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Marjory, 23.Graduated in 2008 with a diploma in New Media.
A freelance designer and a soccer enthusiast. Was a left winger for Republic Poly's Women's Soccer Team
(2007-2007). Supports
Manchester United and Holland.
. Winner of Female Captain of the Year Award 2007/2008
. Nominated for Female Captain of the Year Award 2007/2008 . Meritorious Silver Awardee . 4th in Annual POL-ITE (Women's Soccer) 2007/2008 . Captained RP Women's Soccer team 2007-2008 . 2nd place in WPL 2007/2008 (Young Women) . Meritorious Bronze Awardee (Marquee Troupe II Service Learning) 2007  |
Thursday, September 27, 2007
WWC Semi-final 2nd half: Brazil v USA
Wambach had no chance to shine at all, no chance. The closest she came was a header in the first half that went into the hands of the excellent no goal conceded yet Brazilian keeper Andreia. The yet menacing and speedy Brazilians were way too fast for the Americans, overtaking the Americans every minute, keeping them busy all the time. Kristine Lily was so near to just placing a goal back for the USA in the 74th minute but could only afford a weak shot into the hands of Andreia. The Americans were tired off and just couldn't catch up with the Brazilians. The introduction of Carli Lloyd for the young and brilliant defender Lopez 1 minute after the second half started did not help at all. Surely the US have to just defend now but at the same time, Greg Ryan wanted to add fire into the midfield to try attacking, with the midfield already short of one player. In the 60th minute, Tina Ellertson was brought on for the not so bright O'Reilly to power the defence line. That, did help and Tina did a brilliant job in preventing Daniela from putting in the 5th goal in the 82nd minute. Other than that, the defence has been caught sleeping many times and of course, Brazil took advantage of that with their quick feet and tried to score every time but luck did not go their way in the last 20minutes. Christane had a shot that hit the top of the woodwork and another that was just wide. In the 74th minute, Mariam Dalmy made her first Senior WC debut for the limping Kate Markgraf and took centre back with Ellertson while Whitehill moved to the right, with Rampone moving to the left back. 4 minutes from time, Brazil played the time wasting game, keeping possession in their own half, passing back and forth and surely it was clear that with the presence of Marta, Christane, who scored the 3rd goal 9 minutes after the restart and Daniela, Brazil dominated over us Americans, placing 4 goals pass us, with Marta taking 2, with the 2nd one in the 79th minute, bringing her goal tally to a total of 6 goals in five games, just one ahead of her team mate, Christane. Brianna must have felt that she was jinxed to have been chosen to play. Bad luck fell on her side just went she makes her first appearance in this World Cup in China, conceding 4 goals against the side where she did not concede earlier this year in the 4 nations tournament. Hope was shown sitting on the bench matched with a moody face and I'm sure she wasn't happy at all for being put onto the bench. She just got that I-could-have-prevented-all-those-goals-from-going-in-had-you-played-me-ryan look and it did look really... well you know. Had you stare longer into those eyes, you would be scared stiff. Did I mention, that Marta made both Ellertson and Chalupny looked stupid? Yes, she did and she did make them look like clowns, fooling them with her every move when she got the ball. She even had the time to dance with the ball, receiving applause from the crowd, including the host county people. When I say dance, I really mean dance, like those Brazilian joga dance dance. She fooled them and made them looked so focus and smack, she moved the ball in the opposite direction from their focus and moved. Also, she has a scary face. The dream of reaching the finals to face off the ex champions Germany is now gone and for now, the US have to focus their attention on Norway, play hard, fight hard and fight to get the not very attractive bronze medal before heading for a more than 10 hour flight back home, sweet home. I'm banging on Germany to retain their title this time. Bring it on home, hideous Lingor and captain Brigit Prinz!  Labels: Women's World Cup 2007
10:33 PM
WWC Semi-final 1st half: Brazil v USA
2 goals down, we are and Boxxy got sent off for her 2nd yellow card. I didn't see it as a justified one. Referee was bad, USA had 3 free kicks which could be given but no, not given and referee waved play on! It was really nerve-wrecking to watch both sides play and hell, it was really really intensifying that I could feel the heat burning on the dining chair I'm sitting on already. Plenty of tackles - USA have 3 yellows and Brazil 2. A Brazil corner on the left by Formiga in the 20th minute, hit the head of the solid USA midfielder Osborne and the ball went into the net, giving Brazil the lead 1-0. It was clear that Osborne wanted to clear the ball away but was unfortunate to have her header thrown the ball into the net instead. If 1 goal wasn't enough, Brazil's top goal scorer, Marta added another 6 minutes later. She got the ball down the right flank, made a good run and scored just 2 yards outside the box on the right despite Markgraf pulling her shorts, trying to stop her. The more experienced Briana, in place of the excellent Hope, was in goal today and was just inches wide of preventing Marta'a ball from entering the net. Brazil looked very dangerous, playing many long balls around each other, taking dangerous shots from as far as 4 yards from the half line, threatening USA's goal every time they grab the chance. The presence of Daniela, Christane and Marta sure made the play difficult for the World's #1 USA, running into good spaces, making good speedy runs down both flanks, keeping the US's defense on their heels every minute. The last time when USA won Brazil 2-0 was back in the 4 nations tournament earlier this year where Marta and Christane were both absent. Queen of caps Kristine Lily scored from a free kick and the young Tarpley scored from close range. This time, the scoreline is reversed and the american girls have plenty of work to do! I'm hoping for a repeat of the Korea match and an addition of another goal to make it to the finals! Oh dear, this is really really, very nerve wrecking right now. You've no idea how mad I was when Daniela was celebrating upon Boxxy's 2nd yellow card. That was utter crap. It looked more like Daniela was the one who slide in on Boxx and made her fall. Now the US are playing with 10 women and it's bad. I hope Greg Ryan comes out with a brilliant plan. Off to the 2nd half now... Labels: Women's World Cup 2007
8:51 PM
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Women's World Cup's intensity!
So, the results are out and my prediction was correct with Brazil, USA, Norway and Germany advancing to the next round. The Australia and Brazil game was sheer intense. Just four minutes into the game, Brazil put one into goal through a very very beautiful long shot that came from out 3 steps outside the box. The second goal was through a penalty by the Matildas and no one else but Marta, stepped up and converted that penalty. 2 goals down in the first half and the Matildas were still trying hard. Indeed, hard work did pay off and in the 36th minute, Australia's lead scorer, De Vanna, made a good run, made it past 2 defenders and took a shot from outside the box and woompa, it went in. Beautifully striked and well taken. In the 68th minute, Australia was given a free kick and yes, they did score from there to equalize the scoring line. Free kick from the left and Colthorpe's header went into the back of the net! The keeper came out and tried to catch the ball but to no avail. The substitutes on the bench were then jumping for joy! Well, I didn't expect Australia to come to this score though, great for them, but only for 9 minutes before Brazil's Christane scored the winning goal, to ensure that Brazil goes through! Australia fought very hard and their keeper, Barbieri was busy trying to save out every shot Brazil made. She did though, save most of the shots that came at her every time. One of Marta's free kick hit the wood work, if not it could have been 4 for Brazil! Brazil kept playing long balls and frustrated the Matildas, no doubt and Australia on the other hand was trying hard to get hold of the ball, keep possession and pass it forward with long passes. De Vanna had a few good chances on the left but was blocked out by the Brazilians that came pressuring her down quickly. By right, it could have gone into extra time had Australia been awarded a penalty in the latter part of the 2nd half but it wasn't awarded. Unlucky and full time, the score lies at 3-2 and the Matildas are sent packing home. They really did work very hard though and were just unlucky. Right now, it's Brazil against the ranked no.1 USA and Norway against the champions Germany. Who will prevail and who will be fighting for 3rd placing? My predictions: It's either going to be Germany v USA or Germany v Brazil for the finals. If Norway can pull an upset over the tall and strong Germans, that would be really shocking but they did manage to scrap through China with a 1-0 win through a very beautiful too and well striked goal. So who knows? Keeping the faith, Marj
10:10 PM
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Through to the semis, we go!
3-0, the US won over England! England made very good short and sharp passes. The second half was the more exciting section of the match. Yankey made good runs and had a shot at goal. Kelly Smith wasn't that impressive though. On the other side, Lopez did well in defence, clearing many dangerous balls that went into the center. Rampone on the right back, did well and impressed too, pressuring opponents and preventing england from making crosses down the left. England tried to press on, thwarting the strong US defence but couldn't break through. Indeed the back four was too strong for England this time round. They could only break through through the sides and most of the time it's cleared out by Markgraf or Whitehill, the heart of the defence. Boxx had a chance as well in the 63rd minute, only for her well timed header to go above the wood work! Brown was more alert on the 2nd half, making a number of good saves for England, including a shot by Lily just outside the box on the right. The US defended well as a whole as well. Everyone moved back, when England was attacking. Each time when the entire team moves back during England's attack, it looks as though Greg Ryan has thrown 10 defenders infront of Hope Solo! The young O'Reilly had a few good chances too but left it late. I must say that Solo did exceptionally well in goal, saving every crucial ball that came in the way and with that, I rate her 10/10. That explains why she wins over Brianna this time, taking her position in goal in all the matches thus far. My prediction for the four teams that would go through: USA, Germany, Brazil and Norway. I'm looking to Norway to win over China though I'm slightly unsure. But what's for sure right now is that the US are going to face Brazil(they are sure to win the Aussies) and take it on from there. This World cup is getting more and more intense and exciting! I'm still thinking who could make the finals! Alright, GO USA!! Labels: Women's World Cup 2007
11:43 PM
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Oh, surely.
So fast and it's been already 11 days since the end of my lay-off. So fast and it's 1 month and 15 days away from my 19th birthday. So fast and it's exactly 26 days away from the commence of POL-ITE. So fast and it's already in the month of September. So fast and it's already the first day of second class. This is sure scary and were always so busy that forget about time passing around us, at times we don't even notice that it's already sun set or bedtime sleep. I thought that I would be pain-free, refreshed and feeling rejuvenated upon my return back to training on the field or on court or where ever after a good one month rest and it proved not to be. I'm currently still down with a cough and the shin splint pain is unfortunately, coming back again, with a slight minor pain for a start. It has been for awhile since this slight minor pain has been back and it seems that it could be the cause of running on the inclement ground that is there on the school's soccer field. It wasn' that bad running on the threadmill. In fact, I was pain-free on a threadmill. Well, what I'm trying to say here is that running on an inclement ground will bring back or cause a shin splint for me. I don't wish for it to be a reoccurring injury because it's not the right time now to be. It's best if I didn't have this injury at all but afterall, I already had it and it looks like, it's going to come back any time now or soon. It seems to be parking there permanently... Sleeping wasn't a comfortable one last night as I felt some pain on the back of the calf like previously. Those kind of pain that has a glowing feel but today, it's gone, so it's great, I don't want you back and I don't need you back. I really hate the pain of walking in pain because it really really hurts and it is enjoyable, not. I wish I had those crutches to help me lift my right leg and walk along but that in turn would give me sore arm pits. It'd better not be an injury to stop me from playing soccer because I'll never quit. Keeping the faith, Marj
3:36 PM
Monday, September 17, 2007
Top of the group
 
10:00 PM
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Up ahead
The heat of the Women's World Cup 2007 is burning and it is going to be real exciting. China, Denmark, North Korea, Australia, USA, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Norway are going to the quarter finals, I think. I'm sure about all the teams except for China and Denmark. China have been hammered by the mighty Brazil 4-0, with the ever- shining Marta getting on the score sheet again. England looks good too but they were held by the 2003 champions Germany to a goal-less draw and is currently standing at 3rd placing in Group A. Sweden have to really do well against Korea to ensure their advancement to the next round or else they are gone. Rehearsal for Christmas Play has begun and so far everything's good. Cast has been set, dancers have been confirmed. I pray for God guidance upon the rehearsals and that everything will go smoothly. Great 2 goals by Abby Wambach yesterday and GO TEAM USA!
12:21 AM
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Busy busy!
The morning was spent cleaning up the tabletops in the house, packing the rooms and sorting out things in my room. Plenty of things were thrown away and packed aside and most of it were .... piggy banks, unfortunately, that were given by friends in the past years, with my age growing a year older in each of the years. I hate it when I see a piggy bank each time I open up those presents (After the friends have left, that is, of course). It's like piggy banks after piggy banks and it never ends. Every year, I always get 'em and till this day, I have countless of them and yes, most of them are empty, unfortunately. But anywhoo, I have cleared those that I do not use and it will be deposited into the big container of Salvation Army's tomorrow.  The afternoon was spent having bought back lunch which consisted of egg, meat and veggie(now say yay!) before heading to church for the usual weekly LYnC session where Terri and Kat (aka Dr and Mrs Love) continued on BGR, Part II. After which, it was time for auditions for LYnC's Christmas Play 2007 brought to you by Mr Director Matthew Crawshaw and his assistant, Ms Denise Chew. You've no idea how I reacted when Matt asked if I could do as a tomboy for this Christmas Play. I asked for another role but well....it's good that I am part of it so why bother anyway! My name in the play is Amanda, who is a very angst teen who is in love with Janey who shares a closeness with Rainey. Ok, so that's about it. Want to know more? Then come over to watch the Christmas play, come this December 2007 at St. Andrews Cathedral's Sanctuary Hall! More details to come by later and we'll be having a blog! So watch out for that!Yada yada ya and then I was alone on a walk to Suntec in search of a new pair of boots but to no avail. I thought I could try my luck at Why Pay More but it was already replaced by Sports connection and this another golf house. They didn't have what I was looking for anyway and neither did the enormous spaced-out Royal Sporting House, Nike and Adidas below did have what I was looking for. By then I was already famished and I stopped by 7-11 to get a bite of a muffin on the way back. Man, I was dead tired after so much of walking and that bite of muffin didn't help kill my famish-self so I had to buy a Teriyaki burger to really satisfy my hunger before catching a bus home. Well okay it's been a very hectic day and am glad to be home so, hurrah for England already winning 3-0! Goodnight folks, Marj
12:42 AM
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Training Camp
3 days and 2 nights of training camp was sure worthwhile and indeed, the training camp, as it is called, did serve it's purpose. I was just watching the training and lazing around for most of the time (during camp) as I was still on my lay-off period. Sure did help in watching the team in terms of what they did for training and while they were out on the field sweating their heads off and getting some good stretching and kicking of balls, I headed down to the gym to do the same. Did running on the threadmill and some leg muscle exercises on the Keiser machines before getting a good shower and getting back to watching the team train under the scorching sun. The second day was more tiring as compared to the first as the team had physical in the morning followed by breakfast and then attended 3 workshops altogether, 2 of which made the team went fully emotional with tears. Sure was mentally exhaustion for all as they are already, physically worn out in the morning from a run and field work. The third day was even more intensive as the team had 2 sessions of long hours training that almost depleted and sucked all energy from both their legs and arms. One in the morning and the later one in the afternoon at 4pm. It was the last day of camp (also known as break-camp) and everyone wants home early however training only ended one hour and a half after the sun fell down. Quickly, the team, all mudded and dirty and not to mention, smelly, stretched for a cool-down before getting a not-so-great shower and heading off away from camp, for a great meal before heading home sweet home. 3 days 2 nights sure did seems like it is not going to be over soon and today, it's already the 5th Sept, the day after the camp. Surely time flies and there is now exactly 1 month and 5 days to the team's first ever big event, the POL-ITE. Keeping the faith, Marj Labels: training camp
2:46 PM
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