A huge weekend for the East Gippsland United Football Club saw junior teams claim two magnificent victories in Latrobe Valley Soccer League action.
Last week the under 15s played with just eight players; this week, they had fresh legs on the bench and it showed.
In the first half the Eagles scored two goals while Sale managed one in the local derby at Geoffrey Baldwin Reserve in Sale.
The Eagles started strong, moving the ball well, connecting passes, and making smart runs off the ball.
There was a real sense on the bench that a goal was imminent and about 15 minutes in, after numerous attempts, the Eagles finally found the back of the net.
Sale, undeterred, quickly responded with a goal of its own.
As the first half wound down, the Eagles scored again to regain the lead.
The second half was a showcase of skill and teamwork from the Eagles, who scored another three goals while Sale added just one more.
The Eagles maintained their dominance for the full 60 minutes, while Sale players didn’t drop their heads and continued to fight to the very end.
The coach’s player of the match went to Ryan Judge, not just for his three goals but for his exceptional team effort. His passing, off-the-ball movement, game awareness and ability to connect with his teammates made for an entertaining display of skill.
The under 15s will host Traralgon Olympians this Saturday at the West Bairnsdale Oval.
The under 13 Eagles took on the undefeated Sale United at Howitt Park.
Ready for a challenge the team went all-in from the first whistle.
The first goal came in the fifth minute from Jesse Williams after fighting Sale for control.
Sale didn’t give the Eagles much time to celebrate coming back with their first goal a minute later.
With the Eagles having the momentum they continued to stay in control, getting a pass off to Williams for his second goal at the 11-minute mark.
Sale tried to take its opportunities to score but the Eagles’ defenders had the game of the season.
Defender Max Bailey put on the pressure saving a potential goal early in the first half. The whole team was putting in 100 per cent and not giving in.
At 20 minutes Rafael Rodriguez took a throw in, finding Williams who snuck in his trifecta, twisting around, kicking the ball over the keeper’s head with precision.
Going into the second half 3-2, the Eagles still had a long way to go to guarantee the victory.
Four minutes in Cooper Claridge received a penalty kick and converted it to a goal.
With the next 25 minutes being scoreless for both teams, they jostled for dominance.
Both teams were running low on energy, but no one was willing to give in.
The Eagles scored their fifth and final goal sealing the win at the 66th minute.
After a week off they will play the Monash Wolves at Monash Reserve in Newborough on August 18.
