This week match report is brought to you by Davide "I-am-a-real-Italian" Giri who will be pro-Inter no matter which country the team plays in.

NY International find themselves at the top of the table after a convincing win against the unbeaten Borgetto FC. A Sunday of torrential rain and floods that would intimidate most of us has instead added to NY Inter's focus and determination. The Lions showed up early and in numbers to be ready to fight from minute one. In fact, unlike previous fixtures, they started the game strong, aggressive and organized.

At the back Nick and Gary with constant communication coordinated the 4-men defense with Victor and Davide to quickly adjust to Borgetto's offensive game: long balls from the wings to cut behind the defense and midfielders percussions through the center. In the post, Big Kev seamlessly shut down Borgetto's few shots on goal, keeping up with the high quality goal keeping that the Lions have been showing for the whole season. So much that, despite Borgetto averaged nearly six goals per game so far, NY Inter managed to keep a clean sheet in the first half.

In center midfield in the first half was the stage of two Frenchmen, Teddy and Coco, who are surprisingly nice and friendly when not on the pitch. Nobody and nothing went through midfield without their permission. The French Dam and the solid defensive line allowed NY Inter to continuously recover balls and play them quickly to the wings (Kennedy and Abdel) or long to the forwards (Rufus and Simon).

The speed on the wings with Kennedy and Rufus on the left and Abdel and Victor on the right found no match in Borgetto's defense, who lost countless 1-on-1s. On top of that long balls would always cause trouble with Simon breathing on the defenders' neck, ready for even the slightest mistakes.

The Lions found themselves with a lot of scoring opportunities, but with an unusual struggle to capitalize. It became apparent that a spell was cast on Borgetto's post when Rufus' shot was stopped by a water puddle with the goalie already beaten. Victor went full Jordi Alba a few days after being elected fastest man ("for now", Simon says): box to box on the left-wing in the blink of an eye and a near goal. Finally, Simon broke the spell and czmashed the ball in goal after an unprecise stop of a defender on a long ball.

The end of the first half found NYIFC almost surprised by their own doing, determined to finish what they started.

The Lions started how they ended, proving themselves capable of what they often fail to accomplish: moving the ball around with good pace and clean passes. The Yemeni Brothers subbed in for Simon and Teddy to contribute fresh energy and their renowned skill skool touches. Borgetto finally surrendered and 15 minutes were enough to put away 4 goals, for a lovely looking 0-5 on the scoresheet.

Coach Gary scored with a left-footed shot on a second ball after a corner kick. A memorable celebration from the Gaffer followed and so it is official: Gary scored before Coco. If one thing is certain is that Rufus ends up on the scoresheet, as he did in every single game since he joined NY Inter four months back. This time he scored a header on Abdel's rocket launch from the right-wing, after winning once again a 1-on-1. Minutes later Kennedy found himself alone in front of the goal after a quick exchange with Oz and he put away the fourth goal. He soon returned the favor: after taking onto four players he played a short pass in the box for Oz to score the fifth.

Now, this is where the Lions would like the story to end...

Safe on a 5 0 they lowered the aggressiveness and they allowed more touches on the ball and too much distance between the players. Borgetto immediately took advantage and for the first time ensured continuous presence in the box and hit twice (68', 72'), keeping the game alive until the very end. NY Inter fell back into old habits, rushing the ball and kicking it as far as possible multiple times as if they were just waiting for the game to end. It became harder and harder to keep possession.

Nonetheless, NY Inter managed to hold the forth for a final score of 2 - 5. Substitutions helped keep the team energy up. Mehdi on the left with great defensive work to try and protect the clean sheet. Jon came in as a right back to contribute his solid defensive skills, in combination with Alex on the right-wing showing some remarkable intensity and passing.

They wanted it and it happened, NY Inter is at the top of the table keeping the championship dream alive and well. Will they manage to stay up there?

Coach (and top scorer of this game) Gary MOTM is Victor "Faster-than-Simon" Mankattaa: Victor was full of confidence coming into this game. He’s been a MOTM contender for the last few games but his stability and pace down the right-hand side earned him the award this week. He was very effective on both defense and attack and was a big contribution to a lot of the build up that creates chances. One for the future!