Different day, but yet much of the day felt near mirror to our previous days adventure at Southern Village against a team in blue, under the TFC banner. This time it was TFC Gunners that were out to beat our Porto boys.
With the mid day sun once again beating down on the boys, Coach tried to take warm up at a little slower pace to allow the boys to get loose and ready for the game after yesterdays hard battle, but was quick to warn the White of Porto that every team from here on in, will have that extra drive and motivation to be the first team to add a 1 in the Loss column of the league.
The game started with Porto getting straight onto the younger Gunners and looked to impose their physicality on the game. Porto could have opened the scoring within seconds of the kick off as Kevin broke loose, but found his shot just go wide of the post. As the game settled, Gunners started to pass and move their way around the field and look to catch the Porto boys cold with a quick break here and there. Despite the pressure, Porto held firm and kept Dani relatively quiet in the net. After a nervy opening, Porto got the lead with a well taken goal from MVP Matty over on the left after he latched on to a Andy through ball and buried the ball past the Gunners keeper. One became Two for both Matty and Porto not long later, when this time a teasing shot/pass/cross from Remi was fumbled by the keeper and Matty had a much easier task of tapping in the rebound. HT 2-0
At the half, Coach was quick to praise and look at ways in which Porto could improve and make the game safe. With tiredness creeping in, tactical changes would shape the half.
The second half looked like two boxers going at it tired on their feet in the twelfth round as both teams enjoyed attacks, but found energy missing where it counted inside the final third. Porto would however get that vital killer goal, when David latched on to a cross from Ryan and stroked the ball passed the keeper. With this, the boys looked comfortable and started playing for fun as passing looked easier, movement suddenly started to develop and Porto looked every beat the championship contending side they are shaping up to be. After much hard work on the wings, Ryan got his rewards with a reverse of fortunes from the third goal, where this time David became provider for Ryan to put in from close range. As the game clock ticked down, Gunners got a consolation goal from a corner, which the injury carrying Dani just couldn't stretch high enough and found the ball elude him into the net. FT 4-1
Coaches Corner
All in all, all, this weekend had two potential banana skins, but Porto navigated it with thought and calculation. In both games, Porto had different scenarios in which to negotiate and in both cases, they did a very good job. Today was particularly pleasing as it was clear to see Porto problem solve their game and manage to bond as a team to pull each other through the tough spots.. Team Porto has firmly been founded this weekend!!
MVP
Today's MVP is more than just and goes to Matty. For every technical player and every strong player, the calculating player and player that goes about his job with ease is often over looked, but today Matty took central grand stage to claim his MVP. No matter what position he played, Matty was where he needed to be, when he needed to be there. Matty's reading of the game and understanding of his role in positions is again a lesson that many of the players can learn and take from their teammate. A very well done Matthew!
