Reds Get Off To Flying Start in MFL (VIC)
Red do well across their u12 and u16 ages groups in the MFL
The U12 & U16 age groups for this seasons Melbourne Futsal League got underway at Bundoora Indoor Sports Stadium on Saturday November 14th.
Melbourne Reds U16 Boys played in the inaugural match against Australian Futsal Group (AFG). Conditions were difficult with the hot weather that Melbourne has been experiencing, however both teams worked hard for the ball throughout the match. AFG were finding it hard to match MRFC’s passing game and this resulted in some hard physical challenges from AFG. However the match was played in a good spirit and the referees never lost control.
MRFC were able to maintain most of the possession and finished the game stronger, winning 4 – 2 in a tough but fair encounter.
The Reds 2nd U16 match saw them up against the Eastern Suburbs based ‘Cobras Academy’ coached by FFV State Futsal mentor and Youth Team coach, Edgard Vatcky.
The Reds got off to a promising start after Damian Pagotto slotted a neat right footed shot past the Cobras Keeper, however the Cobras responded quickly to equalise with some nice interplay and movement. Some poor defending from the Reds saw another conversion from the Cobra’s, who went into the half time break with a 2 -1 lead.
The 2nd half of the match saw the Cobra’s come out and press the Reds in their defensive half. The Reds were pushing too many men forward during their attacks, leaving their defense vulnerable to a quick counter attack. The Cobra’s exploited this opportunity and after a few attempts managed to capitalise with a 3rd goal.
The Reds were looking down the barrel of a defeat and they looked tired in the hot conditions, being the only team to have to play 2 matches in Round 1. However the Reds were not giving up just yet and a brilliant toe poke from Stphen Gustus gave them some hope, bringing the score back to 3 – 2 in favour of the Cobra’s. The tempo of the match lifted and the action was end to end, before Jonathan Debiase managed to evade the Cobra’s defense and level the scores at 3 all.
The Reds were obviously very tired but they would not give up. The Cobra’s were awarded an indirect free kick on the edge of the D, the shot hitting the back of the net missed everyone and the goal was disallowed. With the clock winding down it was Corey DeMartin who stepped up and after a nice passage of play hit a low and hard shot that caught the Cobra’s Keeper off guard, slamming into the corner of the goal. Final Score: MRFC 4 defeated Cobras 3.
The Reds were exhausted but happy to have snatched the points with a gutsy effort. Chris Irwin was solid all day and really stepped up to lead the team from the back. Roland DeBiase had a great day in goals and seemed to have a sixth sense on many occasions. Solid performances from Sanjeet Deo and Jordan Mills-Warthold were also well noted.
Our U12 boys teams both did well in their first round matches. The Reds 1st team running out convincing winners against Geelong with a 10 – 1 result. Our U12 reserves team had a great match with the Bayside Pirates, with a 6 all draw the final result.
Round 2 for the Under 12’s gets underway next Saturday at Cheltenham Secondary College, whilst the U16’s have a break until December 12th.
Related posts:- Strikers Futsal News (VIC)
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- MRFC Players Feature in State Squads (VIC)
- Reds Take Out Title (VIC)
- Geelong Gala Day (VIC)
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