The kickoff was delayed by 2 hours due to lightning risk. However, the delay did not prevent the White Swans from piling on the early pressure.
At the 25th minute, winger No. 10 Nagasawa won a free kick at the edge of the penalty box. Striker No. 9 Tsuboi stepped up to take the free kick. The free kick went straight to the Hougang keeper, but he inexplicably let the ball slipped through his grasp and rolled into the goal. 1 nil to Albirex!
The White Swans continued to dominate. Centre back Tezuka strolled into unmarked land from a corner in the 39th minute and headed home to double Albirex's lead.
Hougang pulled one back minutes later whe debutant Jarrel Ong curled home from the edge of the box. The White Swans took a 2-1 lead into half time.
Hougang brought on Brazilian striker Fortunato and National striker Shawal Anuar in the 2nd half to chase the game.
Fortunato gave Albirex defenders much food for thought as he troubled them with his physical presence and speed.
Both teams had good chances to score. It was the White Swans who delivered the decisive blow in the 86th minute when Tsuboi grabbed his second goal.
The game finished 3-1 and a welcome 3 points for Albirex.
The White Swans will next meet the Young Lions this coming Wednesday, 17 March, at Jalan Besar Stadium.
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