Falling Short of a Turn Around Rematch

Source: Soccerpirrs.com

In the 2011 UFL Cup, Kaya FC faced Loyala Meralco Sparks in the Cup Semifinals for the first time since the revival of the UFL. With each team riding high on the wave of the football boom in the Philippines and recruiting big named players to the league, both have ramped up for the intense competition. Up until the semifinal rounds, the Loyola-Kaya match-up was one of the most anticipated games, as Loyola boasted Phil and James Younghusband, and Mark and Mathew Hartman. On the other hand, Kaya FC had our own set of National team players including Aly Borromeo, Anton Del Rosario, Jason Sabio, Nate Burkey and myself. Off the field, between the players that match was jokingly coined a “match between the Brit’s and the Americans.”

Until this day, it can easily be said that the game between Kaya FC and Loyola was the most exciting match to watch in 2011. With a comfortable 3-0 lead at half time, Kaya had the sure advantage moving into the second half, only to find a reluctant Loyola narrowing the gap and eventually stealing the game in a high scoring 5-4 victory.

This seemingly impossible comeback surely set the stage for Kaya FC and Loyola’s second match-up. This time, in the UFL League, as the first round of games commenced in a double round robin format, the two teams faced each other, in what was described as an “epic rematch” of the 2012 season. The outcome last time, was a triumphant underdog fight for Loyola to tie the match up and to finally take the win. For Kaya FC it was a bitter snowballing of unfortunate events that lead to a mega loss of the match and a potential cup title. This time with much at stake, Loyola fighting to maintain their win, and for Kaya to recapture the victory they had in their hands in the prior game.

Disappointing to say, Kaya fell short yet again against the orange Sparks. Much can be said about both teams performances, whether or not things could have been done or should have been done, and speculations can be made about all aspects of the match. The truth is before we start analyzing everything, I will use this time to reflect on my own performance and be accountable for the things I had control over.

Upon reflecting on my sub-par performance, I really have to reanalyze all of the controllable factors leading up to and during the match. We as professionals always say “Control the Controllable’s” and forget about everything else. By this we mean: Do what you need to do to best prepare you for the results you seek. For peak performance, it means preparing everything in your immediate control that will directly impact your effectiveness and efficiency.  Despite feeling great at the start of the match, it’s tough to say that after being fouled early in the game, the nagging physical nuisance pulled me mentally into a different state for the rest of the match, and it was quite evident that my “efficiency and effectiveness” suffered.

We can’t control the ref’s, we can’t control what others choose to do or not do, and we can’t control hard tackles by others, but what we can control is how we deal with these factors. Unfortunately, I was unable to physically and mentally overcome the “uncontrollable factors” presented to me in the match and furthermore I failed to take ownership over the controllable ones that would have dictated a positive performance.

All too often, it is hard for people to look past the “uncontrollable’s” and extreme focus is marginalized to excuses and blame. Being accountable and responsible for your own performance is key in moving forward and excelling. I hope to use games like this to further propel me in the right direction. It is a harsh and stern reminder that the game is only physical to a certain point, controlled and limited by your mental capability.

We have to wait until the second round of the UFL League to face Loyola Meralco Sparks in our 3rd overall match-up. What seems to be light years away, we have even more to look forward to, as we seek  unfinished business.

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