Recap
Onwards and Upwards
The Dragoons faced a daunting challenge in Norway, squaring off against a well-drilled FC Oslo side that showcased their quality from start to finish in the Fenix Trophy. While the scoreboard reflected a tough night for the visitors, there were periods where Dragoon’s defensive resolve shone through.
A hardy bunch of 14 travelled to the Norwegian capital, with Danilo Birbiglia and Flavio Nkola making the trip despite struggling with injury. Having played just two days previously in the league, Hugo Cruz had two enforced changes from the game against Czarni Grzegorzowice.
Michał Nowak came into the team for his first start of the season with Piotr Hajnrych not making the journey due to work commitments.
Similarly, Emre Çolakoğlu did not travel meaning Brian Lemmen sat at the base of midfield as the Dragoons remained otherwise unchanged.
Kick Off
The opening minutes tested the Dragoons’ defensive mettle as Marcin Obyrtacz was called into action multiple times. The Dragoons stopper made a crucial save in the 5th minute and shortly after, Brian Lemmen rattled the ball against his own crossbar as the goal lead a charmed life. Oslo camped inside the Expats’ half in the opening 20 minutes, but the Dragoons managed to just about keep the home side at bay.
Oslo Take The Lead
However, the Expats’ resistance could only hold out for so long as the deadlock was broken in the 24th minute. Simon Calabrese’s attempted defensive clearance landed kindly for Daniel Tavakoli, who took the ball down inside the box and beat Obyrtacz with a sharp finish.
Dragoons Stand Firm
Oslo continued their relentless siege on the Dragoons goal looking to extend their lead. Marcin Obyrtacz came to the rescue though, throwing himself across goal in the 28th minute to prevent an immediate second.
Yet, the Dragoons didn’t fold; instead, they found moments to settle and breathe. The Dragoons found themselves under constant pressure but stood firm until the break.
As the half time whistle blew, the Expats held their heads high. Down by just one, the team had battled manfully and could be proud of their efforts so far.
Second Half
Unfortunately, football can be unforgiving and the second half was where things unravelled for the Dragoons.
Dragoons Fall Further Behind
Oslo’s second goal came swiftly after the restart in the 48th minute. The hosts found space on the right side of the box and a cut back found Remi Telle on the edge of the box. Telle rifled a first-time effort that flew past an unsighted Obyrtacz to double Oslo’s lead.
A Quickfire Third
Three minutes later, the Dragoons’ resistance began to show cracks as the hosts bagged a third goal. A cross from the right saw Brian Lemmen’s attempted interception fall kindly for Andreas Nordby. The Oslo man took a touch before lashing home an unstoppable effort from the edge of the box for 3-0.
Disaster Strikes
On the hour mark, Lemmen’s disastrous attempted pass out from the back put Oslo in possession just outside the Expats’ area. Daniel Tavakoli took full advantage and punished the error with an exquisite finish for his second goal as the Dragoons fire began to burn out.
He’s Jamming
The hosts kept up the pressure on the Dragoons goal and notched a fifth goal in the 66th minute. Oslo worked the ball into the right side of the area, with Paul Driscoll hanging a cross into the six-yard-box. Ebrima Jammeh escaped the attention of the Dragoons defence to meet the ball and buried a header into the net for 5-0.
Double Trouble
Jammeh added his second and Oslo’s sixth goal just two minutes later. A long throw caught the Expats defence cold as the attacker ghosted away from Drobny, before coolly performing a drag-back to send Calabrese sprawling. Given too much time and space to manoeuvre, Jammeh struck a left footed finish into the corner of the net as the hosts’ clinical edge shone.
For the remaining 22 minutes, the hosts knocked the ball around like a training ground exercise. The tired legs of the Expats showed as they bravely chased shadows, but maintaining their shape and discipline well.
The Dragoons made a couple of brief forays forward, but could not create any notable shooting chances. Their best chance of the game came in the dying moments after Flavio Nkola won a free-kick 20 metres from goal. However, Enrico Forabosco’s attempt failed to beat the wall. Shortly after, the final whistle sounded to put an end to the game with Oslo comfortable winners.
Despite the heavy defeat, the Dragoons fought with heart. The team’s effort to stay composed in the face of a relentless opponent showed their spirit. They’ll look to regroup, learn, and hopefully use this experience as fuel for future matches. Onward and upward.
Oslo will travel to Krakow for the return fixture on 20th November, but the Expats have league action to concentrate on until then.
Next Up
A third game in 7 days will see Kmita II Zabierzów travel to Gronostajowa for the Dragoons’ 11th league game of the season. Kmita are currently fourth in the table with 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. They are currently 3 points ahead of the Expats with 26 goals scored and 14 conceded.
It will be the first game between the two sides and we hope to see as many people come and cheer the boys on!
