New Euroa Soccer Club thrives in first competitive matches

UNDER 8s By JAMES BODYCOAT VS ST MEL'S SOME very nervous and excited kids arrived early for their first game of soccer for the year, and for most, their first game of team sport. Coach Julio got them warmed-up and ready to take their positions. The first half got under way and saw William light it up with many close shots on goal. Skylar, Archer, and Isaiah made strong defensive efforts and clever passes back up the pitch. Close to halftime Mathew found the back of the net to score Euroa’s first goal and give the team a 1-0 lead at the break. The second half saw St Mel’s burst out of the blocks to level the scores at 1-1. Young Ruby got among the play, showing grit and determination beyond her years. Rex saw plenty of action as goal-keeper early in the half, with several saves and kicks back up the field. An over-crowded defensive end saw Euroa concede an own goal with 15 minutes remaining, giving St Mel’s a 2-1 lead. From this point, Euroa dominated play. Darcy, Noah, and Freddy all won plenty of the ball and ran it the length of the field, creating several scoring opportunities. Despite their efforts, they were unable to get past the keeper. With just minutes left, player of the day Mathew kicked his second goal, levelling the score. FINAL SCORE: Euroa 2 - St Mel's 2 AWARDS: Mathew and Noah UNDER 10s By DAN GODSMARK THE new soccer outfit, Euroa Soccer Club, made its debut on the weekend at the Shepparton Sporting Precinct. The under 10s side was excited to play in what was, for most, their first ever game. Lining up against an organised outfit in Shepparton South, it was always going to be an eye-opening experience for the kids and supporters. The game kicked off with a goal to the opposition in the first minute. But the kids did not get down on themselves. With some readjustment from coach David, the next goal took a little longer to come. Goal-keeper Motunui had his hands full. He made some great saves, but the wave of pressure kept coming, and the next goal was inevitable. Both of the Williams played a solid game — William Hasall was making some strong tackles and runs through the middle of the ground. Ryder intercepted well and made some neat passes. What the team lacked in knowledge, they made up for in energy and enthusiasm. The referee blew the whistle for half-time, and the boys came in 6–0 down. Shepparton South had a couple of quality players who made life hard for the new Euroa Magpies outfit. With a shift in goalkeeper, Hunter stepped up and instantly made a instant impact. Rowan was reading the game really well, and Anakin and Owen linked up strongly together. Shepparton’s first second half goal came in the 12th minute, with the game being played at both ends of the ground. The change in structure gave Motunui a chance to run and create, playing a quarterback role that made scoring more difficult for the opposition. Then came the play of the day. Euroa broke through Shepparton’s strong defense with William Cameron running hard and fearlessly. He touched the ball a few times until he noticed the defense push up and space opened — which Teddy obliged. With a perfectly timed pass, Teddy hit the ball flush and sent it past the opposition goalkeeper. It was a brilliant goal, and all the kids got behind their first ever goal kicker. While two more goals were scored by the opponents, there was a sense that, with a few more games under their belts, a win will not be far away. Thanks to the organisers, coaches, team managers, and especially the parents for getting behind the new concept. Exciting times lie ahead. FINAL SCORE: Euroa 1 – Shepparton South 9 AWARDS: Anakin and Motunui