After a quick welcome to the Open division last weekend, Porto found the relief of a weekend that entailed just one game, but with them facing the #10 ranked team in the state, it was going to be a battle.
For much of the week, the Porto boys have been drilling their passing game and working hard to get up to the open style of play and to enhance their speed and movement to make that transition from Division Two to Open
As the game got underway, it was clear to see how Porto had took the opening weeks learnings and the hard work training into the game. Porto were attacking and defending with venom and proving a tricky test for the 20-7 GUSA Whites. The first 15 minutes was Porto version 2.0 as nothing GUSA white could do, could break through and trouble Porto. Porto also could have took the lead with some smart attacking soccer that broke through GUSA on several occassion's, but they found their finishing just lacking. But, then GUSA found that extra gear and with 20 minutes of the half ticking on the clock, they broke the deadlock, with a somewhat tame goal and one not fitting of their reputation or our efforts. But, then I can only say, a masterclass of youth soccer came to the boil. Within a blink of any eye (1o minutes to be precise) GUSA had took the game from 0-0 to 0-6.. With Porto just dropping their guard for just that split second, GUSA latched on to it quickly and just the quality shone through as nothing Porto could do could get a grip on the game and their opponents. As the half ticked down, Porto looked dizzy and on the ropes.
At the half, Coach was quick to point out the excellent display of the first 15 minutes, but then was at a loss as to why Porto switched off and let GUSA run riot. Needless to say, Coach made sure the Porto boys knew what to put right in the second half.
As the second half got underway, Porto were clearly back on their game and were once again battling against a GUSA team clearly looking to run up a score. Porto once again looked solid and structured and didn't allow GUSA through. But, the quality of their opponent's broke through this time and with the seventh goal knocked the Porto boys back again. To Porto's credit, they stuck to their task and focused on working on training ground elements to finish the game in style. Porto did get their rewards with a consollation goal, which was taken well by Thomas, but upon the final whistle, Porto were just sunk to their first double digit loss. FT 1-10
COACHES THOUGHTS
Many will look at the scoreline today anf think that we were bad and steamrolled. As one not to hide behind excuses and to call it like I see it, I believe it was more that we poked GUSA into having to bring their A Game and turn it on to get the win. Porto did themselves proud and for 30 minutes showed once aain the progress, the menta lattitude, the guts and the pride that it takes to wear the shirt and perform at this level. No one on the side that played today should feel down about the score, but more pleased with the passing, the defensive approach and the teamwork for large portions. If we can find that killer edge that GUSA showed us, then we will be wiser and better for it!! Plus, we know now that the two hardest teams are out of the way!! Let's get it done from here on in!!
