The Traralgon Olympians travelled to Bairnsdale for round four of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League last weekend.
The senior men got off to a flying start when Isaac Burgoine popped the ball past the opposition keeper just five minutes into the match.
The Olympians were able to even the score three minutes later, scoring from a penalty.
With the adrenaline pumping, the Eagles were rushing the play. Coach Dave Claridge urged his players to slow down, to control their passes and maintain possession.
The players responded and a superb sequence of play between Jaydon Steele, Brandon Ginty and Tom Forster saw Forster score, only for the goal to be disallowed because he was offside.
Lachlan Dare put in a solid performance in the midfield, consistently sending the ball forward.
Opportunities were created but the Eagles weren’t able to take advantage as the opposition put up a solid defence.
The start of the second half was almost a repeat of the first when Steele was unlucky not to score in the opening minutes.
There was plenty of play in both halves and the respective keepers were kept busy, with a number of attempts from both teams.
Frustration was showing from both sides and the pressure created inaccuracy in scoring attempts.
At 68 minutes, the Olympians were able to score their second goal when Eagles’ keeper Lui Albornoz was caught too far out of the nets trying to cut off the ball that had slipped through the Eagles’ defence.
The Olympian defenders were able to cut off further Eagle scoring attempts and finished the game with a 2-1 win.
The reserves welcomed the return of two former players with Andrew Chapman re-joining the squad and Brendan Dunstan pulling on the gloves for his first senior level match for the Eagles.
Lachlan Feather scored the first goal of the match nine minutes in while the players were still settling into the match.
The Eagles’ playing rhythm wasn’t as smooth as it was last week as they scrambled for control of the ball.
Feather, Harry Padula and Aiden Rodriguez worked hard in attack and pushed the ball forward, and although the team was able to keep their play in their half, they weren’t able to take advantage of the scoring opportunities.
At 30 minutes an Olympians’ free kick put the ball at the top of the box and an attacker put the ball over Dunstan’s head and into the back of the net.
Returning to play after the break, the Eagles had an immediate impact.
A shot from Alex Davidson was cut off but Sean Mamo was able to take control of the rebound to score and the Eagles took the lead 2-1.
The intensity of the game lifted as both sides fought for the ball.
Opportunities continued for both teams but neither could convert.
The Eagles remained on target but the Olympians keeper continued to block all attempts.
With the game drawing to a close, a loose opposition player was able to take advantage of a high ball and score with 10 minutes left to play.
The Eagles continued to attack but the opposition keeper continued to ensure the ball stayed out of the nets, and the game finished a 2-2 draw.
