Academy Matchday 10 Recap

[Wiggli]

Thanks for the feedback on the last recap, keep it coming. This time I wanted to take a look at the Academy teams, also instead of a blurb on the player of the match I’ll try to give some love to an unsung hero – goal scorers will get their flowers naturally but I want to try and highlight the other players securing the result.

Sydney City vs. Stockholm IK
These two clubs have topped the table all season. Holding serve in each of their home matches against one another, and mostly dominating other opponents. That is until Sydney on the road was held to a single point against Atletico last week. This match is on Sydney’s home turf, with the added motivation from last week’s disappointing result will they take out their anger on Stockholm? Or will Stockholm find a way to win on the road against a talented Sydney side?

Spoiler (click to show)

Unsung Hero: Aimo Mustelma
Competent on the ball when needed, achieved a 96% pass rate on the center backs 52 passes. Careless early build up play hurt the team in their last road match against Sydney, but not so this time. Two key headers in defense to alleviate the constant pressure from a series of dangerous corner kicks.
 
Key Moment: 22nd Minute
Starting from the throw-in deep in opposing territory, after recycling to the back line a header opportunity for Rashford was quickly created. The first effort goes off the cross bar but the league’s leading goal scorer keeps at it to get that all important first goal helping SIK settle their nerves.

Atletico Medellin vs. Victoria Falls Eagles
Atletico had been the punching bag for the first half of the season, earning no wins and owning a massive negative 26 goal differential. Some tactical changes earned them an impressive draw in their last game against a fearsome Syndey squad. Victoria Falls is just taking shape, being the team most recently formed after a fresh intake of academy talent. Will Atletico earn their first win of the season or will Victoria take flight?

Spoiler (click to show)

Unsung Hero: Calvin Ball
The Victoria Falls Goal Keeper very well could have been awarded player of the match if they saved the penalty shot they faced. Still he made nearly a dozen saves, many quite extraordinary to give his team the win despite losing the expected goal battle by nearly 2 xG.
 
Key Moment: 24th Minute
Ace Faulkner steps in for a critical interception to start the counter attack, the first salvo is thwarted, but Atletico is unable to clear and Goku Atliketwopercent quickly resumes the attack. Many players contribute key subtle touches, until finally Mayen Cannon unlocks space within the box, finished off with a pass to Bob Kronkowski who slots it home. We didn’t know it at the time but this second goal would be the difference earning this road win for the Eagles.