Recap
European Debut!
The Dragoons kicked-off their participation in the 2nd edition of the prestigious Fenix Trophy in Amsterdam vs Afc DWS.
The Fenix Trophy is a ground-breaking international sporting event, promoted by the Milan-based football club Brera Calcio. The UEFA-approved competition features nine non-professional clubs from Italy, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark, Serbia and Czech Republic. The teams are chosen for their exceptional social, historical and cultural distinctiveness. The Fenix Trophy is an experience of sporting exchange, meant to highlight best practices within non-professional football. Among these are sporting conduct, bonds with the local community, sustainability, use of technologies, and friendship among clubs.
The Dragoons were proudly chosen to represent Poland and were placed in Group B, where they face off Amsterdam’s Afc DWS and Prague Raptors Football Club! A depleted Dragoons squad flew to Amsterdam for their first fixture just two days after the 5-3 league defeat against Bieżanowianka.
First Half
A tough first half for the Dragoons saw themselves two goals behind 25 minutes into the game. The Expats struggled to keep up with the fast paced of the hosts and toiled in possession. The last 15 minutes of the first half saw chances for each side but the score remained the same. Two injuries in the same period made an already difficult fixture that much harder!
Second Half
The Expats started the second half strong, with veteran Hugo Cruz pulling a goal back two minutes after the restart. A visible change in style led to a more balanced game with the Dragoons attempting to take control. Two big chances came the way of the Expats before DWS began to find their rhythm and get back into the game. On the back of tired legs and multiple injuries the Dragoons conceded twice more before the final whistle. The Dragoons succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, but could hold their heads up high for a battling performance against the odds.
Despite the rain and the defeat, it was a great first European adventure for the Dragoons, with great hospitality shown by the hosts.
Next Up
Match 2 of Group B will see the Expats welcoming Prague Raptors Football Club to the beautiful city of Kraków, in a date yet to be defined.
