Facing the Giants

The much awaited draw for the 2009 ESPZEN Champions Cup has finally been revealed. Among the many mouth-watering clashes were some that have been touted as potential massacres, including the draw between former two-time champions, International Soccer Academy FC and underdogs Team Prodigy.

International Soccer Academy have been consecutive division champions in the ESPZEN Saturday league season for the past three seasons, finishing above strong teams like Questra Vipers and Simei United. International Soccer Academy is also the only team that boasts the honour of winning the Champions Cup twice. Team Prodigy, on the other hand, are a relatively young team. They have risen quickly through the divisions since making their first appearance in 2008 in ESPZEN Sunday division 9 but are untested and unproven in the bigger competitions. Team Prodigy's performance in previous cup competitions have been dismal, crashing out in the first round of the ESPZEN FA Cup on two occasions.

The Straits Times have exclaimed that this match would be almost impossible for International Soccer Academy to lose: "Despite Team Prodigy's promise and work ethic, they will not be able to match the experience and class of International Soccer Academy. ISA will win this draw effortlessly." Football pundit John Dykes also added: "Look at the players ISA have, they have the best players from all around the world and all their performances have been scarily consistent. Don't get me wrong, I admire Team Prodigy, they have achieved a lot since joining ESPZEN but their players are just not experienced enough for the likes of ISA. Age will also be an important factor. Team Prodigy's average age is years ahead of ISA's, there is no way they will be able to match the fast game with which ISA plays with."

The fans of Team Prodigy however insisted that their team be taken more seriously. Long time fan Matthew Lim said: "Do not rule us out just yet. When we are playing on our day, even teams like ISA will have to work hard to beat us. They are the giants of this tournament but I always believe that upsets are inevitable in cup competitions!" When asked about his thoughts on his team's chances, Team Prodigy's Mick Tan earnestly replied: "Who is International Soccer Academy?"

The match will kick off on the 6th September, Turf City pitch four at 3pm.