East Gippsland United’s Latrobe valley Soccer League winning streak came to an end last Sunday, losing to Churchill United Soccer Club at Churchill.
With a number of players out with injury, the team sheet looked a little different from previous weeks.
Needing to switch on from the start, the Eagles started strongly, keeping the ball in their forward half as an early chance went straight to the keeper.
Churchill gained more of the possession and play became more central on the pitch with a number of good runs down the round, but the ball never quite found its target.
Churchill was also doing its best to score but the Eagles’ defenders held firm. Unfortunately the first score for Churchill was from an Eagles’ own goal right before the end of the first half.
The Eagles started the second half successfully working the ball through the midfield but the Churchill defenders were good at forcing the turnover before any shots could be made.
At the other end keeper Jason Steele worked hard, repeatably denying the Churchill attempts.
However at 64 minutes, instead of clearing the ball, the defenders desperately tried to regain possession from Churchill in front of the goal, in the scramble Churchill was able to secure their second goal.
A couple of substitutions were made to bring on some fresh legs but Churchill was able to hold off the Eagles attached and took the win 2-0.
RESERVES
Churchill came out firing in the reserves, scoring its first goal just three minute in.
With injuries changing the usual line up, the Eagles had trouble finding their rhythm and their passes lacked their usual confidence.
With Churchill controlling the play, the Eagles had to work hard to get the ball forward.
Kyal Hood and Will Sutherland combined to send the ball down the ground, but the Churchill defenders were effective in shutting down any attacks.
The Eagles were able to build some momentum in the second half, breaking through the midfield to create scoring opportunities.
While their shots were on target, they didn’t have enough power to make it past the Churchill keeper.
At 64 minutes Churchill scored its second goal and followed it up with its third just three minutes later.
With Churchill’s experience an advantage over the Eagles’ youth, the game became more physical as both sides battled for control.
Churchill sealed victory with its fourth goal at 74 minutes.
UNDER 15
With a long trip down to Moe, the Eagles team was ready to run and show their ability early in the match and that’s exactly what they did, but it wasn’t plain sailing.
In first 30 seconds, the Eagles took control of the game with some beautiful passing, but Moe was strong and came back at them at the four-minute mark with the first goal of the match.
Rafael Rodriguez got taken down by an opponent at the 18th minute which resulted in a penalty, Mason Radley took the shot and scored the Eagles’ first goal for the game.
Many shots were taken and missed at both ends making it a very competitive match, the Eagles working hard with numbers down, substitutions non-existent.
Throughout the game, the Eagles’ defenders were spectacular at holding off Moe’s incoming attackers, Max Bailey intercepted sending a pass from defence to Jesse Williams, who carried the ball all the way to goal, scoring at the 21st minute.
Caleb Till had a cracker game in defence taking on the quick moving opponents and spoiling many tries.
In the second half Moe was awarded a penalty, Eagles’ keeper Reagan Nash took an amazing save to keep the lead under enormous pressure.
The Eagles took the win 4-2, with Nash awarded the coach’s award for the match.
UNDER 13
In a match marked by physicality and adversity, the Eagles faced a formidable opponent in Traralgon City.
From the outset it was evident that Traralgon City’s aggressive style of play would pose a significant challenge for the Eagles.
Unfortunately this intensity from their opponents led to injuries among the Eagles
players.
The first half proved particularly demanding with the Eagles facing an onslaught of physical challenges that resulted in multiple early substitutions due to injuries.
However, the Eagles displayed remarkable resilience in the second half, refusing to relent in the face of difficulty, despite the scoreline, their determination and spirit remained unbroken.
Amid the challenges Leo Kantzides stood out as a beacon of strength and commitment for the Eagles.
His constant dedication to the team’s cause, coupled with his refusal to back down, earned him the title of coach’s award.
His performance was a testament to the true spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.
Despite their best efforts the Eagles succumbed to a 5-0 defeat.
While the result may not have been in their favour, the Eagles can take pride in their firm resolve and the valuable lessons learned from this difficult encounter.
THIS WEEK
The seniors and reserves are at home on Sunday to arch rival, Sale, while the under 15s also have a home fixture against Traralgon City Blue.
The under 13s head down the Latrobe Valley, where they play Falcons 2000 Blue at LC Stadium in Morwell.
