MATCH REPORT
SCG MUANGTHONG UNITED 2-1 BG PATHUM UNITED
FA CUP ROUND OF 32, 06-DEC-2020
SCG STADIUM.
SCG Muangthong United's 2020 FA CUP campaign took a huge leap forward with a victory over the top team in the league.
The fans maxed out the allowable attendance quota at the SCG Stadium for what turned out to be an on the edge of your seat thriller that lasted into overtime, but after 120 minutes of play the Kirin were victorious.
Everyone knew this match was going to be a challenge, with top goal scorers out with injury, and the team fatigued after having played four matches over the last 17 days.
As expected, BG United played their regular starting lineup. Coach Gjurovski, however, fielded several of the academy players thrust into the first team this season. Poramet and Wattanakorn were handed their first starts of the season, and as the match progressed they were joined by three other youngsters, Wongsakorn, Marco Ballini, and Atikun.
Muangthong United began the match on fire, overpowering BG and threatening early on. The opening goal came at just five minutes when Saharat found striker Sardor Mirzaev open who finished from inside the box with a shot past the BG keeper, Chatchai Budprom, Thailand's national team stopper.
As the game progressed, BG began to dominate possession and show why they are the top team, forcing turnovers in the middle third and pushing towards goal. The Kirin defenders were solid, however, and did not make any mistakes, repeatedly blocking passes and shots, tackling, and clearing away the volley of crosses in towards goal.
Centre back Lucas Rocha had a perfect game and took several brutal collisions that saw the medics giving him attention even after the final whistle had blown.
BG Pathum United, along with their 20 cornerkicks racked up 13 shots at goal. Kirin keeper Somporn Yos was also outstanding, and made two key diving saves off headers.
BG finally did get on the scoresheet at the 70th minute with a header from Andres Tunez that looped over Somporn.
With the end of full time the first of two extra time periods, 15 minutes each, was played. With the fans on their feet and singing encouragement, right back Suporn Peenagatapho scored the winner, taking the ball at the edge of the box, moving it to his right foot, and placing the shot nicely past the defender and keeper but just inside the far post.
Muangthong United held on for the final 15 minute extra time period, with Somporn Yos again smothering the ball and falling to the pitch with it clutched to his chest as the SCG Stadium went up in more cheers.
The goal, and win, was well deserved by Muangthong, who fought hard and played with tremendous determination. The SCG Stadium exploded with joy as fans enjoyed a quality match, and can be proud of their club. (Match highlights)
SCG Muangthong United are in action in just a few days as PT Prachuap FC visit the SCG Stadium for a league match, Friday December 11th.