The 3rd match of the APS season was always going to be a difficult challenge against a well-organised opponent in the form of MGS. The match opened in ignominious fashion, with MGS all over XC in the heart of midfield, they were able to break down the right flank, whip in a fine cross and an MGS player was able to complete a simple tap-in goal in the 5th minute of the match and for the first time in 2016, XC conceded a goal from open play and were down on the scoreboard.
Without a doubt, the first 15 minutes of the match belonged to MGS. They seemed to be quicker to the ball and a greater percentage of their passes seemed to find their mark. Disaster struck in the 15th minute of the match when Nicky Edwards, playing at left wing was red carded for alleged foul play on the MGS right back. The team was stunned, but no more so than Nicky himself. Curiously, the loss of a player seemed to have an energising impact on the XC team. Every player seemed to grow in strength and determination. MGS seemed to be under siege for the remainder of the half with XC pressing the advantage time and again. Notably, Daniel Roccioletti and Oscar Bertelle were causing huge problems for MGS on the right flank. It seemed like an endless supply of crosses and corners were played into the MGS penalty area but the MGS goalkeeper and defensive cohort was able to keep XC at bay time and time again. Rarely did MGS look to attack, even with the additional player, they seemed content to sit on their lead and absorb the relentless pressure that the mighty men in Red and Black were throwing at them. To the dismay of the legion of Red & Black supporters watching on, the half time whistle blew with MGS still leading on the scoreboard, and a frustrated XC 1st XI team trudged off to hear from the coaches.
The second half saw the introduction of 4 fresh players off the bench, with Nic Sette and Aaron Fabris taking control on the wings, Sam Iacono taking over at right back with Oscar Bertelle shifting to centre back and Thomas Natoli moving into midfield. It was Tom Natoli that had the most immediate and noticeable impact. Tom’s presence in the heart of the team changed the game entirely. His strength in winning the ball and distributive prowess was on full display and Tom caused the MGS midfield no end of problems. It was this press from Tom, in conjunction with Nic Sette and Lee Gellis that ultimately led to XC’s equaliser in the 55th minute of the match – a goal that was a long time coming. After a magnificent cross from Frank Kanesoulis on the left flank, a mad scramble in the MGS box with the ball soaring high and bobbling everywhere, Tom’s pressure in tight resulted in an own goal and XC were back in the game with 25 minutes remaining. Aside from two breaks late in the game by MGS, XC continued making all the play. XC poured forward whenever possible and as is the custom with this team, the primary threats came from the flanks. Frank Kanesoulis’ injections on the left flank from left back were at times breath-taking, leaving MGS players in his wake. Time and again a precision cross was directed into the box, and frustratingly, time and again, the ball sailed through with no one able to latch onto the ball to deliver the winning goal. Nic Sette seemed to have been given licence to run freely in the second half and he made a number of incisive breaks, none more so than his last touch of the ball in the match. In the 79th minute of the match, Nic made a weaving run into the MGS penalty area and was looking to strike late on the left flank of the MGS area when he was fouled by an MGS defender and the referee blew for a late penalty. In the final minute of the match, Nic himself stepped up to take the penalty (the first time an Y10 player had ever been allowed such an honour!) and he buried the ball low to the left of the MGS goalkeeper and the match was won!
This match can be characterised in one word – COURAGEOUS. To come back from 0-1 down with only 10 men playing for 65 minutes of the match was one hell of a performance. The determination shown by the team today to fight on against incredible odds was testament to the incredible spirit and camaraderie in this team. The team demonstrated that playing at the highest level in this sport for the Red & Black means so much to them all and so many others watching on. Well done gentlemen, you can hold you heads up high in pride today. Enjoy that feeling of victory, but not for too long. We have a huge match away to BGS in a week’s time, match that could go a long way in determining how successful the team will be this season.
Oscar Bertelle had another fine game at both right back and centre back today. He presence in the heart of defence was crucial today although his shooting leaves something to be desired!
Mikhail Capodistrias has a reasonable first half in this match. He was creative at times and looked to try and free up Dean Di Pietro in space whenever possible.
Luke Dais was beaten early in the match, but never looked threatened for the remainder of the match. His judgement was inch perfect today and came off his line whenever necessary. He rallied the troops whenever a corner or MGS free kick was in play and always looked in control.
Dean Di Pietro had limited shooting opportunities today. He was strong far from the goal, winning and receiving the ball in midfield, often with his back to goal, but was unable to wriggle clear of the MGS defence who stuck to him like glue for most of the match.
Aaron Fabris entered the fray in the second half of the match, and had a solid impact on play playing in an unfamiliar role. He ran hard for 40 minutes, pressed his direct opponent relentlessly and made some fine distributive passes.
Nicky Edwards looked dangerous on the left flank until his early finish to the match. An unfortunate red card that he needs to ensure doesn’t happen again this season.
Lee Gellis played very well throughout the match once again today. When in possession of the ball, Lee always looks in control, constantly surveying the scene, looking for the deft pass to put a team mate through on goal. Another strong performance for him.
Sam Iacono returned to the team this weekend at right back in the second half. He showed great pace and determination, looking far more at home at right back today than he did at left back against Haileybury two weeks earlier. Sam always looked to get forward whenever possible and his determined character was on full display today.
Seb Lock didn’t have his best game today. Always strong and determined, he covered well throughout the match, but he did seem out of sorts by comparison to his two previous performances this season. Seb did stand up in the crucial closing stages of the match and kept MGS’ only attacking threat at bay.
Tom Petricca had a good first half. Although he was caught out early in the match, Tom’s resilience is without question and his smooth running style allowed him to marshal play throughout the first half.
Daniel Roccioletti had his first start of the season today on the right wing. Whilst a little quiet initially, he gained confidence as the half unfolded and he gained considerable possession, looking to cross the ball from the right flank whenever possible. A strong worker, but unfortunately no one was able to latch onto the chances he created.
Marius Sorace was solid today playing in the defensive midfield position. He was playing a little too deep early in the first half of the match, but after some sage advice from the coach, looked to press further forward. Marius still needs to work on his shooting though!
Nic Sette entered the fray in the second half with instructions to run freely. This is exactly what he did. MGS were placed under immense pressure time and again by Nic. For the most part, they did a fine job defending against him, but Nic eventually broke them down and settled the match late-on with a superb penalty in the final minute of the match.
Tom Natoli without a doubt, changed the game in the second half. He dominated play, distributed the ball expertly and pressed MGS players into one error after another. It was his good work that led to the first XC goal and he deserves considerable plaudits for a courageous effort today.
Frank Kanesoulis was back to his magnificent best today. MGS had no answer to Frank’s incisive runs from left back. He battered the MGS right back and fired cross after cross into the MGS penalty area but the ball just wouldn’t find its way into the back of the MGS net. A superb performance from a fine player.
