Goals galore in Circuit 7

If Circuit 7 proved anything, it is that MPFL defenders are having anything but an easy season. Eight matches produced 69 goals and seven separate hat-tricks, a run of scoring that left fans thoroughly entertained even if it made for uncomfortable viewing in front of either net.

For all that, it falls just short of a season record. Circuit 2 remains the standout for sheer goal volume, with 81 goals across its eight matches, while Circuit 5 also finished ahead of Circuit 7 with 74. Still, at 69 goals, this circuit ranks as the third-highest of the campaign so far, comfortably outstripping Circuits 1, 3, 4 and 6, and offering further evidence that this MPFL season has rarely been short of goalmouth drama.

The individual feats told their own story. Selangor's 11-3 rout of Terengganu produced an extraordinary three hat-tricks in a single match, with Marlon, Syahir Iqbal and Mohd Khairul all reaching three goals as the league's runaway leaders underlined their attacking depth. JDT responded in kind against PFA Odin Sarawak, as Muhamad Norakmal helped himself to a hat-trick of his own, while Mohamad Awalludin went one better with four goals in a rout that finished 15-1.

Pahang Rangers' Felipe De Souza then took his turn in the spotlight, scoring four times in the 6-4 win over KL City to further stake his claim as the league's most dangerous forward this season. And it wasn't only the division's leading lights getting in on the act: Terengganu's Mohd Hafizi struck a hat-trick of his own in a thrilling 6-6 draw with USM, a timely reminder that goals were shared well beyond the usual suspects this circuit.

For attacking players and supporters alike, Circuit 7 will be remembered as one of the most enjoyable stretches of the season, with goals flowing from box to box and precious little in the way of defensive solidity on show. For the goalkeepers and back lines across the division, though, it will likely be filed away as a circuit to forget, as seven different hat-trick heroes and a flurry of one-sided scorelines made clear just how difficult it has become to keep a clean sheet in the MPFL this year.