Churchill United Soccer Club made the trip down the highway for the round 16 Latrobe Valley Soccer League match against East Gippsland United Soccer Club last Sunday.
Celebrating keeper Lui Albornoz’s 100th senior game, the seniors took to the pitch determined to take the win.
The intensity was there from the start for both teams, Jaydon Steele had an early chance as he weaved the ball through the opposition players but the ball ended in the keeper’s hands.
Play remained even with each side having time with the ball as the struggle for control continued, the Eagles were unable to get the advantage when Churchill was temporarily reduced to 10 players.
A series of Eagles’ corners also saw them close to scoring but Churchill’s defence was able to send the ball clear from the scramble in front of the nets.
A penalty awarded to the Eagles was an opportunity lost when Steele sent the ball wide.
The second half started with Andrew Chapman having a crack at the nets but the ball just clipped the cross bar.
The Eagles did their best to lock the ball in their forward half and a number of opportunities were created, but they couldn’t manage to get the ball past the Churchill keeper.
With time running out, fatigue was setting in for both teams after a physical match, neither side able to break the deadlock, the game finishing a 0-0 draw.
RESERVES
The reserves started slowly, following the pattern of previous weeks of settling in and finding their rhythm.
Churchill took advantage of this, scoring just seven minutes into the match.
With Churchill in control, the Eagles struggled to get the ball into their forward half.
The defenders were kept busy keeping the ball out of the Churchill nets.
The Eagles had to work at controlling their passes and slowly began to gain more of the possession.
But attempts at goals were few and saved by the Churchill keeper, while Churchill was able to score its second goal 21 minutes in.
The Eagles had to play catch up in the
second half and did their best to rise to the challenge.
Piti Sakunpriti put in a determined effort in the midfield, continually working the ball down the ground, creating a number of opportunities for himself but he couldn’t get the ball past the keeper.
At 63 minutes the Eagles finally got on the board with Kyal Hood able to find the back of the net, despite the keeper getting his fingers to it.
Lifted by Hood’s goal, scoring opportunities increased for the Eagles but they were unable to convert.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the ground centre back Pat Whelan, aided by Craig Emery and Adam Cheesley, put in strong effort to cut off the Churchill attack.
Despite their best efforts, the Eagles were unable to level the score and Churchill took the win 2-1.
UNDER 13
The Eagles under 13s put on a fantastic performance last week, securing a 5-2 win against Falcons 2000 at Howitt Park.
The match began with the Eagles starting a bit slow and appearing unsure of themselves, however after about 10 minutes they found their rhythm, defending with confidence and attacking with speed.
This new-found momentum resulted in two great goals for the Eagles.
Despite mounting pressure from the Falcons, who managed to score just before half time, the Eagles held their lead.
The second half resumed with both teams creating early opportunities.
The Falcons capitalised first, levelling the score at 2-2.
The game was on a knife’s edge, but the determined Eagles fought back, scoring three more goals and securing their victory.
Mason Bailey was named coach’s player of the match for his unyielding and instrumental contribution in the midfield.
The under 15s had the weekend off after their opposition forfeited their match.
This week the senior teams are on the road to Sale, while the under 13s are away to Churchill, with the under 15s at home against Fortuna.
