And here we are.. The championship game.. 10 months, 39 games, 113 goals, 6 clean sheets.. It all came down to the final game of the final tournament of our U11's season.
The question was, could Porto see it through and get what they deserved?
As with many of the games prior to this, Porto was easily the best soccer team on the field. Their brand of passing, moving, support play, defensive prowess and general thinking was by far superior to that of the opponents they were facing, but the conditions and the opponents goalkeeper would be what stood between them and the trophy.
For much of the game, it was a scrappy affair with both teams visibly tiring and looking nervous. With Porto never been in this position, it was understandable that nerves may get the best of them It took until the second half for Porto to settle into the game and get their soccer going with high pressure and forcing the opponents to chase down balls they didn't want to chase and to do things they didn't want to do. Porto had their chances and came close on several occasions via Remi and also David, but the strength of the opponent’s goalkeeper was all that stood in their way. With the game dying down and only 2 minutes on the clock, Porto's heart was in their mouth when an accidental handball looked to have given JUSA a penalty, but the referee ruled the ball had been out the area and gave an indirect free kick. With this being the only real chance that JUSA had all game, it would have been somewhat harsh had this been the way Porto were not going to raise that trophy.. The resulting free kick sailed high and wide and the game was heading into over time.
With only 5 minutes each way, Coach wanted the boys to stay calm and focus. The opponents were clearly tired an all Porto needed was that one moment to see this through.
As the over time got underway, both teams were clearly more nervous than ever and much of the 5 minutes was both teams being safe and punting the ball.
BUT THEN.
With the first half of overtime coming to an end and with all hope of scoring looking lost. Kevin managed to header the ball through the JUSA defence and with only the keeper to beat, managed to slot the ball passed the keeper into the bottom corner. With the Porto fans going crazy and Porto looking like they had the game won, Coach was quick to call for focus. With the second half starting straight away, coach changed formation to defend the goal and the lead. SAFE SAFE SAFE was the cry from the bench as Coach wanted no silliness and to get the ball as far clear as possible. Porto could have sealed the win when Remi sprung loose, but his shot bobbled wide.. It didn't matter however as with the resulting kick, the referee blew that whistle and crowned Porto the 2013 Seaside Classic Under 11's Silver Champions!!
