With new rules, a new pitch and new teams, the 2014/2015 Saigon International Football League season is underway.

Raiders have had a tough start losing the first two against a lively Japan team (5-1) and a determined Saints (2-1). However, there are signs of the team settling as we begin to get a settled match day squad and bed in new players, all of which looks like we can be competitive as the season continues. Evidence was provided last night in a solid 2-0 victory. Mike Owen showed signs of hitting form giving a superb display in the hole, hitting the post twice and setting up both goals. The link up between him and Rich was excellent, Rich burying both his chances well to show his pre-season goal scoring feats were no flukes. Here we have an attacking duo that can definitely create and threaten league defenses this year. Add to the that the assurance bought by Jussi at center back, a sharp game from a rejuvenated Rasul, plenty of steel with Sascha and Craig getting stuck in – there are lots of positives to take forward to the next game with Fusion. Given the players missing from last night: Carlos, new boys Aaron and James, Steven who is back to fitness, Nico with a niggling hip injury and yours truly continuing to nurse a knee injury, Angelo is going to have his work cut out when it comes to selection for the next league game against Fusion in just over two weeks.