The Latrobe Valley Soccer League commenced on Sunday, but it certainly wasn’t the result the East Gippsland United Football Club was desiring.
With an increase of players for the 2024 season, the Eagles men’s squad has returned to the top two divisions of reserves and seniors, and it was Moe United Soccer Club who made the trek down the highway for the first game.
With a number of last year’s under 16 players stepping up into the reserves, it was a relatively young team that took to the pitch in warmer than expected conditions.
After a couple of early chances for the Eagles, Moe was the first to score 10 minutes into the first half, with play mostly in the middle of the pitch prior, as both teams fought to maintain possession.
Harry Padula was a strong presence on the wing for the Eagles as he consistently sent the ball forward for scoring opportunities.
At 23 minutes, a pass from Alex Davidson put the ball in front of the goals and Sean Mamo was able to put it into the back of the net, to equal the score for the Eagles.
Mamo was unlucky when a second shot just a few minutes later hit the cross bar and the rebound was collected by the keeper.
Moe shot one past the Eagles’ keeper Matt Desio to score their second goal before the half time break.
The second half started strongly with the Eagles gaining more of the play but having trouble getting anything past the Moe keeper, who was stoic.
Fatigue and the heat began to take their toll, along with some substitutions which saw a loss of structure, and Moe was able to wrestle back control, scoring two quick goals.
Some further position changes was able to slow the Moe charge but the Eagles were unable to capitalise on their chances and two more goals from Moe saw the visitors take the game 6 – 1.
The seniors saw a combination of new and returning players joining last year’s squad members, with an air of confidence about the group in the rooms prior.
This relatively new team had little time to get into any rhythm with Moe shooting out of the blocks and taking control of the game from the start.
With play mostly in Moe’s half, the Eagles had to work hard to send the ball down the pitch, only to be cut off by the Moe defence.
Youngster, Isaac Burgoine, put in a strong performance, playing a part in many of the Eagles charges down the pitch.
Despite the best attempts of all the Eagles players, Moe put through six goals in the first half.
The Eagles regrouped in the second half and delivered a stronger performance.
Heat and fatigue also played a factor with the seniors, and some substitutions brought fresh legs onto the ground.
Moe scored again at 59 minutes but the Eagles were able to gain more possession, unfortunately the increased possession didn’t lead to scoring as attempts were saved by the Moe keeper.
The majority of play continued to be in Moe’s half but the back line of Noah Price, Tom Forster, Adam Cheesley and Piti Sakunpriti held firm against the attack, doing a great job in the second half to restrict scoring.
Moe was able to score again but with the game almost over, Lachlan Dare shot the ball into the top right hand corner of the net to score the Eagles’ only goal as the referee blew his whistle to end the match.
The final score saw Moe as the victors 8-1, with the Eagles having plenty of work to do if they are to be contenders in 2024.
The Eagles will take on Monash Soccer Club at Monash Reserve in Newborough on Sunday in round two.
Unfortunately the Eagles ladies team has been unable to field a team this season and the junior’s competition will start when school returns in term two.
