Five reasons why Mumbai FC will remain unbeaten at Fortress Cooperage

Football returned to Mumbai big time with the revamped Cooperage playing host to Mumbai FC’s home games in the Hero I-League. It was a momentous occasion on 8th February 2015, when Sporting Club de Goa were the visitors as a bruised and battered Mumbai FC took to the field at Cooperage, winless, pointless on and off the I-League points charts.
By the end of the ninety minutes, Mumbai FC had their first point of the campaign, after a goalless draw, but very few knew at that time, that it was a start of something very special at the city’s iconic stadium.
Fast Forward to 22nd March 2015, Mumbai FC now sit sixth in the table with twelve points, nine of which have come at Cooperage where Mumbai FC are unbeaten after seeing off the Champion’s assault, knocking off league leaders and very nearly pulling off a coup against their local rivals.
After going five games unbeaten at Cooperage, Mumbai FC have turned Cooperage into a fortress, a one which will take some doing to breach. We take a look at a few reasons why Fortress Cooperage may never be breached this season.
1. Hostile Atmosphere for the visitors
The crowds have poured in in large numbers to support the city’s only club. Cooperage may have moderate capacity, but the proximity of the stands to the pitch and the compactness of the stadium doubled up with the chirpy fans, makes it an intimidating prospect for the visitors. Coach Khalid Jamil has hailed the fans for turning up and believes there never has been such a backing any Mumbai based club has received thus far. Mumbai FC center back went on to brand the Mumbai FC faithful, the best in the country. The idrum have gone well with Mumbai FC who have definitely found rhythm at Cooperage.
2. Khalid’s winning mentality
Khalid Jamil had got plenty of stick for his lack of gamesmanship and endorsing a rather dirty brand of football. While some of those claims still remain, but there is no doubt that Khalid Jamil has instilled in a winning mentality at Mumbai FC. They play to a style that might not be too appreciated by the artists of the game, but the style has got them an identity and stature of their own. They have dug deep, long threw teams out of a game, and also played teams off the Cooperage pitch. This great adaptability and flexibility which Mumbai FC has, has made them a tough nut to crack not just at Cooperage but anywhere else. Khalid’s philosophy is different, but is very effective indeed.
Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood was testimonial to this fact. “I know Khalid and he has done well. He has got them down to play some lovely football and has stitched together a wonderful team. They will win more matches than they lose, that’s for sure”.
3. A local spine
- Ashutosh Mehta in action against Salgaocar FC
- Poster boy – Jayesh Rane
- Jayesh Rane
- Allan Dias
- Mumbai FC Captain Nidhin Lal
- Rahul Bheke (left)
Mumbai FC have good crop of local players who have come through the ranks in this city and know the conditions too well. There is a cohesiveness which the likes of Ashutosh Mehta, Jayesh Rane, Allan Dias and Rahul Bheke bring to the squad. The locals have big fan bases which make themselves heard in the stands adding to the Cooperage atmosphere. Any top club in the world always has a strong local base in terms of players and Mumbai FC is on terms with this world wide norm. The locals know the worth of winning a game for their people and always give that bit extra to the team.
4. The immaculate Custodian
Mumbai FC have let in just three goals at Cooperage in five games and that number could have been a lot different had it not been for the sensational shot stopper Nidhin Lal. Lal single handedly thwarted Champions Bengaluru FC’s relentless attacks, the pick of them coming in the final minute of the game when Sean Rooney’s pin point header was destined for the top corner until Nidhin Lal heroically intervened to salvage Mumbai FC a draw. Starting from where he left against Bengaluru FC, Nidhin Lal kept his side in the game with some superb saves. If the Mumbai FC custodian remains in such form, then opponents dreaming of conquering Cooperage, could kiss their dreams a goodbye.
5. The rub of the green
More than the luck, it’s the artificial turf that has given Mumbai FC the upper hand. Pune FC tried hard to negate the advantage by playing friendlies ahead of their game, but little of that helped as they left Cooperage with just a point despite having a numerical advantage. The artificial turf will remain a worry for the visiting teams in the future and could prove to be the difference.
As far as the luck is concerned, it hasn’t gone Mumbai FC’s way so far as the hosts have been denied few penalties. But it’s only a matter of time before the law of averages catches up.
There is more to it than these factors, but if Mumbai FC end the season unbeaten at home, then it is likelier that some if not all factors would be at the thick of it.
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Transfer round-up: Naorem to ATK Mohun Bagan, Givson Singh to Chennaiyin FC
The January transfer window of the Indian football season is nearing its end. The winter transfer window is always an exciting time period in the Indian football season, with this…
10 men Kenkre hold table toppers RoundGlass Punjab in a 6-goal thriller
RoundGlass Punjab FC (RGPFC) were held by ten men Kenkre FC in a six-goal thriller in a Round 15 fixture of the Hero I – League 2022-23 season played here…
MFA Roundup: Late Goals, Comebacks and Table Shuffling
A late goal helps Atlanta FC keep the winning streak intact, Silver Innings pick 2nd win of campaign, and PIFA secure a stunning come from behind win. Ambernath United Atlanta…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
FC Goa complete signing of defender Nikhil Prabhu
FC Goa have completed the signing of Nikhil Prabhu, the defender has put pen-to-paper on a one-a-half-year contract with the Gaurs, which will see him wear the Club’s iconic orange…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Kerala Blasters signs Bengaluru FC midfielder Danish Farooq
Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of midfielder Danish Farooq Bhat from Bengaluru FC, as per reports. The tuskers have reportedly paid an undisclosed transfer fee to Bengaluru FC…
Number 16 for Mumbai City FC as they beat Jamshedpur FC with a thrilling come back
Mumbai City FC extended their unbeaten streak in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) to a record-breaking 16 games after an extraordinary comeback victory over Jamshedpur FC at the JRD…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Emotional to be back in the national camp after so long, says Bala Devi
The city of Chennai is currently a true confluence of India’s best talents in women’s football – the National camps for both the Seniors and the Under-20 probables are running…
Playoffs snakes and ladders continues as Odisha FC drop out after losing to ATKMB
ATK Mohun Bagan moved back up into third place with a 2-0 victory over Odisha FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Didn’t know what a passport was till my first India call-up: Sunita Munda
Hardly anyone was surprised when Sunita Munda was called for the National camp for the AFC U-14 regional championship in 2016. Even before turning 14, Munda had proved to be…
Clock ticking for Chennaiyin FC as they host Odisha FC in all-or-nothing encounter between playoff hopefuls
Odisha FC will be looking to propel themselves back into the playoff spots as they visit the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai to face Chennaiyin FC, who are also looking…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
Young Guns Football Acadmey to conduct trials for their upcoming MFA 3rd Division Campaign
MFA 3rd Division club Young Guns Football Academy will be conducting open trials on October 9th for their upcoming season in Mumbai Football Young Guns Football Academy was founded in…
OSCAR SSE to conduct trials for Youth I League and YPL team in the U13 category in Mumbai
Mumbai-based OSCAR SSE will conduct trials for their Youth I League and YPL team on 16th and 17th July 2022 at Wings Sports Centre ground. Oscar SSE is a 2-star…