In a commanding display, Pro Shottas U13 triumphed over Mavericks with a resounding 4-0 victory in a neutral cup match held at the Pine Resource Center on 23 November 2024. The match kicked off at 8:30 am, and the Pro Shottas showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the encounter.
Pro Shottas U13 lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, designed to provide a strong defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Christopher Palmer took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Nikkeil Freeman on the right, Ben Hutton and Zayne Galt in central defence, and Elijah Jacob on the left. Samuel Campion played as a lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking trio featured C'jae Nichols on the right, Kaleb Catwell in the central attacking role, and Dylan Boucaud on the left, with Kevio Bellamy and Emanuel Espinosa Alvarez leading the line as forwards. The substitutes for the match included Jacob Mayers, Aries Payne, Jazeel Codogan, Raiden Lee, and Junilio Richmond.
The match began with an early setback for Pro Shottas as C'jae Nichols received a yellow card for a deliberate handball just three minutes in. However, this did not deter the team’s momentum. In the 27th minute, Nichols redeemed himself by converting a penalty with his right foot, giving Pro Shottas the lead. Just a minute later, Kaleb Catwell doubled the advantage with a stunning long-range strike, assisted by Nichols, who delivered a precise short pass to set up the goal from outside the box.
The Pro Shottas continued to press, and in the 29th minute, C'jae Nichols scored again, this time from a well-executed set piece, with Elijah Jacob providing a cross that Nichols converted with his right foot. The first half concluded with Pro Shottas leading 3-0, leaving Mavericks with a mountain to climb.
As the second half commenced, Pro Shottas made their first substitution, bringing on Jacob Mayers for Zayne Galt as a halftime change to bolster their defensive line. The Pro Shottas maintained their attacking intent, and in the 40th minute, Kevio Bellamy added a fourth goal, scoring a spectacular effort from distance after receiving a long pass from Kaleb Catwell.
Further tactical changes followed as C'jae Nichols was substituted for Aries Payne, and Dylan Boucaud made way for Jazeel Codogan, both in the 41st minute. The substitutions aimed to maintain the team's energy and control over the match. In the 50th minute, Samuel Campion and Emanuel Espinosa Alvarez were replaced by Raiden Lee and Junilio Richmond, respectively, as Pro Shottas sought to manage their lead.
As the match drew to a close, Kaleb Catwell received a yellow card in the 58th minute for denying the restart of play, but it did little to dampen the spirits of the Pro Shottas, who comfortably held onto their 4-0 lead until the final whistle. The victory not only showcased their attacking flair but also highlighted their defensive organisation, leaving Mavericks unable to find a way through.
