Leicester City to face West Ham United at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens

Posted on: 2016-04-12

Chris Plowman, Tournament Director, Mark Sutcliffe, CEO of Hong Kong Football Association and Wayne Fong, Head of Corporate Affairs of Citi, attend the draw for the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens on 10 April 2016 in Hong Kong, China. Photo by Moses Ng / Power Sport Images

Premier League pacesetters Leicester City will face last year’s runners-up West Ham United at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens in May after the English clubs were paired together in Group D alongside HKFA U-21 and Singapore Cricket Club following Tuesday’s draw.

Leicester won the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens at the second time of asking when they defeated defending champions Newcastle United 2-0 in the 2013 final after winning the Shield competition on their inaugural appearance a year earlier.

And the current Premier League leaders were also Plate champions in 2014 before suffering a penalty shootout defeat in the Plate final to hosts Hong Kong Football Club last year.

West Ham, meanwhile, are also HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens regulars, and enjoyed their best-ever performance at the tournament in 2015 when they finished as runners-up to Spain’s Atletico Madrid.

“It’s a fantastic draw to see HKFA U-21 pitted against the possible champions of the Premier League and a team that may well end up in the Champions League, so that’s a highlight,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Football Association Mark Sutcliffe.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity for players from Hong Kong to test themselves; we’re trying to develop football here and the only way to do that is to play against better players.

“I’m really looking forward to the weekend; it’s always an excellent tournament with some fantastic players of the past, present and future.”

A trio of former champions, meanwhile, will compete in Group A, where five-time winners Aston Villa will take on 2012 champions Newcastle United and local side Kitchee, who won the 2011 title.

Aston Villa are the tournament’s most decorated team having claimed the title in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010, and have also been represented over the years by players including forward Gabby Agbonlahor, England and Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill, Leicester midfielder Marc Albrighton and Jack Grealish, who was the competition’s top scorer in 2013 and 2014.

The group is completed by hosts Hong Kong Football Club, who enjoyed their best-ever performance at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens last year when they won the Plate for the first time after edging out Leicester on penalties following a goalless draw.

“We are delighted to continue our commitment to the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens in partnership with Hong Kong Football Club and the Hong Kong Football Association,” said Citi Country Officer and Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong and Macau Mr. Weber Lo.

“This is the second year of a new four-year title sponsorship of the tournament, which extends our long-standing relationship with the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens that began in 2011.

“The quality and entertainment on the field in both the Main and Masters Tournaments last year reached new heights, and we expect more of the same this year.”

An intriguing Group C sees Japan’s Kashima Antlers as well as debutants FC Seoul of South Korea and Thai Youth Football Home face HKFC Captain’s Select

Kashima, who have won the Japanese title a record seven times, are participating in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens for the first time since 2004 and will also be the first Japanese side to compete at the event since 2008.

FC Seoul will be Korea’s first ever representative at the tournament, while Thai Youth Football Home are to make a special appearance as they mark 10 years since the passing of their founder and former member of Hong Kong Football Club Henrik Lorenz.

Finally in Group B, Stoke City and New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix will face a yet to be named side from the Hong Kong Premier League as well as Yau Yee League Select.

Wellington enjoyed an impressive first appearance at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens in 2015 after losing 1-0 after extra-time to Atletico in the semi-finals, while Stoke lost 2-0 to HKFC Captain’s Select in the Plate quarter-finals last year.

“We’re delighted with the line-up we’ve put together and we’re looking forward to another all-action, exciting tournament,” said HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens Tournament Director Chris Plowman.

“We’ve got clubs from as far apart as Newcastle in the north of England to Wellington in New Zealand taking part.

“I’m also particularly pleased to have two major soccer leagues in Asia represented in the J.League and the K-League Classic, with FC Seoul doing particularly well at the moment.

“And what a success story with Leicester; we’re all wondering if we’ll be welcoming the Premier League champions.”

The draw for the Masters Tournament also took place on Tuesday, with two-time champions Ajax All Stars returning to join 2015 winners USRC, HKFC Chairman’s Select, KCC Veterans and Discovery Bay in Group A.

And Group B sees 2015 finalists Wallsend Boys Club face Citi All Stars, HKFC Veterans, SCC Tigers and Yau Yee League Veterans.

“I’m really excited to come back again,” said Wallsend Boys Club’s former Sunderland, Leeds United and Newcastle United striker Michael Bridges, who scored in last year’s 2-1 final defeat by USRC.

“Our team is made up of some ex-professionals and amateurs, so it’s really good that we’re flying the flag for the club. After getting to the semis two years ago and the final last year, obviously the next step is to go on and win the trophy.

“The tournament is a great place to see some of the up-and-coming talent and meet ex-pros. It’s so well organised and such a good event.”

Five English Premier League sides book Sevens return

Posted on: 2016-03-14

Aston Villa vs Yau Yee League Select during their Main Shield Semi-Final as part of day three of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens 2015 on May 31, 2015 at the Hong Kong Football Club in Hong Kong, China. Photo by Xaume Olleros / Power Sport Images

Five-time champions Aston Villa and current Premier League pacesetters Leicester City will lead a strong English contingent in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens at Hong Kong Football Club at the end of May.

Former winners Newcastle United, last year’s runners-up West Ham United and Stoke City complete a strong group who will feature at the annual event, which will take place 20-22 May.

Aston Villa have been a regular feature at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens, but despite lifting the trophy on five occasions, they have not been crowned champions since 2010 and last year were eliminated by Newcastle in the quarter-finals.

“We are delighted to continue our long association with the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament. It remains an integral part of our football development process,” said Aston Villa academy manager Sean Kimberley.

“Jack Grealish and Marc Albrighton are two academy graduates amongst many who have benefited from participating in the Sevens in recent times, and we are look forward to playing our part once again in this high quality event.”

Aston Villa landed the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens titles in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 before winning the Shield in 2014 thanks to six goals from tournament top scorer Jack Grealish, who had also led the scoring charts a year earlier at Hong Kong Football Club after netting eight goals.

“Villa are a huge club, a very professionally run club that have been a strong supporter of the Soccer Sevens for many years,” said HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens Organising Committee Chairman Tony Bratsanos.

“They’ve won the tournament five times so they’ve been very successful here, and they’ve also brought with them a number of future stars. Gabby Agbonlahor, Craig Gardner, Gary Cahill, Ciaran Clark and more recently Jack Grealish have all appeared, so it’s always exciting to have them here.”

Leicester, meanwhile, made their debut in 2012 before winning the title a year later after beating Newcastle in the final.

And with Leicester currently leading the way in the English Premier League heading into the final two months of the season, they will return to Hong Kong Football Club looking to improve on last year’s group stage elimination at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens.

“Obviously Leicester are the story of the season this year, so it is great to have them coming over again,” added Bratsanos.

Leicester have a history of producing players from their academy, with a trio of former England internationals in Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker and Emile Heskey among the notable names to have come through their ranks, as well as current first team regulars Andy King and Jeffrey Schlupp.

Newcastle complete the trio of former English winners having beaten Aston Villa in the final on their debut appearance in 2012 before reaching at least the semi-finals on each occasion since.

“They’re another team with a strong youth set-up and have club legend Peter Beardsley heavily involved in the running of things,” said Bratsanos.

West Ham narrowly fell short of adding to that list last year after losing a thrilling final 3-2 in extra-time to Spain’s Atletico Madrid.

“We’re delighted to have been invited back to the Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong. After the fantastic time we enjoyed last year, hopefully we can go one better and win it,” said West Ham academy coach Mark Phillips.

“I have been to tournaments representing West Ham United Football Club all over the world and none of those were as well-run or more enjoyable than the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens.”

West Ham boast one of the most renowned academies in England with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick having all progressed through the ranks at the club, while Glen Johnson and Anton Ferdinand have both appeared at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens.

“West Ham could have won the tournament last season but just fell short in the final,” added Bratsanos.

“They’re another team that are doing great things back in England this year and, of course, they are known for bringing young players through, so hopefully they’ll bring some exciting talents this year.”

Finally, Stoke complete the quintet of English Premier League sides having been eliminated in the group stage on their debut last year despite drawing 2-2 with eventual champions Atletico.

“The Hong Kong Soccer Sevens is a tournament with a rich history. A lot of big names – in terms of clubs and players – have taken part over the years,” said Stoke’s academy director David Wright.

“We really enjoyed our first taste of the Soccer Sevens last year; it was a fantastic experience for both the players and the coaching staff.

“We are delighted to have been invited to return for a second successive year. We’re already looking forward to it and will go there determined to represent Stoke City with distinction.”

Defending champions Atletico, New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix and Japan’s Kashima Antlers have already been confirmed for the 16-team main tournament.

Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, West Ham stars top Soccer Sevens scorers

Posted on: 2015-06-01

Newcastle United vs BC Rangers during day two of the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens 2015 on May 30, 2015 at the Hong Kong Football Club in Hong Kong, China. Photo by Xaume Olleros / Power Sport Images

Callum Roberts was Newcastle United’s top scorer at the Soccer Sevens with four goals. Photo: Power Sport Images for HKFC.

June 1, 2015: The sensational Samuel Saiz was the top scorer in the Main Tournament at the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens after scoring seven goals in Atletico Madrid’s six matches, finishing with his extra-time winner against West Ham in the Cup final.

The blond-bearded 24-year-old, a long-time Atletico B striker, was also named Player of the Tournament after match-winning displays throughout the two days.

West Ham midfielder Jaanai Gordon, who scored both of his team’s goals in the final, and Newcastle United striker Callum Roberts, who made his first-team debut in the FA Cup in January, both scored four goals in the Main Tournament.

Jaanai Gordon scored four goals, including both of West Ham’s goals in the final (pictured).

Benjamin Akoto Asamoah, scorer of Atletico’s first goal in the final, and Aston Villa striker Jerell Sellars, who played in 2013, were among several players to scorer three times.

Stoke City’s England U-20 midfielder Oliver Shenton, Wellington Phoenix duo Kwabena Appiah and Louis Fenton, Kitchee striker Juan Belencoso and BC Rangers striker Chuck Yiu-kwok also netted three goals.

Newcomer Marlon Harewood, 35, was the top scorer in the Masters Tournament with four goals for Citibank All Stars, who lost to eventual champions USRC – BTS in the Cup semi-finals.

Daniel Lins Cortes, also 35, scored three goals for USRC – BTS and was named the Masters’ Player of the Tournament, while Johnny Gbenda-Charles of runners-up Wallsend Boys Club also netted three times.

HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens 2015

Top Scorers – Main Tournament

Samuel Saiz scores Atletico Madrid’s extra-time winner in the final, taking his tally to seven goals.

7 – Samuel Saiz (Atletico Madrid)

4 – Callum Roberts (Newcastle United)

4 – Jaanai Gordon (West Ham United)

3 – Jerell Sellers (Aston Villa)

3 – Chuck Yiu-kwok (BC Rangers)

3 – Juan Belencoso (Kitchee)

3 – Oliver Shenton (Stoke City)

3 – Louis Fenton, Kwabena Appiah (both Wellington Phoenix)

3 – Benjamin Akoto Asamoah (Atletico Madrid)

2 – Han Jae-woong (BC Rangers)

2 – Harry Panayiotou, Jak McCourt (Leicester City)

2 – Lin Pei (Shanghai SIPG)

2 – Martin Ibarreche (Singapore Cricket Club)

2 – Eddy Lecynge (Stoke City)

2 – Alex Pike (West Ham United)

2 – Steve McGurgan, Sebastian Beer, Jack Cullinane (all Yau Yee League Select)

1 – Harry McKirdy, Riccardo Calder (both Aston Villa)

1 – Carlos Ramos Blanco, Samuel Villa Rodriguez, Ivan Perez (all Atletico Madrid)

1 – Hiromichi Katano, Roberto Fronza, Jason Eng (all BC Rangers)

1 – Cheng Kin-ho, Lau Hok-ming (both HKFA U-20)

1 – Jordon Brown, Tom Halder, Sebastian Fiedler, Michael Hampshire (all HKFC)

1 – John Ramage, Robbie Bacon, Niall Cox (all HKFC Captain’s Select)

1 – Kim Tae-min, Cheung Kwok-ming (Kitchee)

1 – Jack Barmby (Leicester City)

1 – Alex Gilliead, Adam Laidler, Jamie Sterry (Newcastle United)

1 – Wang Hongliang, Jiang Weiliang (Shanghai SIPG)

1 – Logan Rogerson, Joe Bell (Wellington Phoenix)

1 – Djair Parfitt-Williams, Josh Pask (West Ham United)

1 – Shunsuke Nakamura, Luca Merlone (Yau Yee League Select)

1 – Own Goal

Top Scorers – Main Tournament

Marlon Harewood, 35, was the Masters Tournament’s top scorer with four goals.

4 – Marlon Harewood (Citibank All Stars)

3 – Daniel Lins Cortes, Jorginho Rodriquez (USRC – BTS)

3 – Johnny Gbenda-Charles (Wallsend Boys Club)

2 – Mark Grainger (HKFC Chairman’s Select)

2 – Marcel Sossnowski (KCC Veterans)

2 – Matt Hulen (SCC Tigers)

2 – Lloyd Owusu (Wallsend Boys Club)

1 – Frank Sinclair, Dele Adebola, Jon Mackem, Darren Byfield (Citibank All Stars)

1 – Paul Fitzgerald, Simon Page (HKFC Chairman’s Select)

1 – James Grady, Ian Nelson (KCC Veterans)

1 – Brett Ormerod (Nottingham Forest Mobsters)

1 – Owen Monagahan, Mike Hemmingway, Yossi Azran (SCC Tigers)

1 – Andy Mitchell, Paulo Henrique (USRC)

1 – Michael Bridges, Robbie Elliot (Wallsend Boys Club)

1 – Own Goal

Atletico Madrid come from two goals down to beat West Ham in Cup final

Posted on: 2015-05-31

Atletico Madrid celebrate winning the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens at Hong Kong Football Club on their tournament debut. Photo: HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens.

Atletico Madrid celebrate winning the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens on their debut. Photos: HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens.

Hong Kong; May 31, 2015: Atletico Madrid came from two goals down to beat West Ham United 3-2 after extra-time to win the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens in spectacular fashion at Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday evening.

Atletico were the first Spanish club to compete at the Soccer Sevens and left with the Cup and a new army of fans after living up to their reputation as the tournament’s team to watch, thrilling fans with attacking football that provided dramatic matches throughout the group and knockout stages.

The Spanish giants – whose first team won La Liga last year – needed extra-time to win all three of their knockout matches on Sunday, edging Hong Kong champions Kitchee 3-2 in the quarter-finals and then pipping Wellington Phoenix 1-0 in the semi-finals.

Captain Samuel Saiz was named Player of the Tournament and was also the top scorer with seven goals, which included the extra-time winner against a young West Ham side.

“It’s very simple. We have this philosophy at the club that we never give up and this is the club’s philosophy. It’s in our heart. It’s part of the Atletico Madrid brand,” said the 24-year-old striker, who has played for Atletico B for the past five seasons.

“We really enjoyed it. The seven-a-side format is new to us, but it’s a lot of fun and great viewing for the spectators. We want to come back next year.”

West Ham led 1-0 at half-time through 19-year-old Janaai Gordon, who scored again in the second half to give the Premier League club a comfortable-looking lead. Benjamin Akoto Asamoah, 21, pulled one back for Atletico before Ivan Perez, 24, curled in a superb left-foot equaliser late on to force extra-time.

Atletico Madrid celebrate after Samuel Saiz scored an extra-time winner to secure a 3-2 win over West Ham in the Cup final at the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens. Photo: Power Sport Images for HKFC.

Atletico Madrid celebrate after Samuel Saiz scored an extra-time winner to secure a 3-2 win over West Ham in the final.

With a sudden burst of rain adding drama to the finale, Samu again rose to the occasion, the blonde striker skipping past the West Ham defence at the top of the box to create space for a low right-foot shot into the corner that prompted huge celebrations.

“It’s our first time and we can’t believe that we could keep going and going, all the way to the final,” Saiz said. “We had to give everything we had to win it.”

Atletico’s attacking style and their vulnerability at the back ensured thrill-a-minute matches and after dancing and singing in celebration at the trophy presentation, the squad were mobbed by young fans looking for mementos from their new heroes.

The team had to come from behind against both HKFA U-20 and Yau Yee League Select to record 2-1 wins in the group stage, and only secured their progress into the Cup competition with a lively 2-2 draw against Stoke City.

West Ham had earned their place in the final with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United, who had goalkeeper Adam Bartlett sent off in the fifth minute when the Hammers were 1-0 up.

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