Newborough/Yallourn United Soccer Club made the long trek down the highway to Bairnsdale for round seven of Latrobe Valley Soccer League last Sunday.
Newborough/Yallourn were first on the board, scoring just four minutes in, while the Eagles were lacking consistency as the visitors took control of the game, working the ball into their forward half.
There were a few forays into the Eagles’ half but the Newborough defence was consistent in shutting down the attack.
Shots from Kyal Hood and Piti Sakunpriti that did get through went straight to
the keeper.
The combine scored again, the ball slipping past keeper David Pachl from close range.
The Eagles slowly began to gain some ground, but their attempts couldn’t find their target. Finally a pass from Hood on the wing found Brandon Ginty in front.
The Newborough keeper came out to block as Ginty took his shot, both players found themselves on the ground as the ball rolled into the net.
Both teams returned to the pitch after half time with determination and
rejuvenated energy.
The Eagles tenaciously continued their attack but the opposition defenders were able to consistently force the turnover before Hood found the back of the net to level
the score.
Unfortunately this kicked the visitors, who were able to score two more to once again take the lead.
Not giving up, the Eagles worked hard to bring the ball forward but the Newborough/Yallourn’s defence held firm as it won 4-2.
It was a different story for the reserves. The Eagles wrestled control of the ball from the start, keeping the ball in their half but early chances were saved by the hard- working Newborough keeper.
The first goal came 15 minutes in when Sean Mamo was able to score from a corner kick in from David Le.
Oscar Bury sent the ball straight to the keeper a number of times before Mason Radley was able to slip it past the keeper for the Eagles’ second.
Newborough pushed forward, getting the ball into its half but the Eagles’ defence
held firm.
However, the Eagles allowed a number of easy turnovers, sending the ball up the ground with no one to receive it.
Bury scored his second after weaving through the Newborough defenders, with the first half finishing with a second goal to Mamo off a free kick.
Newborough started the second half with a goal from the opening kick and followed it up with their second just seven minutes later as it mounted an inspired charge.
This woke the Eagles up and Josh West scored two quick goals in the same amount of minutes.
Newborough scored again after the Eagles couldn’t clear the ball from a scramble in front of the nets after a corner kick.
However, the Eagles scored six more goals in the remaining twenty minutes for a convincing 12-3 victory.
Mamo finished the match with four goals, Bury and West with three each, with single goals to Radley and Le.
The under 16 Blue Eagles faced a challenging match against Fortuna 60 in their
round two encounter.
With three players unavailable, the Eagles had no substitutes making the game even more demanding.
Fortuna came in strong, putting immense pressure on the Eagles’ defence, scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes.
However the Eagles were undeterred, with a strategic player switch seeing Rasha Long move from goal keeper to defence, showcasing his remarkable agility and determination.
Noah Liebelt also stepped up his defensive game, demonstrating the team’s resolve, but despite their efforts, the Eagles struggled to get the ball to their end.
Harrison Dingwall had a shot at goal, but unfortunately missed the mark.
After half time, the Eagles returned to the field with renewed vigour, striker Seth Giuffrida-Love scored the first goal for the Eagles, igniting hope among the team
and supporters.
Nevertheless, Fortuna responded swiftly, scoring two more goals, the Eagles fought valiantly but began to exhibit signs of fatigue.
Fortuna capitalised on this, adding another goal to their tally.
In the final minutes of the game Giuffrida-Love, assisted by Dingwall, scored another goal for the Eagles.
Despite their spirited efforts, the Eagles faced an unfortunate loss with the final scoreline (5-2) reflecting Fortuna’s dominance.
The under 16 Gold Eagles took to the pitch, knowing they would face a fight against the skilled Traralgon Olympians.
The game remained scoreless until the 53rd minute, when the Eagles’ defence was under pressure and an own goal was scored, putting Olympians on the scoreboard.
The game was fast-paced with players showing relentless grit and determination. The Eagles demonstrated exceptional teamwork, proving to the Olympians that they are formidable competitors.
Goal keeper Jackson Cheesley was exceptional with save after save, keeping the team in the game.
The Eagles had early opportunities in the second half, however the Olympians then scored seven goals in the next 30 minutes, finishing the game and taking home
the win 7-0.
The under 13s went down to Traralgon City 5-1 in Traralgon with Ryan Judge scoring
the goal.
In this week’s matches, the seniors teams head down the highway to do battle with Traralgon Olympians on Sunday at Harold Preston Reserve in Traralgon.
On Saturday the under 16 Blue side and the under 13 team will host Falcons 2000 at Howitt Park, while the under 16 Yellow side is away to Traralgon Olympians also at Harold Preston Reserve.
