2025-07-24, 03:12 PM - Word count:
(This post was last modified: 2025-07-24, 03:19 PM by spooked.)
Despite the dominance on display from Istanbul in this afternoons match, the story is the goal that wasn't! Orla Hughes-Galloway, netting a referee-approved brace this afternoon, was denied what would have been a hat-trick with a narrow offside call like we have never seen before. The red-and-blue lines practically on top of one another, a gap so narrow you would need the space telescope to see the offside, but apparently for the referee, they decided it was enough for them to get involved.
![[Image: uUAfaRJ.png]](https://i.imgur.com/uUAfaRJ.png)
Hughes-Galloway, offside, according to some.
Fortunately for Istanbul fans, the result was positive anyways, with Istanbul getting themselves the full three points (despite the quality performance by the "neutral" judges). It was an absolutely standout performance from the aforementioned Hughes-Galloway, with a pair of allowed goals as said, as well as another brace achieved by the opposite-side winger, Benjamin Munro. The first goal of the match, scored by Linnea Nesse, opened the scoresheet early, netting a goal from the edge of the box in the 9th minute, getting assisted from a nice hold-up play from Munro, who brought the rightback into the play after giving them time to move up the pitch. From there, the first half was rather slow early. The only notable moment being Jakarta's sole tally from an in-swinging corner, a play which threatened throughout the match, but was successful only once in the 26th minute.
From then all the way until the final whistle the game was entirely tilted in favour of Istanbul during open play. The trio of goal scorers were dominant on the ball throughout the match, often finding each other with quick passing plays, breaking the defensive line with long balls and getting direct passes through the box often. Both wingers also showing their explosive speed on many occasions to find space throughout the match as well. It was also a dominant defensive performance from Istanbul, with Resetti Moretti stepping up into challenges to break up plays on multiple occasions, helped by Jakarta's poor passing and teamwork this afternoon.
At the end of the afternoon, it wasn't the biggest victory of the day with Port Royal F.C. taking out Athetico 8-1, and Victoria Falls putting 5 up on a goal-less Stockholm. It was however enough for Istanbul to move up the table one position, jumping over Stockholm to move up to 5th place on 16 points to their 15. Istanbul are still within a couple points of the threesome fighting over 2nd place with 18 points each in Port Royal, Victoria Falls, and Sydney City, the last of which lost their match against now dominant league leaders, Adowa Accra, who are a full 4 points clear with just 4 matches remaining. With the table tight at the top, the last few match days will make all the difference!
Hughes-Galloway, offside, according to some.
Fortunately for Istanbul fans, the result was positive anyways, with Istanbul getting themselves the full three points (despite the quality performance by the "neutral" judges). It was an absolutely standout performance from the aforementioned Hughes-Galloway, with a pair of allowed goals as said, as well as another brace achieved by the opposite-side winger, Benjamin Munro. The first goal of the match, scored by Linnea Nesse, opened the scoresheet early, netting a goal from the edge of the box in the 9th minute, getting assisted from a nice hold-up play from Munro, who brought the rightback into the play after giving them time to move up the pitch. From there, the first half was rather slow early. The only notable moment being Jakarta's sole tally from an in-swinging corner, a play which threatened throughout the match, but was successful only once in the 26th minute.
From then all the way until the final whistle the game was entirely tilted in favour of Istanbul during open play. The trio of goal scorers were dominant on the ball throughout the match, often finding each other with quick passing plays, breaking the defensive line with long balls and getting direct passes through the box often. Both wingers also showing their explosive speed on many occasions to find space throughout the match as well. It was also a dominant defensive performance from Istanbul, with Resetti Moretti stepping up into challenges to break up plays on multiple occasions, helped by Jakarta's poor passing and teamwork this afternoon.
At the end of the afternoon, it wasn't the biggest victory of the day with Port Royal F.C. taking out Athetico 8-1, and Victoria Falls putting 5 up on a goal-less Stockholm. It was however enough for Istanbul to move up the table one position, jumping over Stockholm to move up to 5th place on 16 points to their 15. Istanbul are still within a couple points of the threesome fighting over 2nd place with 18 points each in Port Royal, Victoria Falls, and Sydney City, the last of which lost their match against now dominant league leaders, Adowa Accra, who are a full 4 points clear with just 4 matches remaining. With the table tight at the top, the last few match days will make all the difference!
