With the main route to glory not being possible, TUSA Porto turned their attention to the Silver cup
After the elimination from the main competition, TUSA Porto entered the silver bracket cup to try and at least leave with some form of glory.
As the boys warmed for the game, it was clear that some were still in sleep mode as the boys looked a little off color when starting the game. Despite this though, the boys battled hard, but it was looking disjointed in the first half. With voices being very quiet and players not moving as well as they should, WWWCA looked like they would always have a chance. Despite going behind in all previous games, it was Porto that took the lead after a excellent run from game captain Cole to notch calmly past the keeper. With this, the Porto boys were grafting hard and digging in as WWWCA looked to push on and equalise. Despite their best efforts though, the again strong gritty back line and defensive attitude of Porto kept the opponents at bay. Just before the half time break however, WWWCA scored from a well taken free kick, which came after a some what tame call from the referee.
At half time, the message was clear.. Wake up and lets get back to what we do best!
This definitely was ringing in the boys ears as with the CSL game earlier in the season, the boys came together ad started playing as a team. With this started to come chance after chance on goal, but as with previous games and what was coming to haunt the Porto boys was the inability to get the ball into the back of the net and put the game out of the opponents reach. Porto once again would take the lead, when Ryan was brought down in the area, Matty stepped up to bury the ball into the net.
As the boys took the lead, the chances started coming thick and thin as wave after wave of Porto attack descended on the WWWCA goal, but that killer touch and third goal would just evade Porto.
THEN THE REFEREE HAD A MOMENT!!
With the game going into the final 5 minutes, WWWCA started to throw everything at Porto in an attempt to get the equaliser. With this came a controversial moment that ruined the game somewhat.
As the WWWCA launched a ball into the box, keeper David clearly grabbed the ball with both hands, only to be fouled by two WWWCA players who bundled him over and knocked the ball out of his hands. If that wasn't enough, the following attacker pushed Kai out of the way to get the ball into the back of the net. With mass appeal on Porto's part, it looked like the missed opportunities would be Porto's undoing.
With the score tied, extra time was on. With only 5 minutes each way, both teams clearly going for the win as both teams again had chances to nick the win. But it was not to be for either team, so bringing on the drama of penalties.
Not wanting to go into who missed or scored.. WWWCA won the penalty shootout 4-2 putting Porto out of the Silver bracket tournament.
COACHES TOURNAMENT SUMMARY
When all the dust has settled, it was easy to see how far the boys have come and progressed in the last few weeks. What was also pleasing was to see where we can improve and work on.
At the beginning of the tournament prior to a ball being kicked, Coach Richie told the boys this.
"Boys, we are here to play a tournament. Obviously we are here to win and take home medals, but if that isn't to be our fate, then at worst we leave here a better team than we arrived and take that into our next games"
I truly know and feel this was achieved far beyond what I could have ever asked for. The boys are learning and growing not only individually, but as a team. Wins will come and with wins will come glory, but for now we can take heart in the soccer the boys are playing and the focus and attitude that they are starting to apply..
Very Proud and Very Pleased
