The Philippines started and ended strong to carve a thrilling, come-from-behind 8-7 victory over Malaysia as the 2019 Southeast Asian Games men’s floorball elimination round drew to a close, Friday at the UP College of Human Kinetics Gym, Quezon City.
Team captain Lucas Perez was in the right place at the right time to receive a pass from Christian Shoultze. He then shot the ball pass Malaysian keeper Daniel Liang just a second left in the match for the eventual game-winner.
The Nationals were off to a rousing start after three unanswered goals in at the first 11 minutes of the game. Christian Shoultze, Hazzaer Talingdan, and Patrik Shoultze all found the back of the net for the hosts.
“We weren’t exactly as focused as we wanted to be, but we were actually fortunate to score,” Perez admitted.
“And then we had a little momentum, but stopped doing the work.”
The Malaysians capitalized on the Filipino’s tentative defense, taking over the lead at 4-3 with an Adrian Yi strike at the 31st minute. The Fil-Swede captain then restored parity seconds after off a Ryan Hallden pass.
Three goals from the visitors followed, bridging the second and third periods, to extend the lead to three at 7-4. The Filipinos dug deep, though, and overhauled the deficit.
Christian Shoultze could have leveled the match at seven, but saw his penalty shot saved by Malaysia’s Liang. In the ensuing play, however, forward Christopher Holland slotted an equalizer, setting up that huge game-winner from their skipper.
When asked how they will prepare for their rematch against the Malaysians, Perez and the rest of the team will take the day off to recuperate.
“Well, tomorrow is recovery day, but everyone is also excited for the opening ceremony. I think it will be good energy.”
The bronze medal match between the Philippines (2-2) and Malaysia (1-3) is scheduled on Sunday, December 1 at 3 p.m. The gold medal match between Thailand and Singapore, which both finished with three wins and a draw follows right after.
