It was an outstanding weekend for the East Gippsland United Football Club with all four teams victorious in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.
The men’s teams ventured down the highway to take on Newborough Yallourn United Soccer Club.
In the senior match the home side made a strong start, controlling the play and scoring early, while the Eagles’ midfield had to work hard to get the ball forward, only to be thwarted by a solid Newborough.
Things looked dire after 30 minutes with Newborough dominating and leading 3-0, continually forcing costly Eagles turnovers.
But at 32 minutes the Eagles finally found a gap and Jaydon Steele scored their first goal following a pass from Pat Whelan.
This lifted the Eagles and they continued their attack with renewed vigour and purpose.
Steele, Isaac Burgoine and Lachlan Dare combined well in their approach to the box but were unlucky when Dare’s shot went just wide of the right post.
A free kick taken by Alex Padula put the ball in front of the net and Steele scored his second as the half ended.
Both teams returned to the pitch determined to take control of the game with Newborough denied early by a scrambling Eagles keeper, Lui Albornoz, and defender Noah Price who helped mop up.
The second halves of East Gippsland have been one of the features of their games in 2024, even in some disappointing losses.
Despite missing some gettable shots, they finally drew level in the 78th minute when first gamer James Kapolos found Dare, who shot the ball past the keeper.
With time running out intensity and physicality increased as both sides tried to break the deadlock.
At 84 minutes Steele worked his way through the defence only to have his shot stopped by the keeper, but luck was on the Eagles’ side, the ball bubbling out and Oscar Bury was able to put it away to put the Eagles in front.
While both teams had further chances the Eagles were able to hold off Newborough’s attack to take their first win of the season 4-3.
RESERVES
The match started with a penalty goal from Alex Davidson just five minutes into the match, before the game became an arm wrestle through the midfield, both defences on top and siezing on turnovers.
Newborough was able to score at 25 minutes slipping the ball past the defence and into the net as the Eagles’ inaccurate passing saw a constant struggle to maintain control and to get the ball on target.
But they persisted and the tide gradually turned, another penalty saw Davidson score his second goal at 39 minutes and Lachlan Feather followed this up a few minutes later, scoring from an assist from Aiden Rodriguez.
The crossbar continued to get a workout in the second half as the Eagles tried to get the ball on target while the scrambling for the ball continued in the midfield.
Eagles’ keeper Brendan Dunstan, well supported by the defending backline, worked hard to keep the ball out of the nets at the other end.
Rodriguez finally found his radar in the 75th minute as the Eagles looked to ram home the advantage.
In the final minutes of the game, Brendan Mamo’s first attempt was stopped by the keeper at the top of the box, but Davidson sent the rebound back to Mamo who was able score on the second attempt, sealing the Eagles’ 5-1 victory.
UNDER 15
The under 15s defeated Churchill at home convincingly 10–2.
Churchill came out firing scoring the first goal, but the Eagles came back strong kicking the next 10, led by Cooper Claridge who kicked four in a row with a mix of his left and right foot.
Claridge also took a corner kick which set Rafael Rodriguez up for an amazing header which resulted in a goal.
Rayner Bonifacio, who scored three goals for the match, and Jessie Williams had a great run together in the forward line with their speed outdoing their opponents time and time again.
The midfield showed its strength and didn’t let much get past them, Hirahni Hood had a great run in the second half, passing off to Williams where he scored his first of two goals.
The defence kept Churchill goalless until the dying moments of the second half when Churchill were able to score their second goal.
UNDER 13
In a thrilling start to the season the Eagles under 13s soared to a 11-1 victory in their opening match against Traralgon Olympians.
Despite an enthusiastic effort from the Olympians, the Eagles emerged triumphant, displaying their skill on the pitch, dominating both halves.
Throughout the game the Eagles’ defence and midfield demonstrated exceptional coordination, effectively neutralising the Olympians’ offensive manoeuvres.
Robbie Christie’s awesome performance in midfield earned him the coach’s player of the match.
Ultimately it was a worthy victory for the Eagles with goals from Ryan Judge, Rhys Rodriguez, Leo Kantzides, Christie, and Jay Sutherland showcasing their offensive skills.
THIS WEEK
In this week’s matches, the Eagles are at home to Tyers Lightning on Sunday with the reserves beginning at 11am and the senior match at 1pm.
The under 15s play Tyers at the Tyers Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 2.30pm, while the under 13s are at home at the West Bairnsdale Oval on Saturday at 1pm against arch rival Sale.
