On Thursday 26 September, we played against GSIS. It was a great game full of goals and wonderful play. Coming into this game we were all expecting little from our opponents and started slowly. They capitalized on this early, forcing a penalty. Then right after they scored again.
These two goals fully woke us up. We started attacking with pace and strength and had real determination. After many attacks Akira ran down the wing and hit a perfect ball for Rafael to chase. He reached it and took his chance perfectly. This gave us more momentum and Itay scored a great goal to tie the game 2-2.
After this we had some great attacks but none led to goals. We were nearing the half-time whistle, when Itay dribbled past two players and then hit a beautiful top corner goal. Right after our goal though, GSIS capitalized on our mis-communication and put the ball in the back of the net. The ref blew the whistle for Half-Time, 3-3. Our coach made some tactical changes and we were back on.
In the second half both teams tried really hard to get the win. In this half the defense and goalkeepers really stepped up, they produced perfectly timed tackles, great blocks and some brilliant saves. This led to GSIS not having any clear scoring chances.
We would not give up. Rafael almost scored but their keeper saved it well with his feet. Itay also had a great chance that the keeper saved and in the very last play Itay had a great shot that the keeper saved wonderfully with the tip of his fingers, pushing the ball onto the crossbar.
Overall this derby game was a great 6 goal thriller producing many moments of magic, in defense and attack. Special mention to Akira who with his determination led the comeback and kept running, never stopping and deservedly getting the MVP.
Aiden, Grade 9