Joy for both East Gippsland United Football Club junior teams on Saturday, with both teams impressive winners.
The under 13s triumphed over Churchill United Soccer Club with a thrilling 1-0 victory in a match that went down to the wire.
For the second time this season, the Eagles played with only eight players, with the first half, a back-and-forth battle, with both teams striving to create scoring opportunities.
Despite being outnsumbered, the Eagles’ two defenders and goalkeeper dug deep, successfully repelling numerous Churchill’s attacks.
The first half ended after 30 intense minutes, though it felt like only 15.
In the second half, the Eagles decided to stick with the formation, trusting their attack to score and their defence to hold off Churchill.
This strategy paid off when, in the 43rd minute, the determined Eagles finally found the back of the net.
Churchill had a late-game penalty but failed to convert, and the final whistle blew with the Eagles securing a hard-fought victory.
The coaches player of the match was awarded to Robbie Christie for his exceptional performance in defence.
He remained cool under intense pressure, meeting every challenge and triumphing against Churchill’s relentless attacks.
The under 13s are at home this week at Howitt Park, taking on Sale United Green.
Taking on Fortuna 60 after a previous loss to them, the under 15 Eagles were eager for a win.
They came out attacking, scoring the first goal at the two minute mark.
Fortuna didn’t get a look in with defenders not allowing them any chances at scoring.
Rayner Bonifacio read the ball well and was all over the opposition, passing off to the forwards for shots at goal.
At the 17th minute Fortuna’s defenders couldn’t stop the Eagles, Rafael Rodriguez setting up a beautiful shot at goal for Jesse Williams, who made no mistake.
Again, and again attackers had attempts to score but another goal didn’t come until the 33rd minute when Cooper Claridge took a penalty shot in the goal square.
The keeper got his fingers to it but the ball hit the back of the net.
Rodriguez took a strike a minute later hitting the inside of the top bar and rebounding out of goal.
Starting strong in the second half, Rodriguez sent an amazing pass to Williams setting him up for his third goal of the game.
In defence Spencer Bastian continually got the ball into safe territory.
With a lot of midfield action, and shot after shot at goal for the Eagles, the final score didn’t come until the 63rd minute.
The Eagles’ victory was well earned coming through with a 5-0 win.
Dion Strydis was awarded player of the match for his great defensive skills.
The under 15s will take on Sale United this week at Geoffrey Baldwin Reserve in Sale.
