USSH crowned champion after a 15-year wait!

ULIS FC and USSH FC are no strangers to each other, having both reached the final of the 2018 season. Therefore, neither team tested the other much; from the start of the match, with the advantage of being the defending champions and playing at home, the ULIS players launched an all-out attack in an attempt to score an early goal. From the previous season to the final, ULIS FC had been very successful with their tactic of lofting high balls to player To Hoang Huy (number 14), who, with his height of 1.90m, could jump and head the ball into the net. They had such an opportunity in the opening minutes but couldn't beat goalkeeper Trinh Van Bang of USSH FC. It can be said that goalkeeper Bang's save was the turning point of the match, boosting the morale of USSH FC.

As the match progressed, USSH gained more confidence, while ULIS FC seemed to be at a disadvantage, especially after a situation where player Nguyen Van Thuy (number 10) of USSH FC pushed past a defender and shot the ball against the junction of the crossbar and post. The cold wind in Xuan Thuy, combined with the pressure and the close-marking, technical style of play from USSH FC, made ULIS seem to freeze. ULIS's long balls no longer hit their target; instead, some players focused solely on tackling, resulting in a tense final match with numerous referee calls and free kicks for both teams. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.

Entering the second half, USSH FC players continued to dominate the game, minimizing ULIS's aerial attacks. On a day of such exhilarating play and one-sided possession, goals were only a matter of time for USSH FC. And without keeping the audience waiting, USSH FC scored two goals in quick succession, both courtesy of player Nguyen Tuan Anh (number 7). The opening goal showcased excellent teamwork, while the second came from a well-executed corner kick that caught the opponent off guard. With a bit more luck, Nguyen Tuan Anh could have scored four goals (following a hit on the crossbar and post). But 2-0 was more than enough for a victory, and the gold trophy of the tournament went to the more deserving team: USSH FC.

USSH FC is a team with a relatively consistent playing style and lineup, making it easy for opponents to anticipate their tactics and identify their best players. With the tactical acumen of the ULIS coach, having observed the semi-final match, they easily recognized the three key players of USSH FC – Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Quoc Huy, and Dao Tuan Anh – and therefore made some changes to their starting lineup in the final against USSH FC to neutralize these three players. However, the ULIS coach and players didn't realize that USSH FC isn't a team of just one or three players. USSH FC is a team that has competed together for many years, with players who are equally skilled, united, and work well together. The final match demonstrated that player number 7 played slowly in midfield, numbers 8 and 25 played very deep in their positions to draw ULIS players forward, while the sweeper (number 2) or players number 10 and 22 were given free rein. A persistent fighting spirit and a sound strategy surprised ULIS, helping USSH FC avenge their defeat in the 2018 final.

In the final match, the players delivered a passionate performance on the field, fueled by the enthusiastic support of the fans off the field. The large contingent of supporters from 336 Nguyen Trai (Thanh Xuan), including school leaders, department heads, lecturers, and students, made the cold weather of Cau Giay seem to disappear, further igniting the players' energy as they danced on the pitch.

The gold medals and cup were awarded to the USSH champions after a 15-year wait. The joy of victory for the men's soccer team in 2020 was truly complete. Hopefully, in the future, the players will maintain their form and achieve even more great success!