That’s so easy: Soony Saad celebrates his second goal with Faris Shah Rosli. — Penang FC
PETALING JAYA: Penang seem to have a striker who can do it all – it’s none other than Soony Saad.
The 30-year-old was imperious in the Panthers’ 4-2 win against Police when he scored two goals at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Sunday.
The Lebanese-American struck the first goal in the 17th minute when he tapped in a pass from Hadin Azman on the left.
The second from a set-piece was a beauty as a piledriver from 30m caught Police goalkeeper Wilfred Jabun out.
The other goals from Penang were an own goal from Police centreback James Okwuosa (11th minute) and winger Rahmat Makasuf (93rd).
The Cops’ goals came through Marcus Macauley (third) and Azmi Muslim (28th).
The star was certainly Saad as he is proving his worth with his superb off-the-ball movement, sharp passes and creativity upfront.
Saad however said statistic was not his main concern as he was focused on winning matches.
“So far, I’ve four goals in six and a half games since I was sent off within 15 minutes to go against Kelantan.
“I’m not concerned with how many I’ve scored,” said Saad, who was born in Wyandotte, Michigan.
“First priority is the team. If I do all the right things, I’ll be in the right place at the right time to score.
“I think I’ve made one of the best decisions coming to Penang. I’m playing for a team where I’m wanted, trusted and where I can make an impact.
“I get along with everyone. I love to joke with these guys, and it helps us to ease up too when times get tough.
Saad, who has won 26 caps with his native country and playing in Malaysia for the first time, said he enjoyed playing during the month of Ramadan.
“The fact that we have changed our schedule to accommodate the Muslim players shows a lot of respect,” he said.
“It reminds me of how it was in the Middle East too ... you can see the same atmosphere in Lebanon and Jordan.
Penang are now eighth in the league with eight points, while Police are seventh with 10 points.
