East Gippsland United Football Club put up a stoic performance in its Latrobe Valley Soccer League senior fixture, but unfortunately it came up short in a high scoring encounter at the West Bairnsdale Oval last Sunday.
Matched against a tough opponent in the Monash Soccer Club, the Eagles started their match strongly, attacking the nets from the start.
Jaydon Steele scored the first goal of the match from a penalty just two minutes into the match.
Steele was unlucky not to score again just minutes later with the keeper out of the nets but sent the ball over the top instead.
But at 17 minutes Monash was able to put enough pressure on the Eagles defence to force the ball through for its first goal.
Lachlan Dare came close to scoring shortly after but the Monash keeper just got a foot to it, keeping the ball out.
The turnover allowed Monash to send the ball straight back down the ground for its second goal.
However, in response Dare worked the ball through the Monash defence and floated the ball over the keeper’s head to even the score at two-all.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, Dare left the ground shortly after with an injury and his unscheduled departure unsettled the Eagles’ rhythm.
Monash scored again after a free kick went around the player wall and found the back of the net.
The Eagles worked hard to get the ball through the midfield, and while their shots were on target, they were saved by the Monash keeper.
Monash scored twice quickly in the second half, while the Eagles’ chances were stopped by the keeper.
Feeling Dare’s absence from the midfield, the Eagles worked hard to regroup and maintain possession.
With both teams attempting to take control, Lachlan Feather made a great run down the wing and crossed to Steele at the top of the box.
The Monash defenders cut off Steele’s attempt but Oscar Bury was able to slip the loose ball into the net.
Five minutes later Steele was able to score again from a second penalty.
The Eagles continued to work together to send the ball forward and try to even the score, but the Monash defenders were consistent in intercepting their passes and forcing the turnover.
With time running out for the Eagles, Monash took a hard fought 5-4 win.
RESERVES
The match started with a quick goal to Monash just three minutes after the opening whistle, before play became concentrated in the midfield as both sides struggled to take control, with neither side gaining the advantage.
At 22 minutes the Eagles were finally able to break through, after a scramble for the ball in front of the nets, Oscar Bury was able to pop the ball through to score.
Harry Padula backed this up three minutes later, off an assist from Sean Mamo, with good placement seeing the ball slide into the bottom left hard corner of the net.
The teams were evenly matched as both sides did their best to create opportunities, each keeper busy with no further score for the first half.
Monash returned strongly after the break, bringing the ball into their forward half and putting a lot of pressure on the Eagles’ defence.
They levelled the score 10 minutes into the half when a loose player was able to pop one through.
There were some chances for the Eagles but the pressure from the Monash defenders led to inaccuracy.
At 76 minutes, Monash scored on the second attempt after a fumble from keeper Brendan Dunstan to take the lead.
Lifted by its success, Monash scored a further three goals in the next 10 minutes to which the Eagles couldn’t find any answers, with the game finishing with a 6-2 loss.
UNDER 15
It was another great effort by the under 15s registering a 3-2 win against Traralgon Olympians, playing with only 10 players.
Eagles goalkeeper, Reagan Nash, dominated with save after save after conceding an early goal four minutes in.
Both teams battled impressively back and forth until the 18th minute when Rafael Rodriguez got a hold of the ball, taking advantage of Cooper Claridge, who then proceeded to strike and score.
During the next 15 minutes of the game many goals were attempted by both sides, with the keepers pushing back despite the wet weather becoming a hinderance.
At the 33rd minute, Rodriguez found success at the back of net with a pass from Claridge.
The Olympians weren’t going down without a fight, coming back at the 36th minute, evening the score with a goal that slipped passed the keeper.
The second half was a fast, high-pressure game with the Eagles often having three defenders on one attacker, proving the Olympians to be a determined and persistent team.
The Eagles’ defenders prevailed through many goal attempts, intercepting passes and blocking shots.
Nearing a finish to the game, which appeared set for a draw, Rodriguez had an opportunity from directly in front, scoring the winning goal.
Claridge received the coach’s award for his outstanding run in an undermanned forward line up.
UNDER 13
It was another triumph for the under 13s this week with a decisive 4-0 victory over Monash Soccer Club.
Following a productive week of training, the Eagles aimed to showcase their improved skills on the pitch.
In the first half, the Eagles displayed a refined style of play, focusing on teamwork and passing. This paid off, leading to three goals before half time.
Despite Monash applying considerable pressure, the Eagles’ defence held firm, preventing any goals.
The second half began with a goal for the Eagles within the first 10 minutes, bringing the score to 4-0.
However, after this fourth goal, the Eagles shifted to a more individualistic style of play, attempting to penetrate Monash’s defence through dribbling rather than passing.
Monash’s defence proved resilient and the Eagles were unable to score further.
The coach’s player of the match was Jett McLeod-Kourie, who delivered one of his best performances, showcasing versatility by excelling in multiple positions and playing each flawlessly.
THIS WEEK
There are no games over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with the junior Latrobe Valley Soccer squads competing in the country championships in Mildura.
The Eagles will return to the field on June 15 with an away game against Falcons 2000 at Crinigan Road in Morwell.
The under 15s next game is on June 14 when they host Traralgon City Red, while the under 13s don’t play until June 22 when they host Traralgon Olympians.
