We All Live in a Yellow Submarine

As we live a life of ease,
Every one of us, has all we need,
Sky of blue, and sea of green,
In our yellow submarine!

Ringo may have been singing about blue skies and a life of ease, but it has been anything but easy for the 'other' yellow submarine, Santos FC. With a mere 3 points picked up from the first 5 games, Santos were sinking below sea level, in the murky relegation zone. However, the team has been able to steer the ship around and appear to be slowly climbing the depths of the treacherous RM Invitational standings.
Wins against The Vikings and Kirkbride Strollers were especially inspiring, as these teams were always a tough task for Santos, who had never won. Santos were able to grind it out against Vikings in a 1-0 game, while the last game was a brilliant display of counter-attacking football, a 4-1 smashing of Kirkbride at the Estádio do Deus.

With a faltering offence and sputtering midfield, manager Sean7 relied on his defence to pull out the victories, and the performances were captivating. A mere three chances in two games from the opposition would bother goalkeeper Alvar Rodenas. In particular, defender Felix Sandström has provided stability to the previously sputtering Santos back four. The stout defence was able to soak up pressure, and spark blistering counter attacks from their own end, effectively finishing off the game.

'It was tough, my first season', said Sandström. 'This league is much faster, tougher and physical than previous leagues I had played in. I had forwards like Totaal's Pierre van Diemen and Viking's Vassilis Papakostas, two of the best forwards constantly beating me in their runs.
My communication was also poor with (former player) Ray Goddard, allowing the opposition to batter us.
Now I feel comfortable in my role, and I'm more vocal to let my team mates know of their man marking.'

It does appear Sandström is providing match-turning performances. Four X11 selections with one captain selection have proved his worth as a game changer. Not bad for a thirty five year old, eh?

'I've still got some games left in me,' laughed the Santos defender. 'I'm not as quick and tough as I used to be. I'll leave that business for Benecio Correa and Maicon. I'm just hoping I can finish off my career like Paolo Maldini.'

Although two wins is a good sign, it will be a while before Santos are challenging for top honours. Submerged in 8th spot entering the halfway point, Santos will need a string of good performances to propel them up. Here's hoping that, like Ringo Starr, the Yellow Submarine see a life of ease in the near future.