18/09/2011
Blades win for the first time at home
Chengdu Blades overcome a struggling Shanghai Shenghua 2-0 to secure their first home win of the season and collect a vital 3 points. The win puts Chengdu Blades 3 points away from the safety zone with 6 games remaining. The Blades started the game off putting the away side under pressure from the first whistle. In the 10th minute, Brendon Santalab broke through the Shanghai defence to provide a pin point cross for utility Wan Kai. Shanghai were reduced to 10 men mid way through the first half after Columbian Striker Romerio was brought down 25m from goal by the last defender. Shortly after, a wonder strike from midfielder Lee Gang from 25m out seen the Blades go in at halftime with a handy 2-0 lead. The 2nd half provided chances to both sides but neither were able to capitilise. John Hutchinson had a strong game for the Blades but was sent off in the 83rd minute for his 2nd yellow card which will see the Maltese international miss the next match. The score remained 2-0 at full time much to the delight of the small but passionate Chengdu Blades Fans.

14/09/2011
Santalab scores, Blades concede late goal
Brendon Santalab scored midway through the 2nd half after the Blades were 0-1 down after 60minutes. Santalab made it 1-1 with a header at the back post in the 70th minute. With Chengdu battling at the bottom of the table and with only 7 games remaining, a win and 3 points were vital. It all seemed as though the Blades would secure their first home win of the season with Lee Hoyan heading home in the 89th minute. A lapse of concentration just 30 seconds after taking the lead, Shenzhen Ruby broke down the Blades right side, crossed and headed home to break the hearts of the small but passionate and vocal support from the Chengdu Blades fans. Chengdu Blades now sit 5 points from safety and with 7 games remaining, a win against Shanghai Shenghua on Saturday at home would give the Blades hope of survival.

26/05/2011
Blades remain winless at home
Chengdu Blades remain winless and are yet to score at the Chengdu Sports Center this season after a 0-0 draw with Qingdao Jonoon. The Blades had enough chances to secure the points in front of their home fans and it will be a game of 3 points lost despite the draw. After 8 rounds, Chengdu Blades sit on 10 points mid table.

15/05/2011
Shaanxi Zhongj 0 v Chengdu Blades 1
Adam Kwasnik scored after 18 minutes and a super team performance from the Blades provided 3 points as well as keeping an undefeated away record after 7 rounds. Shaanxi Zhongjian started the game strongly and kept the Blades under pressure and kept the away side camped in their own half for most of the first half. Jonas Salley and Lu Yui were outstanding for the Blades at the back. Chengdu Blades took the lead against the run of play when a long ball from right back Fong Zei Wei was flicked on by Lilly to the feet of Kwasnik. Kwasnik took a touch and calmly slotted the ball home to put the Blades up at halftime. The 2nd half provided and entertaining half of football, again the Blades sat back and absorbed pressure but held possesion well when they had it frustrating the home team. Chengdu survived after Shaanxi hit the post with 10 minutes remaining. The away side showed fantastic discipline with and without the ball in the 2nd half and came away with a deserved win. Injuries to Lee Gang, Li Jan Bin, Lee houyang and Brendon Santalab forced Coach Lawrie McKinna to inject youth into his side. Captain Wang Chun was solid in the middle of the park, Kwasnik worked hard up front but it was the overall team performance that stood out for the Blades. Next week the Blades face Qingdao Jonoon at home. Blades fans will be hopeing they can celebrate their first win at home.

11/05/2011
Chengdu Blades lose 0-3
Beijing Guoan have continued Chengdu Blades poor home start to the season.The Blades are yet to score and yet to win on their home turf after playing 3 games at Chengdu Sports Centre. Once again, pitch conditions and a sweltering heat have affected the Blades at home against a visiting Beijing Guoan. Away from home and the Blades have one of the best records in the League with 2 draws and 1 win. The first half seen both sides with a clear cut chance each making the first half an even affair and neither team was able to take the slender advantage into halftime. Beijing Guoan hit the post while Adam Kwasnik had a header well saved and a shot just wide for the Blades. Beijing Guoan scored after only 2 minutes into the 2nd half after the Chengdu defence got caught out with Beijing capatilizing to make it 0-1 after 47minutes. Chengdu fought on but a 2nd goal from Beijing in the 65th minute put the home team under pressure in front of a healthy crowd for the home team. The home team suffered a blow when Beijing scored a 3rd goal late on denying any chances of the home team collecting points. Chengdu Blades now face Shaanxi Zhongjian away on Sunday 15th of May.

01/05/2011
Blades bounce back
Chengdu Blades have claimed their first win of the season away to Tianjin Teda 0-1. The performance was impressive for the Blades following a loss at home to Nanchang Bay. The win placed Chengdu in 11th position but only 2 wins from top. 1 loss from the first 5 rounds puts the Blades in a confident position for this weeks round 6 clash with Beijing Guoan in Chengdu. Kwasnik once again worked hard up front along with Zang Yuan and young international Lilly who was given his firt start of the season. Kwasnik was denied what seemed to be a clear goal midway through the first half after great work from Lilly but the referee pulled play up claiming Lilly had fouled the Tianjin Teda defender, replays clearly showed the goal should have stood. The first half was a tight contest with both teams having there fair share of posession. The 2nd half seen Chengdu looking the better side. Lilly was denied a goal by the offside flag but it was J. HUI who scored with 13 minutes from time to secure the 3 points for the Blades. Captain Wang Chun's cross was cleared to outside the area to a waiting HUI who delightfully showed superb technique to volley home his first goal of the season. The Blades were put under pressure by Tianjin Teda with 5 minutes remaining but the Blades defence who were outstanding through the 90 minutes held on to collect a valuable win to the Blades. Next match Chengdu Blades v Beijing Guoan Sunday 8th of May.

26/04/2011
Nanchang Bayi upset Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades lost for the first time in 21 games including last year in an unexpected loss to Nanchang Bayi 0-1. Chengdu Blades had 3 great scoring opportunities within the first 15minutes of play, one goal to the Blades would have changed the game completely but credit to Nanchang for holding the Blades scoreless in the first half. Australian forward Adam Kwasnik, Shu Jin and Zang Yuan all squandered chances early for the Blades. Blades keeper Song made a crucial and impressive save with his feet which was the only shot on target for Nanchang in the first half which left scores locked 0-0 at halftime. The 2nd half was interupted by offsides and foul play but it was the Blades who once again failed in front of goal which allowed a breakthrough for the visiting team. Chinese National Defender Lui Yu gave away a penalty for handball and Nanchang converted from the spot to make it 0-1 to the away team. Kwasnik hit the back of the net but was denied by the offside flag. Nanchang held out the Blades giving the away team an upset win which knocked the Blades down to 12th position after 4 rounds. Chengdu Blades have a quick turnaround and face Tianjin Teda away on Friday Night.

17/04/2011
Chengdu Blades remain undefeated
Chengdu Blades have continued their unexpected start to the Chinese Super league 2011 season. Round 1 began with a 3-3 draw with last years Champions Shandong, Round 2 ended in a 0-0 draw with Dalian and Round 3 finished 1-1 away to Changchun Yatai which leaves the Blades undefeated after 3 rounds. Predictions before the season had Chengdu Blades with 0 points after the first 6 rounds due to the difficult draw but credit must go to head Coach Lawrie McKinna and his players for a great start to the season with limited time to prepare. After a slow start it was Changchun who took the lead through a corner which was neatly flicked on by W. Zhang to make it 1-0 midway through the first half. Changchun Yatai were very close to making it 2-0 just minutes after the first goal only to be denied by the offside flag. A clever and quick free Kick by new Chengdu Blades Captain Wang Chun met a flying Adam Kwasnik but he was denied by a great save. Minutes before halftime it was Chengdu who levelled the scores. Some great individual skill by young national team player Feng Zewei provided a pin point cross to Blades winger Zang Yuan who headed brilliantly into the back of the net leaving the Changchun Yatai keeper no chance. Halftime 1-1. A very positive 2nd half for the Blades which was dominated by the away side seen an Adam Kwasnik header disallowed by the linesman in a close call at the 70th minute mark. Blades keeper Song pulled off a wonderful save from a Changchun free kick just outside the area but the general play in the 2nd half by Blades seemed encouraging heading into the next weeks clash with Nanchang Bayi. Blades Winger Zang Yuan had an outstanding game for the Blades, his weaving runs and speed proved too much for the Changchun Yatai defence, Chengdu Blades fans will be hoping the Chinese under 23 international can continue his great start to the season. Full Time Chandgchun Yatai 1 Chengdu Blades 1. Next home game V Nachang Bayi at the Chengdu Sports Centre.

11/04/2011
Santalab injured,
Chengdu secure another draw
Chengdu Blades remain undefeated after 2 rounds after a hard fought 0-0 draw with Dalian last Saturday afternoon. Chengdu were impressive in the opening round against last years Champions Shandong but a terrible pitch surface restricted the Blades right throughout the 90mins. With Pitch conditions an issue for both sides, Santalab pressured the Dalian defence and was tackled heavily forcing the striker to the ground after only 15minutes played. Although he continued to play on, Santalab returned to the ground late in the first half and was forced to be replaced due to the challenge early on. It was the away team who had the first clear cut chance midway through the first half. Blades goalkeeper Song made up for last weeks error by making a number of crucial saves during the first half. The best chance of the first half fell to speedy Blades winger Zang Yuan who beat 2 defenders but blasted his shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat. Right on the stroke of halftime, it was the Blades Gloveman Song who kept the score 0-0 at halftime with a world class save from a Dalian Header just Meters out. With the game tight early on in the 2nd half, Adam Kwasnik found himself with only the keeper to beat but the Australian forward on loan from the Central Coast Mariners lost control of the ball on a surface which would be any footballers nightmare. A tight compact game during the 2nd half turned one sided with 10 minutes remaining.

03/04/2011
Chengdu Blades secure dramatic draw
Brendon Santalab scored on either side of halftime while new recruit Adam Kwasnik scored on debut to secure a 3-3 draw against last years champions Shandong Leung in Shandong. Shandong scored within the 1st minute of play after a goal mouth scramble which fell to the feet of Hang Peng who scored from close range. In the 11th minute it was Chengdu who pressed forward down the left side, Santalab fired home his first goal of the season from a Wang Chun cross. Chengdu Blades captain Li Gang was instrumental in the first half but was forced off the field due to a sickening clash with a Shandong Midfielder. The Shandong player unfortunatly broke his leg and paramedics rushed onto the field which resulted in a 5 to 10 minute delay. In the 30th minute, Santalab and Kwasnik combined well which resulted in Santalab beating 2 defenders and his chip from the edge of the area was well saved by the Shandong keeper. Kwasnik was strong up front for the Blades in the first half creating chances and causing problems to the Shandong defence. Shandong took the lead in injury time in the first half, a free kick slipped through the hads of Blades gloveman Song. HALFTIME 2-1. Chengdu came out in the 2nd half pressing the Shandong defence paving way for chances to the away team. With Kwasnik a threat and Santalab providing support in behind, the two Australian strikers once again combined well a number of times along with speedy wingers Zang Yuan and Hui. In the 65th minute a superb pass by young Blades midfielder Feng Zewei found a free Santalab who controlled well and fired home his 2nd of the night bringing the Blades level to 2-2. Just minutes later another scrappy goal from Shandong put the home side ahead with less than 20minutes remaining. The Blades absorbed pressure from Shandong throughout the match but it was the combination of Santalab and Kwasnik who secured a point for the Blades. Santalab closed down the Shandong defence, a mix up between the Shandong defence and goalkeeper allowed Santalab to assist strike partner Kwasnik who scored on debut for the Blades to make it 3-3. Late in the game Kwasnik nearly became the hero striking the post after rounding the Shandong defence. Final score 3-3. Chendgu Blades return home and face Dalian at the Chengdu Sports Centre in round 2.

27/03/2011
Santalab back with the Blades for his 3rd Season
Chengdu Blades and Australian striker Brendon Santalab returns to the Chinese Super League next week. New Owners of the Blades and a number of changes within the club indicate a bright future for the club. With limited time to prepare for the upcoming season, former Central Coast Mariners and Aleague Coach of the year Lawrie Mckinna was awarded with the Head Coach role after former coach Wang Boshan parted ways with the Blades after being in charge for the past 2 years. With the number of Australian footballers heading to Asia increasing every year,Chengdu Blades now have a total of 4 Australians at the club. Santalab will be joined by fellow Australians Adam Kwasnik and Jonas Salley along with Head Coach Lawrie McKinna. Kwasnik joins the Blades after a fantastic year with the Central Coast Mariners while Salley joins the Blades after spending 2 seasons with Chinese Super league outfit Shanxxi. Santalab expressed his delight with the new signings of McKinna, Kwasnik and Salley. "To be joined by Lawrie, Adam and Jonas is a massive boost for not only me but the club and team also. Lawrie has coached me in the past back at Parramatta Power when I was 17 when I had just signed my first Professional Contract. Lawrie has been massive for the Mariners and results whilst Lawrie was Coach were fantastic. Im looking forward to working with him again. I have played against both Adam and Jonas back in the Aleague and I look forward to combining well with them. I followed the Aleague while I was back on holidays and i know that Adam's form has been outstanding for the Mariners so having a player like Adam Kwasnik now is a massive positive for the team and also for myself".

31/10/2010
Santalab says
"Thankyou to all Chengdu Blades fans"
Chengdu Blades and Brendon Santalab have capped off a wonderful season by winning the last two games of the regular season in China League 1. The Blades disposed of Guangdong 0-3 last week and a solid performance on the final day of the season has left the Blades 1 point short of becoming champions by finishing in 2nd position. Chengdu went down early to a fourth placed Hubei but 2 quick goals in the first half set the Blades up for a final win. Santalab played a key role in his final match of the season, scoring one and handing an assist to fellow striker Thiago. Veterans Yao Xia and Zou Yougen announced their retirements before the match. Both players have been very successful throughout their careers within China, the 5-2 victory and a penalty to Yao Xia capped off a memorable night for both players. Chengdu Blades 5 Hubei 2 Scorers-Santalab 1 Thiago 2 Harrison 1. Santalab stated ''This team is one of the best I have played in, I'm very proud to have been a part of this team over the last 18 months. My teammates have stood behind me when times have been tough and we celebrated together when things were going well. This team has stuck together and achieved what everybody wanted, promotion!! Its been a fantastic achievement. Santalab continued and praised the support from fans ''Through difficult times and even after being relegated due to match fixing last season, the Blades fans have continued their support for this team and club and on behalf of the players, thankyou to all Blades fans! You have been inspirational for us!!'' Chengdu Blades and Santalab return to the Chinese Super League next season looking for new success in the Chinese Super League!

17/10/2010
Santalab returns as Blades win 3-2
Brendon Santalab returned to action and played a full 90 minutes after a spell on the sidelines due to suspension. The Blades overcome 4th placed Yanbian on Saturday afternoon in front of over 10,000 Blades fans, the biggest crowd of the season so far. The game was played on a bumpy surface due to a recent concert which did not help the Blades who enjoy  keeping the ball and enjoy a neat passing game. The match failed to reach great heights but the atmosphere and a win in front of home fans was enough for the Blades to take the 3 points and continue their push to be champions of China League One! The Blades now travel to Guandong on Saturday. Chengdu Blades return back home to face Hubei on the 30th of October in their last match of the season at the Chengdu Sports Center.

28/09/2010
EXCLUSIVE: Santalab enjoying rollercoaster ride with Chengdu Blades
Australian striker Brendon Santalab is in the midst of a topsy-turvy rollercoaster ride with Chinese club Chengdu Blades. The 27-year old former Sydney FC forward has been a key ingredient in the Blades’ return to the Chinese Super League this term after the club was relegated to Division One after being embroiled in a match-fixing scandal at the end of last season. Chengdu cannot miss out on promotion this season after defeating Beijing Baxy 3-1 on the weekend and Santalab was already looking forward to next season. “Gaining promotion back to the Chinese Super League has been a collective achievement right throughout the club, it’s always a great feeling when you achieve your goals as a team and personally,” Santalab told tribalfootball.com. “There is a great buzz around the club at the moment and I’m very happy to be a part of it all. It’s an exciting time for myself and obviously the club." read more

26/09/2010
Chengdu Blades and Santalab back into Chinese Super League
Brendon Santalab will next season play back in the top flight in China after the Blades secured promotion with 3 games remaining. Chengdu scored a 3-1 win overnight against Beijing Baxy to confirm one of the 2 promotion spots in the Chinese Super League. It has been a fantastic year for the club and Santalab and the Striker stated ''We have overcome so many obstacles this season and to bounce back in this way after being relegated is delightful. This is a club going forward again and its exciting to be a part of a winning team and a club that has targets set high, next season is going to be a great challenge again and im thoroughly looking forward to it.'' The Blades still have 3 games remaining and Santalab has assured there will be no backing off. ''We want to win the league, we have come this far so it would be nice to go on and finish in top spot. We will push right to the end with Guangzhou. Its important to keep winning the games and keep our impressive record going'.'

19/09/2010
Chengdu Blades realistically promoted
Only 8 months ago Chengdu Blades were relegated down to Chinese League 1 after the club was punished by the Chinese Football Association due to match fixing. Now the Blades are on the verge of gaining promotion straight back to the Chinese Super League. With foreign players Brendon Santalab and Thiago suspended untill the last 2 games and with injuries to other key players, the Blades outfit put in a superb performance against a strong Shanghai East Asia team who beat the blades 3-0 in round one. Last night the Blades showed their strength and displayed some attractive football in a pressure game which has seen the Blades pull away from the rest of the table with 4 games remaining. The scoreline ended 0-1 to the Blades but it could have been alot more had some easy chances not been squandered during the 2nd half by the Blades. The only goal of the game came in the first half through midfielder Wan Tong. Mathematically the Blades are not promoted but realistically they are! Sitting 11 points clear of 3rd place and with only 4 matches to play, Chengdu Blades can be guarenteed promotion next week with a win against mid table side Beijing Baxy in front of their home fans.

12/09/2010
Chengdu Blades win easy
The Blades travelled to Anhui for a crucial match and a much needed 3 points in order to keep their push for promotion alive and position themselves in a handy position with 5 games remaining. The Blades were coming off a 1-1 draw which made it 2 draws in a row. With the Blades in search of the 3 points away to Anhui,eyes were also on the other matches played over the weekend. Shanghai East Asia lost 3-0 to Shenyang which was a fantastic result for the Blades and 5th placed Hubei made the scenario even better for the Blades after beating Hunan on Saturday. Chengdu now sit second on the table of Chinese League 1 but there is an 8 point gap to 3rd placed Yanbian and a 9 point gap to 4th placed Shanghai East Asia. There are 5 games remaining and the Blades now travel to 4th placed Shanghai East Asia and Guangzhou play against 3rd placed Yanbian. A Blades win and a Guangzhou win would certainly seal promotion for the 2 clubs who were relegated due to match fixing last season. The Blades have been solid all season only conceding 10 goals in 19 games and sit on the best goal difference in the league on +31. With this form the Blades are in a nice position to secure promotion within the next couple weeks. Meanwhile, Santalab has been joined on the sidelines by his teammate Thiago. Thiago was sent off in the game versus Shenyang and during the week was handed a 4 game suspension for his action last round. Thiago threw the ball after he had been fouled at a Shenyang player. In another harsh punishment and set back for the Blades, the team have shown their unity and team spirit through difficult times all season and with 5 games remaining the Blades will overcome whatever is thrown at them as they have done all season.

02/09/2010
Santalab suspended for 4 matches
An incident during the game against Guangzhou has left Santalab scratching his head after he was dismissed from the substitutes bench after an altercation between Santalab and a Guangzhou player. In what appeared to be a simple push and shove, the Chinese Football Association have seen different and have suspended both Santalab and the Guangzhou player for 4 matches. Santalab has been an important player for the Blades over the past year but the Blades will have to do without him for the next 3 matches and Santalab will be available to play in 3 weeks after already missing one game. Its a blow for the Blades but Santalab rallied behind his teammates and in a short interview, Santalab stated ''This team has been outstanding all year, we have quite a large squad and whenever a player is called in to step up and replace somebody, they do so without hesitation. While im obviously disappointed that I will miss the next 3 matches, its a great confidence boost to have such a quality team who are more than capable of winning the next 3 games without me. The Chinese Football Federation have suprised me with their decision but at the end of the day ill accept it and look forward to returning in October. Santalab has had great support from his teammates, club officials and fans which has been a tough few days for the Blades attacker. ''I would like to thank my Teammates, Coaching Staff, Club Officials and the Fans who have given me great confidence and support through this difficult time in which I feel I have been hard done by''.

01/09/2010
Blades draw 1-1
Chengdu Blades could only manage 1 point after going down to 10 men with 30 minutes remaining after Brazilian striker Thiago was sent off for throwing the ball at an opponent. The Blades started the match off strongly putting the Shenyang team under pressure. The home team hit the post after 20 minutes and an open header at the far post went down as missed opportunitys for the home side. The breakthrough came when left fullback Pei Pei made a dashing run down the left wing and when he decieved the goalkeeper as though he was was going to cross the ball,the speedy fullback slid his shot inside the post to put the Blades up 1-0 at halftime. The 2nd half was an even affair with both teams missing the killer instinct to score the killer goal. Shenyang kept fighting and with striker Thiago sent off for the Blades, Shenyang scored a scrappy goal from a corner where the normally reliable Blades defence let in a soft and easy goal to Shenyang to make it 1-1. Shenyang came close to snatching the 3 points but the Blades held on to the crucial point to keep them equal 1st with Guangzhou. Final Score Chengdu Blades 1 Shenyang 1. The Blades have the bye this weekend and all eyes will be on Guangzhou V Shanghai. 1st placed Guangzhou play 3rd placed Shanghai. A Guangzhou win would keep the Blades in a comfortable position with the Blades having 6 games remaining.

25/08/2010
Blades defeat Pudong, draw with Guangzhou
Chengdu blades remain top of chinese league 1 after another 2 great results. The first coming last saturday with a comfortble win over Shanghai Pudong 4-0. Last night it was an action packed, high intense top of the table clash between the two sides who were both relegated to chinese league 1 due to match fixing. Guangzhou came out flying putting the blades under heavy pressure. The first goal came from a deflected shot which deceived the Blades gloveman which made it 1-0 to Guangzhou. Guangzhou who dominated the 1st half scored a 2nd goal with 10minutes to go in the first half through another deflected shot which looped over the Blades keeper to put Guangzhou in a comfortable position at 2-0.A minute before halftime, Johnson was fouled heavily right outside the Guangzhou box. The resulting free kick was drilled hard along the ground beating the wall and the Guangzhou keeper to give the Blades a lifeline and head into halftime 2-1 down despite Guangzhou domintating possesion. GOALSCORER - WANG TONG The 2nd half was a different ball game with Chengdu coming out and dominating play. Guangzhou seemed to look to protect their 2-1 advantage and it was the Blades who were attacking the Guangzhou goal looking for the equaliser. With 20 minutes remaining, Guangzhou were reduced to 10 men after the Guangzhou player became involved in an altercation with players from the Chengdu substitutions bench. This was a massive boost for the away team as they pressed and pushed for an equaliser which finally came with 15 minutes remaining through super sub Zang Yuan. The speedy utility beat his defender and slotted his low hard drive home to make it 2-2. The match was certainly full of passion and commitment from both teams with the referee breaking up a number of scuffles between the 2 sides. 5 minutes of time was added on after the 90 minutes was played, Guangzhou defended the last 5 minutes out to keep the final score at 2-2. It was a great result for the Blades who play at home on Saturday to Shenyang. With 7 games remaining,the Blades are in a commanding position and continue their push back to the Chinese Super League.

16/08/2010
Chengdu Blades Regain Top Spot
Chengdu Blades reclaimed top spot in Chinese League One after an easy
0-4 win away to last placed Beijing Institute Technology. All four of the Blades goals came in the first half and from 4 different scorers. Captain Lee Gang opened the scoring with a fine header, soon after it was Johnson who slid his shot into the net. Blades defender Dongliu scored from close range from a corner and a Wang Tong free kick just before halftime sealed the points in a comfortable win. It was a game of one way traffic with the Blades holding onto posession for virtually 90minutes. Chengdu are at home in their next match to Shanghai Pudong.

09/08/2010
Blades too strong for Hunan
Chengdu Blades put in another solid performance in what was one of the best performances from the Blades this season. The Blades outfit came close on 3 occasions in the first half and held posession for long periods but the score remained 0-0 at the halftime whistle. The Blades remained patient in their lead up in attack, the breakthrough came from a free kick 45m away from goal. Harrison launched the ball into the box, captain Lee Gang headed the ball across the goal to a flying Thiago who headed home from close range. With confidence high, the Blades dominated the complete 2nd half and a second goal came through new striker Thiago who was given a pass by midfielder Harrison. The pass showed great vision to pick out Thiago who controlled neatly and slipped his shot under the Hunan keeper to bring up his 3rd goal for the blades. Chengdu sealed the win in the 84th minute when Zang Yuan was brought down in the box. Santalab stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted it home to end the scoring for the Blades. The final score ended 3-0 to the Blades which now positions them in 2nd place, still 1 point behind Guangzhou. Chengdu are away to Beijing Institute Technology in their next match.

02/08/2010
Blades fight off a spirited nanjing
Chengdu continued their impressive form with a 4-0 win over a competitive Nanjing outfit. The Blades had to work hard for their win, the 4 goals coming in the final 20 minutes of the match. The first half produced a scrapy affair between the 2 sides but a golden chance to Brendon Santalab was squandered midway through the first half. The game failed to flow with Nanjing wasting time all the first half whenever they were awarded a free kick, goal kick or a corner. The Referee failed to take control and the first half failed to deliver enough football to satisfy the small attendance from the Nanjing supporters. Nanjing were clearly playing for the draw. The 2nd half seen a much more attacking Blades outfit, with Chengdu in posession for long periods and Nanjing only defending the whole second half, a breakthrough came with 20 minutes remaining when a nice pass from Johnson found a flying Zang Yuan down the right wing, his angled shot across the Nanjing goalkeeper struck the inside of the far post and hit the back of the net to bring relief to the Blades and put them 0-1 in front with 20 minutes remaining. Zang Yuan shortly got on the end of some neat work from Johnson who only had to tap in for his 2nd of the night after Johnson cut out the goalkeeper and 2 defenders with his pass to Zang Yuan. The 3rd came with Zang Yuan turning provider, his dribble down the right and cross found Johnson who easily slotted home in what sealed the macth for the Blades. The fourth coming in the final couple minutes of the match with a neat finish from striker Thiago. The Blades face a 3rd placed Hunan this Saturday in a game in which the blades could bridge a gap from the 3rd placed Hunan to 6 points. The Blades remain 2nd with Guangzhou 1 point ahead at the top of Chinese League 1.

25/07/2010
Referee takes win away from the Blades
Chengdu slipped to second on the table after a strong performance which ended in a 1-1 with 4th placed Hubei. Chengdu started strongly and after missing two or three early chances, the break through came after only 20mins through a Harrison cross which was met by striker Johnson who beat the Hubei goalkeeper to head home into an empty net. Hubei were then awarded a penalty in what would have to be one of the softest penalties given in a long time. With the Hubei striker running with the ball into the box, his touch of the ball skipped away from him leaving him no chance to reach the ball. The Hubei striker ran into two defenders from Chengdu and fell to the ground and in what should have been a very normal goalkick for the Blades, the referee pointed to the spot leaving the Chengdu players in disbelief. Hubei scored the penalty. Defender Lu Yui hit the crossbar with a header off a Blades corner and the Blades defender also missed a great chance with 5 minutes to go in the first half after a Harrison free kick was fumbled by the Hubei keeper. The Blades defender was 2m out from goal and with only the keeper to beat his shot was sprayed wide in what should have been 1-2 for the Blades. The 2nd half failed to open up and with the Referee making mindblowing decisions against both teams, the Blades settled for the draw in what is a vital point after a tough 8 days. The Blades Won 2 and Drew 1 in their last 3 games leaving them in a nice position as they push for promotion with 12 games remaining. Santalab was replaced in the last couple minutes of the game. Chengdu now travel away to Nanjing next Saturday which will make it 3 away games in this last 4 matches.

21/07/2010
Chengdu Remain Top of Chinese League One
Chengdu Blades made sure that top spot would be theirs after round 11 with a convincing 3-0 win over Guangdong. The Blades got off to the perfect start with a nice pass from midfielder Harrison who found striker Johnson, with only the keeper to beat he slotted the ball into the back of the net to put the Blades 1-0 up after only 3 minutes. The score was 2-0 just before halftime after a nice cross from Johnson found an unmarked Gao Xiang would headed home from close range. The 2nd half was all the Blades as they dominated possesion in a fairly one sided match. The 3rd goal came after a deflected shot from Harrison which lobbed the Guangdong goalkeeper leaving him with no chance. Chengdu now travel to Hubei Luyin in what will be their 3rd game in 8 days. Brendon Santalab did not play after failing a late fitness test but is set to be ready for Sundays game against Hubei.

17/07/2010
Chengdu Blades top of league
Chengdu Blades travelled to Yanbian for their first game after the 45 day mid season break. Chengdu scored another important win under difficult conditions which now lifts them to the top of the competition. Chengdu scored midway through the first half after a well taken free kick from left full back Wan Tong which found Brendon Santalab who controlled neatly and forced the keeper into a great save with his left foot shot. The Yanbian keeper could only guide the ball in the path of Chengdu striker Johnson who scored easily to put Chengdu up 0-1. Minutes before halftime, Chengdu recieved a free kick just outside the box and a superb strike from left full back Wan Tong assured Chengdu go in at halftime at 0-2. The second half was an open game with Chengdu squandering two or three good oppurtunities but the score remained 0-2 to Chengdu at full time in an important win for the Blades.

29/05/2010
Beijing Baxy 1-3 Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades returned to winning ways with a resounding victory over Beijing Baxy in round 10 of the Jia League. Chengdu Blades moved up to 2nd spot courtesy of three well deserved points.

17/05/2010
Brendon Santalab put in a full shift and scored a goal as Chengdu Blades thrashed Anhui Jiufang 4-0. Chengdu are second, three points behind leaders Hunan Xiangtao.

02/05/2010
Shenyang Dongjin 0-0 Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades came away with one point after a scoreless draw against Shenyang Dongjin in round six of the Jia-League. Blades were unfortunate not to take the lead when Harison teed up Brendon Santalab, who struck the woodwork with a dipping volley. Harison came close to taking the lead but yet again Shenyang keeper was at his best. Blades have a bye in round seven, but will return to Jia-League action on Friday 14 May when they host Anhui Jiufang.

25/04/2010
Chengdu Blades 0-0 Guangzhou
Chengdu Blades had a goalless draw in a hard fought battle against Guangzhou. After some early pressure from the Blades, Guangzhou were awarded a penalty following a counter attack, but credit to Blades 
goal keeper Song Zhenyu who saved well from Pingfeng's spot kick. The Blades continued to dominate in the second-half but were not able to capitalize on couple of occasions with the match finishing in 0-0 draw.
Despite picking up just a point from last two games, the Blades sit second in the Jia League.

22/04/2010
Pudong Zhongbang 1-0 Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades lost their first game of the season in the midweek clash with Pudong Zhongbang. Chengdu Blades saw their 100 per cent start to Jia-League come to an end after losing to Pudong Zhonbang in Shanghai. 
With a loss Blades sit second in the Jia-League.

19/04/2010
Santalab fires Chengdu Blades to top of Chinese 1st division
Brendon Santalab scored his first goal for the season to fire Chengdu Blades to the top of the Chinese 1st Division. Santalab’s goal helped the Blades to a 2-1 win over Beijing Institute Technology to give them three wins from their opening three matches and put them in a good position to push for immediate promotion. The goal was Santalab’s 10th for the club after the Australian striker scored nine in 13 appearances in China's top flight last term.

05/04/2010
First game first win for Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades began their first game in Jia League with a 3-0 win over Nanjing Yoyo at Chengdu Sports Centre. Chengdu Blades next opponents are Hunan Xiagtao at Hunan Provincial People's Stadium.

02/04/2010
Chengdu Blades China League One 2010
Santalab's Chengdu Blades FC kick off their 2010 season on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 at Chengdu Sports Center, Chengdu.
Full season draw see Calendar

28/02/2010
Interview Brendon Santalab
27.02.10 | grankanaria.be
Chinese Football Association is determined to clean out match-fixing scandal. Two Teams have been punished for match-fixing scandal and have been relegated down to 2nd Division. One of the teams happens to be Brendon Santalab's team. Santalab was a revelation for the Blades last season, scoring nine goals in 13 appearances as the  team finished 7th on the Chinese Super League table, but sadly they have been punished with relegation down to 2nd Division. read more

25/02/2010
Santalab back for new season with Blades
24.02.10 | tribalfootball.com
Former Sydney FC striker Brendon Santalab is back in China and preparing for his second season with Chengdu Blades. However, this season will be slightly different after the Blades were relegated to the second division of the Chinese Super League this week for being involved in a match-fixing controversy a few years ago (something Santalab had no involvement in). read more

03/12/2009
tribalfootball.com: Chengdu striker Santalab: Fury told me to go!
02.12.09 | tribalfootball.com
Australian striker Brendon Santalab can’t wait to get back to China for pre-season in early January with his Chengdu Blades teammates. The former Sydney FC striker, who joined North Queensland Fury in the Australian pre-season but left before playing a game, had a brilliant debut season in the Chinese Super League and loved his time with the Blades. Santalab told tribalfootball .com: “After such a great run of games with the Blades where I scored nine goals, everyone at the club is buzzing with me. read more

25/11/2009
nqfuryfcthejournal.com: Former Fury Player Brendon Santalab Fires Blades To Safety...
By M.McGrath - November 17, 2009
Former NQ Fury Transit lounge player (He was in then he was out) Brendon Santalab has enjoyed a stellar spell in the Chinese Super League hitting the back of net 9 times in just 13 appearances. Santalab’s arrival & valuable run of goals after breaking into the Chengdu Blades FC team helped fire his new club who were struggling & facing the possibility of a relegation battle when he arrived to a respectable seventh placed league finish. read more

28/10/2009
Brendon Santalab: thank you all
Brendon will unfortunatly miss the last game through suspension. He would like to thank all the fans of Chengdu Blades Football Club for their support through the season. The club was in a difficult situation after the first half of the season but with some changes and with the support from the fans the team has put together a great second half of the season to safely stay in the Chinese Super League. ''I would like to thank the fans for making my three months at the Blades a comfortable one, its a great feeling as a player to have the support from your own fans and I hope to continue my good run of form next season''

17/10/2009
Santalab at it again for Chengdu Blades
Australian striker Brendon Santalab has scored yet again for Chengdu Blades in the Chinese Super League. The 27-year old former Sydney FC man has enjoyed a fruitful start to his career in China, scoring nine goals in 12 appearances, helping the Blades climb the table. Overnight, Santalab netted the only goal in the 40th minute in Chengdu’s 1-0 win over Jiangsu Shuntian. The three points enabled the Blades to jump to 10th on the table. Chengdu currently sit five points out of the top six.

06/10/2009
Chengdu Blades 2-3 Chongqing Lifan
A late goal saw Chengdu Blades slip to their first defeat in five matches in round 26 of the Chinese Super League. The visitors had a two goal lead, but Blades fought back netting two goals in 72nd and 76th minute. Brendon Santalab and Zhang Yuan both worked hard up front, but Lifan were in resolute mood at the back. In the 82nd minute Chongqing Lifean scored a late goal and ensured the visitors left with all three points.

16/09/2009
Chinese Super League:
Brendon Santalab the hero
Santalab scored two dramatic second-half goals to inspire Chengdu Blades to a 2-1 away triumph at Guangzhou The former Sydney FC man struck on 74 and 85 minutes after the hosts had taken the lead courtesy of Luis Ramirez's 64th minute penalty. With just over a quarter of an hour to go, Chengdu were on the right side of an awful decision by the referee, awarding the Blades a penalty for handball. And Santalab was the man to step up and put away the spotkick, coolly lobbing the ball down the middle with the keeper diving to his right. Ten minutes later, Santalab did it again after a long throw fell kindly for the Australian who produced a brilliant volleyed finish into the corner of the net. For Santalab, who only played his first game for Chengdu in August, his pair of goals take him to five for the club. The result takes Chengdu further away from relegation zone, as they move up to 12th some 7 points clear of second-last Shenzhen.

13/09/2009
Brendon Santalab scored another goal for Chengdu Blades as they defeated title-chasing Henan Construction
Santalab scores his third Goal for his new club, Chengdu Blades. Wang Song put Chengdu ahead in the 13th minute from the penalty spot before Zou Yougen made it 2-0 with a second goal from the spot. In 81st minute Santalab restored Chengdu's two-goal lead to win the game by 3-2.

27/08/2009 Santalab nets again for Chengdu Blades Brendon Santalab has made it two from two for his new club Chengdu Blades. Santalab again netted for the Blades in their Chinese Super League clash, this time a 2-2 draw against Beijing Guoan. Brazilian midfielder Agnaldo opened up the scoring for the visitors in the 14th minute at Beijing’s Workers Stadium before Santalab made it 2-0 ten minutes before the break. Santalab, who joined Chengdu recently from A-League outfit North Queensland Fury, scored his second goal for his new club with a strong header on 34 minutes after a fine move. It seemed as though the visitors were going to cruise to a victory but Santalab’s former A-League rival, Joel Griffiths and his brother Ryan saved Guoan with goals in the final twenty minutes.

23/08/2009
Santalab Off The Mark
Brendon Santalab opened his account for struggling Chengdu Blades by grabbing the winner in a crucial 2-1 victory over Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League on Saturday. The 26-year-old attacker won and converted an 80th minute penalty for Chengdu who move away from the drop zone and up to 13th thanks to the win. After Rodrigues had opened the scoring for Chengdu, Samuel Caballero equalised from a corner for Changchun on 71 minutes. But Santalab drove forward on a determined run on 78 minutes and was brought down inside the box by Yan Feng to win the decisive penalty. The Australian dusted himself off and stepped up to coolly slot the spotkick to Changchun stopper Zong Lei's right for the winner.

10/08/2009
Milligan and Shanghai overcome Santalab’s Chengdu Blades
Mark Milligan and Shanghai overcame Brendon Santalab and Chengdu Blades in the Chinese Super League on Saturday. The former Sydney FC teammates clashed for the first time in the match at Shanghai’s Hongkou Stadium with the home side saluting 2-1. Shanghai went ahead in the 58th minute through Du Wei before going ahead 2-0 two minutes thanks to Belarus striker Vyatcheslav Hleb. Milligan supplied the cross for Hleb who evaded the offside trap and slotted it calmly past Blades keeper Lan Yi. Chengdu got one back in injury time through Zhang Yuan. The win pushed Shanghai to fourth on the table whilst Chengdu sit in 14th.

04/08/2009
Santalab settles into life in China
Brendon Santalab is settling into his new life in China after signing with Chengdu Blades. Bren took a great opportunity to have another shot overseas after originally signing with new A-League franchise North Queensland Fury prior to the 2009/10 season. But the fledgling club allowed him to terminate his contract and make the move to southwest China and embark on an exciting journey. tribalfootball.com caught up with the former Sydney FC front man for a quick chat about the initial move to Chengdu, how he has settled and his debut for the club. read more

21/07/2009
Santalab signs with Chengdu Blades
Brendon Santalab has signed with Chinese Super League outfit Chengdu Blades. Bren signed a two-year deal with the Blades after having his contract at Fury mutually terminated. Bren joined the Fury from Sydney FC in November last season but was allowed to leave the fledgling club before appearing in a competitive match.

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29/05/2009
Interview Brendon
Santalab's fear factor
S-LEAGUE club the Tampines Rovers may well be shaking in their boots after reading Brendon Santalab's name on the North Queensland Fury's team list this week. became a hero in Singapore's national competition in 2003, making it his mission to ensure opposition defenders' lives were turned into nightmares. And for six months, after being signed on a loan spell, the versatile forward did exactly that, scoring a staggering 23 goals in just 22 games for Geylang United.
read more

06/03/2009 Brendon in Townsville SANTALAB was in Townsville yesterday - along with fellow Fury signings and James Robinson to inspect the facilities at Dairy Farmers Stadium and to buy a house. Wollongong native Santalab was impressed with Townsville, describing it as very similar to his home town. And he said the extended pre-season - which begins next month - would help deliver results on the pitch. Pictured: Fury players Ufuk Talay, Brendon Santalab and James Robinson.

Season Launch 2008-2009 Brendon Santalab is presented with his jersey No 11 for Hyundai A-League Season 2008/09 Sydney FC kicked off its final week of preparations for the new Hyundai A-League season 2008/09! An open training session got proceedings underway at Fan Day 2008, and gave the assembled supporters a rare chance to see how the team is put through its paces by coach, John Kosmina at the club’s training base at Macquarie University. As the session drew to a close, many of the players and coaching staff got ready to line up in a celebrity match followed by presentation of the player's jerseys for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season by junior footballers from several Sydney associations.