It was a disappointing start to the second half of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League Season for East Gippsland at Moe on Sunday.
The Eagles took on Moe United and despite an early goal to Moe just five minutes into the game, the Eagles started their match strongly and positively.
The battle for possession was even, with the Eagles controlling their passes and creating opportunities, the ball flowing between both halves, Ben Gillard sending an early chance to the keeper.
Alex Padula sent the ball forward from the backline to Jaydon Steele, but the Moe keeper was able to cut off Steele’s chance.
Moe was on target at the other end but Eagles’ keeper Lui Albornoz was able to save any attempts.
The combination of Padula, Patrick Whelan, Lachlan Feather and Noah Price put in a solid performance across the defensive backline.
Finally, at 37 minutes, Oscar Bury was able to find the back of the net from an assist from Steele for the Eagles’ first goal.
In a case of déjà vu, Moe started the second half with a quick goals, breaking their way through the Eagles’ defence.
The Eagles tried to respond, but were unable to get a proper foot on the ball, Steele’s attempt went straight to the keeper.
As the struggle for the ball continued, Moe was able to gain the upper hand, with the momentum turning its way, it was able to score five goals in 20 minutes and there seemed little the Eagles could do to stop them.
The Eagles were able to score a second goal after Steele converted from a free kick in the final minutes of the game but it was a convincing 7-2 win to Moe.
RESERVES
Moe was in control of the game from start to finish, with its first goal scored just three minutes in.
There were a couple of early changes for the Eagles, Flynn Nugent’s shot went straight to the keeper, and in a race for the ball, the keeper came a long way out to cut off Alex Davidson’s opportunity.
The Eagles struggled to find any rhythm in their play and gaps in the midfield allowed the Moe attack through.
Maintaining possession by keeping their passes simple and direct, Moe kept the ball in their forward half to consistently create opportunities.
Eagles keeper Brendan Dunstan did his best, making a number of good saves but Moe was just too strong with their attack scoring six goals in the first half.
Moe continued its dominance in the second half, as the Eagles struggled to find any successful counter attack.
The strong Moe defence was able to force the turnover of any ball the Eagles managed to bring forward, resulting in few opportunities for the Eagles to score.
Adam Cheesley came close after taking the ball down the ground, but the keeper just got a foot the ball to send it wide.
Taking advantage of the increasing hesitancy in the Eagles passes, Moe scored a further five goals in the second half, resulting in a crushing 11-1 victory over the Eagles.
UNDER 15
In a tight, hard fought contest, Sale United defeated the Eagles 2-1.
Sale United took the opportunity to score 10 minutes in, taking advantage of early Eagle turnovers.
Mason Radley was consistently taking back control of the ball giving the Eagle forwards opportunities at goal, Cooper Claridge took a penalty shot but unfortunately the keeper intercepted.
Strikers and midfield were strong and had many shots at goal but could not convert, as both teams jostled for control and space.
Sale United scored its second goal from a defensive turnover at the 30 minute mark.
Early in the second half Sale United had a shot at goal, it looked sure to score gliding in under the bar with keeper Reagan Nash at full stretch getting his fingers to it, knocking it to ground and then having to go for a dive for a second save on the goal line.
At 54 minutes Claridge scored the Eagles’ first goal from long range with the ball sailing past the keeper.
This gave the Eagles some hope and they fought out the final minutes of the game with many more opportunities to level but unfortunately were not able to convert.
Eve Hamer with a strong presence on ground, received the coaches award.
UNDER 13
In a remarkable away game, the under 13s triumphed over Sale Green with a 3-1 victory.
Facing a formidable opponent, the Eagles once again demonstrated their growing strength and skill.
The first half saw the Eagles score an early goal, giving them an impressive start.
However, Sale Green maintained its pressure and managed to equalise shortly after, keeping the match intense.
Undeterred, the Eagles continued to push forward and found the back of the net again in the last ten minutes of the half, regaining their lead.
The second half mirrored the first, with the Eagles slightly more dominant on the pitch.
The Eagles’ goalkeeper made several crucial saves, ensuring Sale Green remained goalless in the second half.
In the final ten minutes, the Eagles confirmed victory with a third goal, sealing the final scoreline 3-1.
This week’s player of the match awarded was shared between two standout players.
Liora Rozite, in her first year playing soccer, has consistently been a top performer, giving 100 per cent each week and creating some of the team’s best goals.
She scored her first goal, marking the beginning of a new string to her bow.
Mason Bailey also received the honour for his outstanding performance as centre midfield, pivotal as both the first line of defence and attack, remaining calm under pressure and playing his position with great confidence.
THIS WEEK
In this week’s matches, the seniors and reserves are at home on Sunday at the West Bairnsdale Oval to Monash.
The under 15s are on the road, tackling Traralgon Olympians on Saturday, while the under 13s will host the Monash Wolves.
