2025-11-09, 11:56 AM - Word count:
SSL Season 23 – Minors MD1 Part 2
The second half of the opening matchday in the SSL Minors did not disappoint, offering high-intensity matches and plenty of goals. From Inter London’s stunning comeback to AS Paris’s efficient win over their rivals, the new season already feels like it will be a fiercely competitive one. Several new recruits made instant impacts, and established names reminded everyone why they belong at the top level of the Minors.
North Shore United 4–1 AF Masques Sacrés
Kanja Voila, Mata-Utu | Matchday 1, Season 23 Minors
North Shore United entered the new season with ambitions to climb higher after a mid-table finish last year, while AF Masques Sacrés looked to integrate a new wave of rookies, including Kyle Walker and Seth McNeil, both making their debuts. North Shore set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while AF Masques went with an attacking 4-2-4.
North Shore opened the scoring early through a well-worked free-kick routine. Brodie James delivered a perfect ball into the box, and Mikko Rashford IV rose highest to nod it past the keeper. 1–0 North Shore.
The next twenty minutes were evenly contested, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. In the 28th minute, Nico Lam crossed low for Benjamin Munro, who tapped the ball into the net, but after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.
North Shore made them pay just minutes later. In the 34th minute, Killua Zoldyck Jr. sliced through the defence and squared the ball for Keisler Summers, who finished confidently. 2–0 North Shore.
Before half-time, the hosts extended their lead. Mikko Rashford III’s corner was met by Zaza Banana, whose header deflected off the unfortunate rookie Seth McNeil and rolled into the goal. Officially credited to Banana, it was nonetheless a rough debut moment for the young defender. 3–0 North Shore.
AF Masques came out stronger in the second half, seeing more of the ball and pressing higher, but North Shore’s structure held firm. In the 75th minute, Zoldyck Jr. once again tore down the flank and delivered another pinpoint cross, this time finding Banana in space to slot home his second of the match. 4–0 North Shore.
Three minutes later, AF Masques finally pulled one back as McNeil redeemed himself by providing an accurate corner for Chris Warrick, who headed in off the underside of the bar. 4–1.
North Shore comfortably saw out the final minutes, their combination play and movement showing clear signs of off-season progress. It was a confident and composed start to their campaign, with Zoldyck Jr. pulling the strings in attack.
Man of the Match: Killua Zoldyck Jr, two assists and a commanding creative performance that carved open the AF Masques defence.
Inter London 5–3 Seoul Mythic FC
Tomb of Doom, Mata-Utu | Matchday 1, Season 23 Minors
After a disastrous previous campaign where they managed just a single point, Inter London entered this season with something to prove. The off-season saw a complete overhaul, including new recruits and a major tactical shift under new tactician Predrag Dobrić. Across the pitch, a refreshed and determined London side faced a tough test against last season’s third-place finishers, Seoul Mythic FC.
Seoul lined up in a 5-2-2-1, while London stuck with a 4-2-3-1. The difference in confidence was clear early on, as Seoul dominated the opening twenty minutes, pressing high and forcing London deep. Their pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Alejandro Fuecoco whipped a cross into the box that found Kim Heung-Min, who calmly slotted it past Stun Gun Jr. 1–0 Seoul.
Just seven minutes later, Fuecoco turned provider again, cutting back from the right wing to find Heung-Min for his second. 2–0.
Seoul were relentless, and in the 39th minute, Carolina Salazar crossed into the area, leading to a blocked shot that bounced kindly for Fuecoco to head home. 3–0 Seoul.
At that point, it looked like the same old Inter London. But in the 42nd minute, Ryan O’Neil crossed to Volkan Kiziltaş, who fired home from close range to give London a lifeline. 3–1 at half-time, with the comeback still a distant dream.
London came out transformed after the break. In the 57th minute, a corner delivery met the head of Chef Gagne, who directed it perfectly into the top corner. 3–2.
Seoul began to lose control, and ten minutes later, Gagne turned creator with a deep pass to Ozzy Trent Kovács, who rose to head it in. 3–3.
Momentum had completely flipped. In the 82nd minute, Miguel Alves crossed from the left, finding Kovács again at the far post to nod home his second. 4–3 Inter London.
Then, in the dying seconds of regular time, Alves delivered another cross, this time to Arthur Cain, who made no mistake and sealed the incredible comeback. 5–3 Inter London.
It was one of the matches of the season so far and it might remain that for the rest of the season, a stunning eight-goal thriller and a dream start for a rebuilt London side that showed resilience and belief.
Man of the Match: Ozzy Trent Kovács, two clutch headers and the driving force behind London’s unforgettable comeback.
Honourable Mention: Alejandro Fuecoco, with two assists and a goal, the creative spark that kept Seoul dangerous throughout.
F.C. Kaapstad 1–2 AS Paris
Estádio de São Paulo, Mata-Utu | Matchday 1, Season 23 Minors
The Minors season delivered a heavyweight clash right from the start as last year’s top two, F.C. Kaapstad and AS Paris, faced off in a match that could already influence the title race. Kaapstad lined up in a 4-2-3-1, while Paris switched from their familiar five-at-the-back formation to an offset 4-2-4, a change reportedly due to new signing Bob Berendsen still adapting to his right wing-back role.
Kaapstad came into the season with plenty of optimism after strengthening across several positions. Eyes were on Lucas Peixoto, one of their most promising draft additions, and Freddy Adu, who joined after a prolific year at Adowa Accra.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both sides creating chances. Berendsen nearly marked his debut with a goal after a surging run into the box, but Maverick Jones reacted quickly to deny him.
Kaapstad struck first in the 19th minute. Henry Fantobens whipped in a free-kick that Louis Ashworth flicked on, and Jalen Brooks was perfectly placed to finish from close range. After a quick VAR review, the goal stood. 1–0 Kaapstad.
Paris wasted no time in responding. Just three minutes later, Berendsen played a sharp first-time pass into space for Eden Empire IV, who beat his man and crossed across goal. Eric Belmont narrowly missed the ball, but Silver Tarandus was on hand to bury it. 1–1.
Only a minute after that, Empire IV once again made the difference, slipping a perfectly timed through ball to Belmont, who finished clinically past the keeper. 2–1 AS Paris.
The remainder of the half was dominated by Kaapstad, who created several major chances but were repeatedly denied by João Cancelo in goal.
The second half saw Kaapstad pressing relentlessly for an equaliser, but Paris remained compact and defended superbly. Cancelo and the Paris back line absorbed the pressure, while Belmont and Empire IV continued to threaten on the counter.
It ended 2–1 to AS Paris, who were far more clinical in front of goal despite Kaapstad’s 2.79 expected goals to their 1.18. A hard-fought win that underlined Paris’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Man of the Match: Eden Empire IV, two creative assists that turned the game around and secured a crucial opening victory for AS Paris.
Summary
MD1 Minors Part 2 gave us a bit of everything: a dramatic eight-goal thriller, a clinical title-contender clash, and a statement victory from one of last season’s mid-table sides. North Shore United’s 4–1 win over AF Masques Sacrés puts them top of the table on goal difference, with Krung Thep FC, Inter London, and Rapid Magyar just behind on three points. AS Paris round out the top five after a hard-fought win over Kaapstad.
At the other end, AF Masques Sacrés and Athēnai FC sit bottom after heavy defeats, while Cairo City and Seoul Mythic will be looking to respond quickly after tough starts.
It’s an early sign that this Minors season will be tighter than ever, with several clubs capable of challenging at the top.
Man of the Matchday Part (MotMP): Ozzy Trent Kovács, two vital headers and a commanding midfield display in Inter London’s unforgettable 5–3 comeback win, leading by example in one of the most exciting games the league has seen in seasons.
![[Image: H4EDlEw.png]](https://i.imgur.com/H4EDlEw.png)
The second half of the opening matchday in the SSL Minors did not disappoint, offering high-intensity matches and plenty of goals. From Inter London’s stunning comeback to AS Paris’s efficient win over their rivals, the new season already feels like it will be a fiercely competitive one. Several new recruits made instant impacts, and established names reminded everyone why they belong at the top level of the Minors.
North Shore United 4–1 AF Masques Sacrés
Kanja Voila, Mata-Utu | Matchday 1, Season 23 Minors
North Shore United entered the new season with ambitions to climb higher after a mid-table finish last year, while AF Masques Sacrés looked to integrate a new wave of rookies, including Kyle Walker and Seth McNeil, both making their debuts. North Shore set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while AF Masques went with an attacking 4-2-4.
North Shore opened the scoring early through a well-worked free-kick routine. Brodie James delivered a perfect ball into the box, and Mikko Rashford IV rose highest to nod it past the keeper. 1–0 North Shore.
The next twenty minutes were evenly contested, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. In the 28th minute, Nico Lam crossed low for Benjamin Munro, who tapped the ball into the net, but after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.
North Shore made them pay just minutes later. In the 34th minute, Killua Zoldyck Jr. sliced through the defence and squared the ball for Keisler Summers, who finished confidently. 2–0 North Shore.
Before half-time, the hosts extended their lead. Mikko Rashford III’s corner was met by Zaza Banana, whose header deflected off the unfortunate rookie Seth McNeil and rolled into the goal. Officially credited to Banana, it was nonetheless a rough debut moment for the young defender. 3–0 North Shore.
AF Masques came out stronger in the second half, seeing more of the ball and pressing higher, but North Shore’s structure held firm. In the 75th minute, Zoldyck Jr. once again tore down the flank and delivered another pinpoint cross, this time finding Banana in space to slot home his second of the match. 4–0 North Shore.
Three minutes later, AF Masques finally pulled one back as McNeil redeemed himself by providing an accurate corner for Chris Warrick, who headed in off the underside of the bar. 4–1.
North Shore comfortably saw out the final minutes, their combination play and movement showing clear signs of off-season progress. It was a confident and composed start to their campaign, with Zoldyck Jr. pulling the strings in attack.
Man of the Match: Killua Zoldyck Jr, two assists and a commanding creative performance that carved open the AF Masques defence.
Inter London 5–3 Seoul Mythic FC
Tomb of Doom, Mata-Utu | Matchday 1, Season 23 Minors
After a disastrous previous campaign where they managed just a single point, Inter London entered this season with something to prove. The off-season saw a complete overhaul, including new recruits and a major tactical shift under new tactician Predrag Dobrić. Across the pitch, a refreshed and determined London side faced a tough test against last season’s third-place finishers, Seoul Mythic FC.
Seoul lined up in a 5-2-2-1, while London stuck with a 4-2-3-1. The difference in confidence was clear early on, as Seoul dominated the opening twenty minutes, pressing high and forcing London deep. Their pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Alejandro Fuecoco whipped a cross into the box that found Kim Heung-Min, who calmly slotted it past Stun Gun Jr. 1–0 Seoul.
Just seven minutes later, Fuecoco turned provider again, cutting back from the right wing to find Heung-Min for his second. 2–0.
Seoul were relentless, and in the 39th minute, Carolina Salazar crossed into the area, leading to a blocked shot that bounced kindly for Fuecoco to head home. 3–0 Seoul.
At that point, it looked like the same old Inter London. But in the 42nd minute, Ryan O’Neil crossed to Volkan Kiziltaş, who fired home from close range to give London a lifeline. 3–1 at half-time, with the comeback still a distant dream.
London came out transformed after the break. In the 57th minute, a corner delivery met the head of Chef Gagne, who directed it perfectly into the top corner. 3–2.
Seoul began to lose control, and ten minutes later, Gagne turned creator with a deep pass to Ozzy Trent Kovács, who rose to head it in. 3–3.
Momentum had completely flipped. In the 82nd minute, Miguel Alves crossed from the left, finding Kovács again at the far post to nod home his second. 4–3 Inter London.
Then, in the dying seconds of regular time, Alves delivered another cross, this time to Arthur Cain, who made no mistake and sealed the incredible comeback. 5–3 Inter London.
It was one of the matches of the season so far and it might remain that for the rest of the season, a stunning eight-goal thriller and a dream start for a rebuilt London side that showed resilience and belief.
Man of the Match: Ozzy Trent Kovács, two clutch headers and the driving force behind London’s unforgettable comeback.
Honourable Mention: Alejandro Fuecoco, with two assists and a goal, the creative spark that kept Seoul dangerous throughout.
F.C. Kaapstad 1–2 AS Paris
Estádio de São Paulo, Mata-Utu | Matchday 1, Season 23 Minors
The Minors season delivered a heavyweight clash right from the start as last year’s top two, F.C. Kaapstad and AS Paris, faced off in a match that could already influence the title race. Kaapstad lined up in a 4-2-3-1, while Paris switched from their familiar five-at-the-back formation to an offset 4-2-4, a change reportedly due to new signing Bob Berendsen still adapting to his right wing-back role.
Kaapstad came into the season with plenty of optimism after strengthening across several positions. Eyes were on Lucas Peixoto, one of their most promising draft additions, and Freddy Adu, who joined after a prolific year at Adowa Accra.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both sides creating chances. Berendsen nearly marked his debut with a goal after a surging run into the box, but Maverick Jones reacted quickly to deny him.
Kaapstad struck first in the 19th minute. Henry Fantobens whipped in a free-kick that Louis Ashworth flicked on, and Jalen Brooks was perfectly placed to finish from close range. After a quick VAR review, the goal stood. 1–0 Kaapstad.
Paris wasted no time in responding. Just three minutes later, Berendsen played a sharp first-time pass into space for Eden Empire IV, who beat his man and crossed across goal. Eric Belmont narrowly missed the ball, but Silver Tarandus was on hand to bury it. 1–1.
Only a minute after that, Empire IV once again made the difference, slipping a perfectly timed through ball to Belmont, who finished clinically past the keeper. 2–1 AS Paris.
The remainder of the half was dominated by Kaapstad, who created several major chances but were repeatedly denied by João Cancelo in goal.
The second half saw Kaapstad pressing relentlessly for an equaliser, but Paris remained compact and defended superbly. Cancelo and the Paris back line absorbed the pressure, while Belmont and Empire IV continued to threaten on the counter.
It ended 2–1 to AS Paris, who were far more clinical in front of goal despite Kaapstad’s 2.79 expected goals to their 1.18. A hard-fought win that underlined Paris’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Man of the Match: Eden Empire IV, two creative assists that turned the game around and secured a crucial opening victory for AS Paris.
Summary
MD1 Minors Part 2 gave us a bit of everything: a dramatic eight-goal thriller, a clinical title-contender clash, and a statement victory from one of last season’s mid-table sides. North Shore United’s 4–1 win over AF Masques Sacrés puts them top of the table on goal difference, with Krung Thep FC, Inter London, and Rapid Magyar just behind on three points. AS Paris round out the top five after a hard-fought win over Kaapstad.
At the other end, AF Masques Sacrés and Athēnai FC sit bottom after heavy defeats, while Cairo City and Seoul Mythic will be looking to respond quickly after tough starts.
It’s an early sign that this Minors season will be tighter than ever, with several clubs capable of challenging at the top.
Man of the Matchday Part (MotMP): Ozzy Trent Kovács, two vital headers and a commanding midfield display in Inter London’s unforgettable 5–3 comeback win, leading by example in one of the most exciting games the league has seen in seasons.
![[Image: ySrStzC.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/ySrStzC.jpeg)
![[Image: lisfor-3.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/sDzJYqYM/lisfor-3.png)
