Two losses in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League junior cup competitions brought the curtain down on the East Gippsland United Football Club’s season.
The under 13 Eagles played a tough 1-0 loss against Traralgon Olympians in a game heavily dominated by strong winds.
In the first half the Eagles chose to play into the wind, hoping to have it at their backs in the second half.
Despite their solid form, excellent passing and control of possession, the wind made it difficult to capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities.
Frustratingly, both teams remained goalless at half time, with the wind wreaking havoc on every attempt.
In the second half, with the wind now behind them, the Eagles hoped to turn the tide in their favour.
However the wind proved just as challenging, causing through balls to run too far ahead and goal kicks to overshoot the Olympians’ goal line.
The Olympians managed to strike gold with a corner that took an unfortunate deflection into the Eagles’ net.
Despite relentless pressure from the Eagles to equalise, the Olympians’ defence held strong until the final whistle.
The under 15s also took on Traralgon Olympians on a wild and windy day in Newborough.
The Olympians started a fast-paced game with their first strike within minutes and a goal just two minutes in.
Eagle Rayner Bonifacio used his speed on the wing to bring the ball to the attackers, but to no avail.
The Olympians took advantage of the wind going their way scoring another goal at seven minutes.
Jesse Williams took a strike at eight minutes, missing to the right of the net.
The Eagles’ defence couldn’t compete with the Olympians’ onslaught with the opposition kicking another two goals before half time.
The Eagles came into the second half goalless and feeling a little down, but they kept going and didn’t give up.
Cooper Claridge had an opportunity at 39 minutes but the keeper shut him down.
Bonifacio kept running the wing putting pressure on the Olympians.
Eve Hamer took a shot at 42 minutes with spectators holding their breath when it hit the top bar for a near miss.
Harrison Bramhall spoiled a goal, getting the ball free from the goal square and helping to keep the Olympians goalless in the second half.
Everywhere the Eagles went, the Olympians were there; they came out to play and were the victors in a 4-0 loss.
With the season now over for all the teams, the focus has turned to the club’s annual summer sevens program starting in October.
