Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Thorsten Schneider earned coach Jorg Steinebrunner’s praise after scoring his first goal for Geylang International in their 4-0 drubbing of Warriors FC in their final StarHub League Cup Group B match.

The Eagles took a one-goal lead into the dressing room and the German striker doubled their tally after the interval.

Four minutes from the restart, Schneider evaded the offside trap and chested Jalal’s long ball in the penalty box. Left unmarked and with only the goalkeeper to beat, the German made no mistake as he blasted it beyond Neezam Aziz to make it 2-0 for the visitors.

“It is a difficult goal. Technically, it was a nice and well-taken goal. He chested it and volleyed it towards goal. If he had miss it I might be angry with him because he had acres of space,” said Steinebrunner of his mid-season signing.

‘That shows confidence, the way he scored it. He also holds the ball very well, not forgetting his distribution too. I am pleased with his performance, which I think is better than against Tampines Rovers.”

It was Schneider’s second start for his new club and although Steinebrunner feels the striker is yet to reach his maximum potential, the coach is confident his latest addition is adapting well to the squad.

“He is getting better with Leo (Felice) upfront. I feel he is still not match fit as he has not played that many matches. But his movement is improving and going closer to Leo. Now with both of them in the box, it gives us a better aerial situation,” explained the Eagles tactician.

“He also put in a few tackles, and gives us that physical advantage. Defending wise, he also gives us extra cover.”

The win over Alex Weaver’s side on Thursday puts Geylang at the top of their group and will next face Albirex Niigata in the quarter-finals on 18 July, Friday at the Jalan Besar Stadium at 8.00pm.