Week 1: Who Ties Azzuri, Avatar Roars, Rajawali Got ACEd

UTP Soccer League 2009 kicks off with tales of surprises and upsets. 6 matches were being played last week with 2 matches from Group A & B and 1 match from Group C and D

On Friday, Azzuri got an early wake-up call as the champions were only handed a point after drawing with WHO FC with the score of 1-1. Trailed behind during the first half by a goal from Ahmad Izzat, Azzuri needed a last-gasp minute by Marut Damkaew to score, leaving WHO FC missing their lost two points in the last minute.

On the same day, Facebook FC also being handed a shock after drew 0-0 with the newcomer, Borneo FC. Despite a lot of attacks being launched by the Eastenders, they failed to break the goal post, safeguarded by 46-year-old veteran, Badarolzaman Ramli. Hilary Stephen also being influential in making attacks for Borneo FC, only to have Badarolzaman to stop his efforts.

On Saturday, the battle of the July 06 batch pits Apocalypto FC and Evo FC. All emotions of friendship were being put behind as both teams going for a win. Apocalypto leads in the 5th minute by a superb free-kick by Mohd Farhan Hafizuddin. Evo FC also managed to get some close chances when Hafreez Aizat and Amirul Asraf was not being marked, only to find defenders to stop them. Muhammad Muaz ends Evo's fairytale with 2nd goal, ending the match with 2-0 to Apocalypto.

Meanwhile, Avatar sends a strong warning to other teams that they are ready to take the title after demolishing Jupan FC 4-0. Despite Jupan FC's strong efforts to prevent the flash attack of Avatar players, it seems that Avatar is no match to Jupan. Syed Aminuddin which was bought from Golden Nugget leads the Avatar destruction with 2 goals to his name, and Muhammad Sholeh and Mohd Hazizuddin netted one each.

On Sunday, ACE staged a great comeback after coming from behind to defeat Rajawali 3-2. After being level 1-1 during half time, Rajawali takes the lead after a free kick being blocked by the keeper and Mohd Shaiful Anuar manages to squeeze in the ball through the net. 5 minutes before the end, ACE strikes back with a marvellous chip from Asyraf bin Ja'afar. As it seems a draw for both teams, a defensive blunder costs dearly for Rajawali as Quailid Rezza comes from bench to strike a goal in the last minute, giving them all three points with the score of 3-2

On the other action, Damotheran's unexpected transfer to Azzuri doesn't prevent Rasta to perform on their usual form. Facing Aurora FC, Rasta managed to get a draw against the new rejuvenated team with the score of 1-1. Rasta's goal was scored by Haridass while Mohd Shaifful Izzuan puts the goal for Aurora

With the end of the first week, the fight for the top two spots seems too close to call. Below is the tables, top scorers and the next fixtures for Week 2.

Till then, we see you again with the next update on Week 2.