HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MCFC

[FantasyIreland]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

Although all were very impressive apparently.....Brandon Barker named player of the tournament.

 

[greasedupdeafguy]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

Although all were very impressive apparently.....Brandon Barker named player of the tournament.

He looks a quality player whenever I've watched the u18s. Lots of similarities to Bale.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

I'd like to see Barker involved regularly with the first team, even if he doesn't play, just to get used to facing & providing assists for adults.

He is a proper talent who could be fast tracked to the fringes of the 1st team squad in the next year or so imo, as are a few of that group.

 

[acton28.blog]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

Having seen City's EDS/U18's play 3 games yesterday and 3 games today at 7-a-side, I am thoroughly impressed. More to follow.

 

[sam-caddick]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

I'd like to see Barker involved regularly with the first team, even if he doesn't play, just to get used to facing & providing assists for adults.

He is a proper talent who could be fast tracked to the fringes of the 1st team squad in the next year or so imo, as are a few of that group.

I watched him against Liverpool a while back and he was class but let's see him in the EDS first and playing in the youth Champions League before we start fast tracking players.

I can see him getting cup time though if he impresses Vieira, he might even go on the pre-season tour.

 

[acton28.blog]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

MCFC, HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens Champions.

Anyone of the group of ten from Brandon Barker, Charlie Albinson, Pablo Maffeo, Kean Bryan, Thierry Ambrose, Ashley Smith-Brown, James Horsfield, Angelino, Nathaniel Oseni and Denzeil Boadu will give Manuel Pelligrini something to look at and hopefully a selection headache. In 32-35C heat, with the sun overhead, City looked as professional as ever. The famous sky blue kits and the two away variants being worn with pride for each battle.

Throughout the tournament the Hong Kong Manchester City Supporters belted out chants and did the odd Poznan. They clapped the opposition and cheered equally for very goal. Typical City fans.

[bigimg]https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10376142_10152146681471149_5088283552935805519_n.jpg[/bigimg]

On Sunday, City U-18’s fought out a hard victory over Hong Kong U-23’s. Their opposition had won 2 and drawn one (against Newcastle Utd 0-0) of their group games. The 3-1 win in the quarter finals, seeing a Thierry Ambrose double and a Kean Bryan wondershot.

City earned a semi-final meeting with Sunderland (who came 2nd in their group behind Kitchee) and the Black Cats seemed stronger in the air and much bigger in build. City patiently got the ball onto the deck, worked it around before Pablo Maffeo drew City level. His half pitch sprint and dive onto Jason Wilcox acted as a prime example of the team’s belief in their gaffer. The entire squad soon piled on. Sudden death extra time arrived, meaning four against four football. City shed their keeper, looked to gain and retain possession. Angelino popped on his gloves, passed the ball patiently with the other three blues before rifling a shot hard into the onion bag. City followed Kitchee’s tactics in an earlier game of fielding an outfielder player and working the ball around towards the net. Angelino’s superb strike being one of confidence and a worthy winner.

The group stages on Saturday gave light to City’s spirit in the squad. City never looked like losing to Singapore Cricket Club (a 4-0 romp), Rangers (a well battled 1-1 draw) or a very well organised (and undefeated in 2013) BC Rangers (drew 2-2). The final results in the group meant City topped the league closely followed by Rangers. BC Rangers also finished the group on 5 points but goal difference sent them to the minor competition.

[bigimg]https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10411317_10152869913205760_4829725154003920448_n.jpg[/bigimg]

The final was a match up between Group C winners City and Group B winners Kitchee. Hong Kong’s dominant club and won the 2013/14 First Division. City’s age difference, the build difference and overall underdog appearance against a side more acclimatised to the weather conditions on the back of their successful season did not stifle the young Citizens. City battled valiantly and earned the win. Sadly, I could not stay for the final as I had to catch the last bus to Houjie (China) at 1900hrs. Well done to the lads, the highlights on TV looked great! Here is a team who can battle form behind, fight to the end and refuse to be beaten. Champions.

[bigimg]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10363521_10152869912015760_7253597951938040141_n.jpg[/bigimg]

 

[r.soleofsalford]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

MCFC, HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens Champions.

Anyone of the group of ten from Brandon Barker, Charlie Albinson, Pablo Maffeo, Kean Bryan, Thierry Ambrose, Ashley Smith-Brown, James Horsfield, Angelino, Nathaniel Oseni and Denzeil Boadu will give Manuel Pelligrini something to look at and hopefully a selection headache. In 32-35C heat, with the sun overhead, City looked as professional as ever. The famous sky blue kits and the two away variants being worn with pride for each battle.

Throughout the tournament the Hong Kong Manchester City Supporters belted out chants and did the odd Poznan. They clapped the opposition and cheered equally for very goal. Typical City fans.

[bigimg]https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10376142_10152146681471149_5088283552935805519_n.jpg[/bigimg]

On Sunday, City U-18’s fought out a hard victory over Hong Kong U-23’s. Their opposition had won 2 and drawn one (against Newcastle Utd 0-0) of their group games. The 3-1 win in the quarter finals, seeing a Thierry Ambrose double and a Kean Bryan wondershot.

City earned a semi-final meeting with Sunderland (who came 2nd in their group behind Kitchee) and the Black Cats seemed stronger in the air and much bigger in build. City patiently got the ball onto the deck, worked it around before Pablo Maffeo drew City level. His half pitch sprint and dive onto Jason Wilcox acted as a prime example of the team’s belief in their gaffer. The entire squad soon piled on. Sudden death extra time arrived, meaning four against four football. City shed their keeper, looked to gain and retain possession. Angelino popped on his gloves, passed the ball patiently with the other three blues before rifling a shot hard into the onion bag. City followed Kitchee’s tactics in an earlier game of fielding an outfielder player and working the ball around towards the net. Angelino’s superb strike being one of confidence and a worthy winner.

The group stages on Saturday gave light to City’s spirit in the squad. City never looked like losing to Singapore Cricket Club (a 4-0 romp), Rangers (a well battled 1-1 draw) or a very well organised (and undefeated in 2013) BC Rangers (drew 2-2). The final results in the group meant City topped the league closely followed by Rangers. BC Rangers also finished the group on 5 points but goal difference sent them to the minor competition.

[bigimg]https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10411317_10152869913205760_4829725154003920448_n.jpg[/bigimg]

The final was a match up between Group C winners City and Group B winners Kitchee. Hong Kong’s dominant club and won the 2013/14 First Division. City’s age difference, the build difference and overall underdog appearance against a side more acclimatised to the weather conditions on the back of their successful season did not stifle the young Citizens. City battled valiantly and earned the win. Sadly, I could not stay for the final as I had to catch the last bus to Houjie (China) at 1900hrs. Well done to the lads, the highlights on TV looked great! Here is a team who can battle form behind, fight to the end and refuse to be beaten. Champions.

[bigimg]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10363521_10152869912015760_7253597951938040141_n.jpg[/bigimg]

great news, thanks for the effort mate.

also nice to see the city banner above the 7 of 20 sign

 

[jollylescott]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

Great report. Thanks for that.

When you look at the ages of this young team it's not hard to form the view that there is some outstanding talent coming through the ranks. Pablo Maffeo is only 16. His fullback counterpart Angelino is only 17, as were the others in the squad other than Ashley Smith Brown and James Horsfield (both 18).

I agree with the comment about Brandon Barker. He seems to have that touch of magic. And of course then there is Ambrose who also has that natural scent for a goal.

With the nurturing that the lads will receive in the next 2 or 3 years, I am very confident that we will see the cream rise to the top, and that one or two will make the grade.

 

[mcfc_patricia]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

I know its in Chinese but here's the highlight for the final
Still finding the semi-final though...that was a really incredible game! What an equalizer from Maffeo and what a winning goal by Angelino the temporary goalie!
http://sports.now.com/home/news/details?id=9934880594

And Horsy was REALLY REALLY NICE! (Perhaps its because he recognized me)

Would never be able to get one of the training shirts if its not him :')

Soooo many people surrounded our players after the ceremony for the goodies and I can't squeeze myself into the crowd (I don't want to give them a bad impression anyway so I didn't try to squeeze into the group)...
Only able to ask Horsy if I can have his shirt when the crowds were leaving. Horsy said they were not allowed to give away their shirts, but he still has one of the training shirts in his hand, someone (i don't think that person was even City supporter!) wanted to grasp it from him but he managed to get hold of it and he turned to me, smiled at me and he gave it to me!
I will never ever forget that moment!!
By the way after the Semis many people asked for photographs and autographs they actually ignored most of the non-City supporters but signed and took photos with most of the City supporters, I even got time to have a short conversation with James and he asked if I'm fine (think he knew we yelled so loud under the sun!), that says how much they care about the supporters!!
Top boy James!!!

Also impressed by Charlie not only because of his great saves! This happened on Saturday - Ambrose was standing in front of me signing for us, and I yelled Charlie to come over and sign on my match programme, as there's no room for him to come over, he thumbed up and smiled at me, indicating he will be coming over later and ensure my programme signed, how nice!

 

[Centurions]

Re: HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens(Hong Kong): MC

I know its in Chinese but here's the highlight for the final
Still finding the semi-final though...that was a really incredible game! What an equalizer from Maffeo and what a winning goal by Angelino the temporary goalie!
http://sports.now.com/home/news/details?id=9934880594

And Horsy was REALLY REALLY NICE! (Perhaps its because he recognized me)

Would never be able to get one of the training shirts if its not him :')

Soooo many people surrounded our players after the ceremony for the goodies and I can't squeeze myself into the crowd (I don't want to give them a bad impression anyway so I didn't try to squeeze into the group)...
Only able to ask Horsy if I can have his shirt when the crowds were leaving. Horsy said they were not allowed to give away their shirts, but he still has one of the training shirts in his hand, someone (i don't think that person was even City supporter!) wanted to grasp it from him but he managed to get hold of it and he turned to me, smiled at me and he gave it to me!
I will never ever forget that moment!!
By the way after the Semis many people asked for photographs and autographs they actually ignored most of the non-City supporters but signed and took photos with most of the City supporters, I even got time to have a short conversation with James and he asked if I'm fine (think he knew we yelled so loud under the sun!), that says how much they care about the supporters!!
Top boy James!!!

Also impressed by Charlie not only because of his great saves! This happened on Saturday - Ambrose was standing in front of me signing for us, and I yelled Charlie to come over and sign on my match programme, as there's no room for him to come over, he thumbed up and smiled at me, indicating he will be coming over later and ensure my programme signed, how nice!

I think someone has got a crush ;)

BTW, the video won't play, I think it's a regional issue (a pop up comes up but it's in Chinese obviously. I'll have a look later.