Menyongar released, Rooney's contract extended for a year

Dependable medio, Liberian Johnny Menyongar has been released from the team.  

Aussie Sean Rooney, having a double hernia has flown back to his country. He has signed an extension, a two-year contract. 

Gaffer states, “He’s put in a good shift, scored 11 goals (they say 10 but they called the one against United SC an own goal). He worked hard, played through the pain barrier – a double hernia for four or five games. He deserved his new contract.”

After a long season, central defender duo Curtis Osano and John Johnson will be going back, so that they’re regenerated and ready for next year. 

Jindal Steel-backed team got only one foreigner slot. According to Coach Ashley, they’ll be bringing players in, got 3-4 available all of them having Premiership experience. 

They are looking for a foreigner for the midfield or central striker role. Coach adds, “I’ve always used strength down the spine – center-forward, central midfield, central defense. So, it’ll either be a center forward or a central midfielder. 

Bengaluru FC look to end season on a high

I-League champions Bengaluru FC make a return to Goa exactly a week after they rewrote Indian football history, taking on Sporting Clube de Goa at the Nehru Stadium, in Fatorda, Goa, on Monday. Ashley Westwood’s history men became the first club in the League’s history to win the championship in its debut season beating Dempo 2-4 at the same stadium and the Englishman will want his team to end the season on a memorable high. 

With the title sealed, Westwood could be tempted to rest a few of his regular starters, making way for the younger lot. A suspended John Menyongar and Thoi Singh should see Darren Caldeira starting. 

Goa has been a happy hunting ground for Bengaluru who have won three out of three games in the beach city and Oscar Bruzon’s Sporting are well aware of the fact. Though the hosts cannot progress beyond 4th position, Sporting would be keen to exact revenge of the 5-3 defeat by Bengaluru in the Federation Cup. The only other game the two sides have played was a 0-0 draw at Bangalore in the League. 

Much of Monday’s focus will be on Bengaluru skipper Sunil Chhetri who stands the chance to finish the League as top scorer. Chhetri is tied on 14 goals with Shillong Lajong striker Cornell Glen who failed to build a lead, not scoring in Sunday’s 1-2 loss to Mohun Bagan. The Incisive striker has been a revelation on the left – a position he had never played in before Westwood decided to use him there. 

“We are really looking forward to end the season in the same professional manner we have shown all through the campaign. It is going to be a good occasion for the players to play in, knowing they will be going into the game as champions. It’s something that the players should really be proud of,” said Westwood on the eve of the game.

[PICs] Bengaluru FC vs United Sports - Away

Courtesy: Bengaluru FC and United Sports Media

[PICS] Welcome Malcolm and Ali - Bengaluru FCs performance and goalkeeping session

Purchase conducting a jump test

John Menyongar goes through the jump test

Ali Uzunhasanoglu shares a few pointers with Pawan Kumar

Sports performance coach Malcolm Purchase (first from left) and GK coach Ali Uzunhasanoglu interact with the goalkeepers

Sports performance coach Malcolm Purchase (first from left) and GK coach Ali Uzunhasanoglu interact with the goalkeepers

Chhetri’s third consecutive brace inspires Bengaluru FC for third straight away win

AIFF Media

A third consecutive brace from India captain Sunil Chhetri inspired Bengaluru FC to a thrilling 3-2 win over Mohammedan Sporting in a round 14 clash of the Airtel I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. 

John Menyongar put Bengaluru in front in the first half but Mohammedan equalized through Josimar just before the interval. Chhetri restored Bengaluru’s lead at the start of the second period but Josimar soon restored parity to set up a thrilling final half hour. 

Chhetri ensured a fourth straight win for his club by bagging his second as the league leaders took their points tally to 27 from 13 matches while Mohammedan Sporting remain tenth with 13 points from 12 outings. 

Having been held to a hat trick of goalless draws at home, Mohammedan Sporting were desperate for three points and made an explosive start to the game with Nirmal Chettri nearly scoring from a Rakesh Masih corner. The home side also had a strong penalty appeal when Penn Orji was appeared to have brought down by Curtis Osano. 

Bengaluru weathered the early Mohammedan pressure and took the lead in the 21st minute when Menyongar scored after a cleverly worked corner. Beikhokhei Beingaichho played the flag kick short to Menyongar whose left-footer beat Ashok Singh at his near post. 

Despite going behind Mohammedan continued to create chances with Nirmal, Ashim Biswas and Josimar all going close. 

At the other end, Sean Rooney was guilty of wasting a golden opportunity and Mohammedan profited by equalizing in first half stoppage time through Josimar, whose weak attempt somehow beat Pawan Kumar in the Bengaluru goal.
Bengaluru made a bright start in the second period and went back in front from another innovative corner. Thoi Singh picked out Chhetri just outside the box and the India captain scored with a thunderous volley. 

It was end-to-end stuff after with Rooney and Chhetri nearly increasing Bengaluru’s advantage but it was Mohammedan who scored the next goal of the game. 

Penn set up substitute Syed Rahim Nabi, whose shot was saved by Pawan but Josimar found the back of the net from the rebound. 

Neither side was going to settle for a point in this game so both pushed for the next goal and it was Bengaluru who restored their lead and once again it was from a corner. 

Chhetri got away from his marker and scored past Ashok to take his tally to eight for the season, only one behind current top scorer Josimar, who has scored nine of Mohammedan’s 12 goals. 

The hosts created plenty of openings in the final stages with Penn in particular looking dangerous but they just couldn’t find the equaliser. 

Bengaluru held on despite the injury to their goalkeeper Pawan, who was replaced by Bruno Colaco.

Bengaluru FC look for fourth straight win

Namma Bengaluru FC, leading the I-League table with 24 points (from 12 outings) will be meeting Mohammedan Sporting at the latter's home turf tomorrow. Bengaluru FC edged past 2-1 when the teams clashed in October 10 in the Bangalore Football Stadium. 

Regardless of tomorrow’s result, our Steel men would still lead the points table as their nearest rivals Sporting Clube De Goa not in action this round. However, looks like Bengaluru FC is set to win their 4th straight win as their opponent have been held to a hat trick of goalless draws at home. To rub more salt, they were beaten 3-2 by Army XI in the Calcutta Football League last weekend. Currently Mohammedan Sporting are 10th in the Airtel I-League with 13 points. 

Bengaluru FC are possibly stronger than they were two months ago because they are no longer relying only on their home form. Gaffer Ashley’s side have won their last two away matches, both in Goa, including the 3-1 win over Churchill Brothers in the last round. 

Ashley Westwood said, “They’re a decent side, got some good foreigners. It’s going to be a tough game and obviously we’re playing away from home again.”
Both sides are unbeaten in their last four games but Bengaluru have also managed three straight wins and much of it has been down to the form of club and India captain Sunil Chhetri, who has netted back-to-back braces. He is currently the highest Indian scorer with six and not far away from the tally of overall top scorer Darryl Duffy, who has eight. 

Another away win will strengthen the Bengaluru squad’s belief of mounting a serious title challenge but they lost 2-0 to East Bengal in their last visit to Kolkata and coach Westwood remains cautious. 

Match will be played tomorrow, Wednesday, 2 pm, at the Salt Lake Stadium.

National team ends camp, continues to display a lacklustre performance

What could have been an exciting match between the Indian national team and an I-League team, ended in some off-the-field drama and very average performance.

National team started with Subrata Paul on goal and Sandesh Jhingan and Arnab Mondal on central defense, they looked tentative from the beginning. Bengaluru FC started with all four foreigners, John Johnson and Curtis Osano in defense, Johnny Menyongar in central midfield, and Sean Rooney in striking position. 

Diminutive Thoi Singh from Bengaluru FC was the most impressive in first half, his penetrating run in the attacking third kept the Indian defenders busy. A brilliant thru pass from one of such run almost gave Bengaluru FC their first goal, Asian import Sean Rooney's shot was cleared off the line by Sandesh Jinghan. 

After continuously pressurizing Indian defense, the goal finally came in the 32nd minute when Siam Hanghal was brought down by Sandesh inside the box, Liberian medio Menyongar made no mistake in converting the penalty to a goal. (1-0). 

Bengaluru FC pretty much dominated the first half whereas the National team had a below average game. India showed some urgency only after the lemon break, with striker Jeje Lalpekhlua playing a patient game and making some good moves. India equalized from a brilliant right-footed goal by substitute Lenny Rodrigues in 49th minute 1-1. 

Later, the starting lineup players of both the teams were replaced as the coach decided to test the reserve strength, but their efforts yielded no result. 

Johnny Menyongar scores from a penalty

Bengaluru FC completes foreigner slot, sign Sean Rooney

The newly formed Jindal-owned club from the Garden City has signed Rooney - Sean Rooney from Blacktown City FC, Australia. With this signing, Bengaluru FC completes their share of foreigners including an Asian quota player. The other foreigners include John Johnson, Curtis Osano and John Menyongar. Rooney plays as a striker and has signed Bengaluru FC on a one-year deal.

Rooney is no stranger to the I-League having played a season for Goan side Salgaocar before moving back to Australia with Blacktown. "I'm delighted to be back in India and it seems that this club is doing everything right, so it’s good to be part of it. I did speak to a few people before signing and they all had good things to say about Bengaluru FC. Along with helping the team produce a good brand of football, the aim is obviously going to be winning trophies with them," said the 24-year-old who arrived in the city late on Friday. The Australian had a successful last season with Blacktown, scoring 14 goals for the club.

Rooney’s former stints include one with Newcastle Jets in the A-League – Australia’s top tier football league and he has also had three appearances for the national under-20 team. 

"We have been tracking Sean’s performances with Blacktown and he has had a fantastic season to say the least. What he also brings with him is experience in the I-League and it’s just the combination we are looking for," said Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sports.

"Sean has been in form, scoring 14 goals last season. If we are going to be a successful side, we're going to need goal scorers. We have a good strike force in Sunil, Robin, Karan, Malemnganba and Beikho but we like to have competition for places and Sean's signing assists that. He looks in good shape and is a player who takes care of himself on and off the field," said coach Ashley Westwood on the club’s new signing.

Profile

• Name: Sean Rooney 
• Position: Striker Age: 24 years 
• Nationality: Australian 
• Clubs: Blacktown City Demons, Newcastle Jets, Deltras, Salgaocar