Under 12 Boys – Sunshine Coast FC (0) v Brisbane Strikers FC (2)
The season’s previous meeting between these teams was played at Perry Park, Brisbane in Round 4 in which the home team won 6-2 and after successive defeats, Fire were looking to get back to winning ways against a strong Strikers side.
The visitors kicked off and controlled the early possession, attacking predominantly down their right-hand flank and forced the game’s first corner after two minutes.
Struggling to get a foothold in the game Fire had a lucky escape after six minutes when a Strikers shot hit the bar, Strikers reacted quickest to the rebound but were flagged for offside.
After eight minutes, keeper Alec Lavender made a save after more Strikers pressure.
Fire began to assert themselves and Herbie Allsopp intercepted a Strikers pass before making a strong run into midfield but was called for pushing on his opponent on halfway. This seemed to spark Fire into life, Jeremy Byasse had a shot blocked on 10 minutes as Fire began to press higher up the pitch. After strong defending, again from Allsopp and Lachlan Noyes, Fire forced their first corner following a superb run down the left-hand touchline by Riley Moore on 11 minutes.
On 13 minutes Dré Ngaha took a shot on goal after some neat passing from Fire but the Strikers keeper was equal to the challenge.
Fire had another fortunate break on 14 minutes when Strikers again struck the bar after a wonderful pass split the Fire defence open. Strikers were putting Fire under pressure and forced a succession of corners which were successfully managed by the Fire backline of Noyes, Ryan Tappouras, Allsopp and Ngaha, supported by a hardworking midfield.
On 18 minutes Fire were almost through on goal following some good interchanges but the final pass was just too heavy, Fire again continued to press without creating a shooting chance but on 20 minutes Jett Wouters tried an opportunistic strike from some distance but was unable to clear the Strikers goalkeeper.
On 22 minutes after a foul on Tappouras on halfway Fire almost scored a memorable goal when Mark Shaw crossed and Wouters tried a spectacular bicycle kick that again called the Strikers keeper into action. Another free kick, taken by Ngaha from some distance, on 23 minutes, once again kept the Strikers keeper busy as the save was needed.
As half time approached the game became contested in the middle third and with no further chances the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Fire took the restart and within a minute had a shot from Hayden White. Strikers, who had been caught offside several times in the first half continued to struggle to play through a higher Fire defensive line, and again were penalized on numerous occasions.
The game struggled to come to life with a lot of misplaced passes from both teams.
After 35 minutes Strikers had their first shooting chance of the half after Fire allowed the player to run unchallenged, fortunately the shot was wide.
Fire keeper Lavender needed to make a save after 40 minutes and Strikers forced another corner after 42 minutes. Fire were sitting very deep but the pace of Mark Shaw was always an outlet and his cross after a typical run down the left in the 46th minute was saved.
Fire then enjoyed a period of dominance with some confident passing particularly down the right had side with White, Moore and Tanner Mathers all working hard to keep Strikers under pressure in their half.
On 47 minutes Wouters struck a fierce shot from the edge of the box which was saved at the second attempt by the Strikers keeper.
On 49 minutes, after a Strikers corner, the visitors took the lead with a shot into the top right hand corner giving Lavender no chance.
Strikers were now on top with Fire struggling to stay in the game and remain composed. On 55 minutes, Strikers struck a second after they finally beat the offside trap. The well-timed run allowed the player to go one on one with Lavender and he made no mistake.
The 59th minute saw more excellent defending by Allsopp as he calmly turned two Strikers forwards to play the ball upfield as Strikers continued to press.
The last minute of the game saw a freekick conceded by Fire close to the edge of their area but again Lavender made the save.
Fire competed very well for lengthy periods of the game with a number of determined performances but were outdone on the day, Strikers running out winners 0-2.
Player of the Match: Herbie Allsopp
Under 13 Boys – Sunshine Coast FC (7) v Brisbane Strikers FC (0)
Round 13 saw Sunshine Coast FC play at home. This was their second meeting for the 2017 season where Brisbane Strikers FC won our last match up 2-1.
Sunshine Coast FC came out strong immediately, hungry to win. As soon as the whistle blew Sunshine Coast FC pressed directly towards goals, immediately placing pressure on the Brisbane Strikers FC defence. A corner in the first 40 seconds landed in front of Kane Gibbs who struck the ball to place Sunshine Coast FC on the board in less than a minute. Fire 1-0
Sunshine Coast FC immediately played the ball forward pushing towards the goals. Kyan Bryant took the ball up the left wing and placed a successful strike on goals for Sunshine Coast FC’s second goal on the 4th minute. Fire 2-0
Sunshine Coast FC continued with their high intensity holding the Brisbane Strikers FC in their defensive half. Sunshine Coast FC moved the ball around from Josh Kacperski on the right to Jake Rocker and on to Gibbs to score on the 13th minute. Fire 3-0
With the hunger to continue to strive forward, Rocker placed pressure on the Brisbane Strikers FC keeper. A pass by the keeper was intercepted by Maxx Demerutis and laid off to Samuel Klein to place an accurate shot on goal on the 21st minute. Fire 4-0
Sunshine Coast FC kept up their high intensity game to see out the first half.
The second half began with Sunshine Coast FC determined to maintain control of the game through possession and scoring goals. They continued to play with confidence pushing the ball around and driving towards goal. A free kick taken by Klein gave Sunshine Coast FC their first goal for the second half on the 39th minute. Fire 5-0
Sunshine Coast FC didn’t stop, playing aggressive both in attack and defence. Bryant ran the ball up the wing, passed the ball to Klein and on to Rocker to score on the 54th minute. Fire 6-0
Brisbane Strikers FC didn’t give up looking for any opportunity to counter attack. A break away saw Brisbane Strikers FC head straight towards goal. Pressure by Sunshine Coast FC defence and a solid save by Sunshine Coast FC keeper Ben Nassiep nullified their attempt.
This attempt on goal didn’t hinder Sunshine Coast FC and they continued their high intensity game taking on the opposition and driving forward. A strike across the face of the goals by Kyle Barnes, followed up by Lucas Kljajcin and passed back to Harrison Whitelaw who took a strike on goals and placed our final goal on the board for the match on the 66th minute. Fire 7-0
Sunshine Coast FC saw out the rest of the match for a solid win, 7-0.
Player of the Match: Samuel Klein
Under 13 Girls – Sunshine Coast FC (5) v Olympic FC (2)
The Mother’s Day clash against Olympic was going to be another challenging game for the Fire girls. The girls now have a reputation as a quality team and that ensures every team lifts when they play the Fire. The grounds were quite heavy after rain on the Saturday.
The coach Tom had made a few positional changes for the game. That immediately paid dividends when Emily Ferroussat (playing as striker) followed up a shot from Drew Aiken that rebounded off the keeper and Emily calmly dispatched it into the back of the net.
A great move by the Olympic left winger saw her move the ball to her right foot, cut inside and hit a powerful shot. Although keeper Dimity Bucciarelli got her hands to the shot the power was enough to ensure the ball ended in the back of the net. The 1-1 score line was an honest reflection of the game at that point.
Fire were soon back in front when Tamika Banks (playing on the left wing) cut inside onto her deadly right foot and struck a shot across the keeper that nestled into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
Fire were then 3-1 in front when some beautiful play by Drew Aiken, Macey Edward and Tamika Banks ensured a perfect pass to Lilly Herron who used her speed to outpace the defense and calmly slot the ball past the keeper.
Half time was interesting as the girls (often their own harshest critics) were down on themselves and their first half performance. Some well-made points by Tom and John and some positional changes helped the girls.
The second half started perfectly. A midfield ball gathered by Maddy Sansby was cleanly dispatched to Tamika on the right wing who went past the defender and smacked the ball past the keeper.
The final Fire goal saw Maddy Sansby send the ball wide to Grace Shelly who showed amazing skill and fast feet to cut inside and place the ball on a platter for Tamika Banks to complete her Hat-trick.
Olympic scored a final goal which was a beautiful move that saw the right winger cut back inside and strike the ball home with her left foot. The final score of 5-2 was a fair reflection of the game.
The Fire girls were again solid across the park and every player played a major part in the win.
Under 14 Boys – Sunshine Coast FC (4) v Brisbane Strikers FC (1)
Fire started well pushing the ball around quickly and looking to get forward at every opportunity.
A long shot by the right Back Toby Evens-Gilham, tipped onto the x-bar by the keeper, Jake Debbage first to the rebound to smash into the roof of the net.
A great driving run Nick Harvey down the right wing. Beautifully weighted pass to the back post, bounce didn’t quite favour Debbage who pushed the ball just over the bar.
Fire were putting together some great team combination play when in possession of the ball and pressuring the Strikers quickly when in defence. Lovely combination Todd Camm, Connor Evans and Debbage up the left wing highlighted the fluency and speed Fire use to break teams down.
Another driving run by Harvey and combination with Evans allows Aaron Smith to shoot straight at the keeper.
Strikers finally had their first effort on goal. Fire showed why they have now only conceded three times this season. All players scramble in the box to shut down any attempt on goal, highlighted by keeper Lachlan Norwood as he rushed the Strikers #9 and made a great reflex save. The deflected shot was hit again towards goal only to find Jacob Lombardo positioned perfectly to clear off the line.
Great hustle and pressure on the ball from Alex Patterson allowed him to win possession and square a great pass to Evans. He drove the ball with pace, however straight at the keeper.
Fire won a free kick 30m from goal. Debbage drove a great shot which again was deflected onto the cross bar by the keeper. Jayden Emery was first to the ball and finished with a volley high into the net.
Just before the half time whistle Strikers made it 2-1. A great goal as they crossed from the right wing and their #9 finished with a lovely half volley on the run.
The second half started with Strikers showing more intent as they tried to retain more possession.
Fire made it 3-1 in the 40th minute after a show of blistering pace by Emery down the right wing followed by an inch perfect cross to find Lucais Aughterson in the middle. Aughterson finished well with an accurately placed side foot.
From the kick off Strikers created an opportunity to peg one back. Norwood again made a great diving save from a Strikers header and pushed the ball wide.
Corne Boshoff was having a great game and constantly beating his man down the wing. In the 9th minute he found himself free after a deceptive run, his cross found Harvey on the opposite wing who could only manage a shot that drifted over the bar.
Again the Fire defence was rock solid led by Todd Camm and Bailey Halls-Tempest. Halls-Tempest had one of his best games this year as he never allowed the Strikers forwards to settle on the ball. When in possession he played many perfectly weighted passes to pick out Fire players. Quite a few passes were over 30m and straight to a Fire player.
Fire won another corner. The ball dropped to Smith who set up Evans for a fine shot on goal that was hit with pace into the back of the net.
Player of the Match: Bailey Halls-Tempest – another great game. Always calm while in possession of the ball and aggressive in defence. Excellent distribution of the ball started many Fire attacks.
Under 15 Girls – Sunshine Coast FC (7) v Olympic FC (0)
1 min Kaitlyn Ryan showcased speed and good defence to stop Olympic’s attack.
3 min Kijah Stephenson from centre position of the goal box took a shot which went over the crossbar.
6 min Jordan Weckert took a penalty kick to give Fire the first point of the game.
8 min Sunshine Coast Fire four backline defenders let no play into their half – good solid defence by (Destiny Guteridge, Meg Ryan, Izzey O’hara and Kaitly Ryan)
14 min A couple of short quick passes between Audrey Upston and Emily Roach gave Emily Roach a good solid run down the side
16 min Jordan Weckert scored her second goal for the game score 2 – nil
20 min Jordan Weckert sent a long well place corner for Jackie Doyle to place a touch on the ball and take the third goal for fire score 3 – nil
23 min Teyl Danger takes a penalty kick well into the right corner of the goals score 4 – nil
26 min Audrey Upston leaves field injured
30 min Kijah Stephenson gets her first goal score 5 – nil
37 min Jordon Weckert sent a beautiful cross for Jackie Doyle to take her second goal of the game score 6-nil
41 min Bree Wallace positioned well and took a shot at goal with a header narrowly missing crossbar
45 min Sommer Jordan’s defence kept Olympic from scoring sweeping the ball back to fire’s midfield
57 min Jacki Doyle takes her third goal for the game Score 7 – nil
Under 18 Boys – Olympic FC (4) v Sunshine Coast FC (4)
Sunday saw Fire boys line-up against Olympic at home in Goodwin Park.
3’ saw the first attempt of the game with an Olympic strike luckily going wide to right of Fire goal
4’ And it was Fire’s turn with free kick from Dawson finding Huston who’s shot passed just high of the crossbar.
7’ Porter off following injury to ankle – Fire’s Ingram takes the field.
13’ GOAL Olympic – A corner ball into centre of box and a foul committed against Olympics’ Baker during header contest. The resultant penalty was finished off for first goal of the match.
14’ Fire countered with a solid run by Ward down left wing to a threatening cross across face of Olympic goal.
21’ GOAL Olympic – Attack down right with cross into goal finished off by Wells
22’ Keeper Morrison makes a confident save 1v1 against Olympic attacker.
27’ GOAL Olympic – Attack down left with cross to find open player Huang in box to finish.
29’ GOAL Fire – Driving attack by Platz through centre of defence parried by Olympic keeper, with Festa scooping up the ball to dodge defender and place it in the net.
32’ GOAL Fire – A foul on Festa on the left wing saw Dawson taking the free kick into the goal mouth. The keeper barely managed to get his fingers to it with the deflection bouncing off the woodwork for Platz to hammer it home.
36’ Yellow Card for Olympics’ Michael following tackle that found boot rather than ball.
Second half; and the Fire boys showed strength of character to be proud of, with many playing their way through injuries with no subs left on the bench since the 7th minute to offer reinforcements.
52’ Olympic attack down right wing. Great run by Smith through centre to intercept the attack with a solid tackle on edge of the box.
60’ Break-away by Platz down left to cross but cleared by solid Olympic defence.
66’ Yellow Card- Olympics Twohig following foul from tackle.
69’ Goal Olympic – Loose ball in Fire box snatched up by Seeto to score.
72’ – Olympic Corner found a solid header punching the ball to edge of Fire goal, but a great dive to left by Morrison finished with a save.
84’ Goal Fire – Free kick by Dawson driven into goal was fumbled by keeper and knocked home by Brown to bring Fire back into contention.
88’ Goal Fire – As Fire’s Page attacked he was fouled during a 1v1 against Olympic Keeper Baveas (Yellow Card) on entering the penalty area. The penalty kick taken by Huston was deflected by keeper, flicked up by Platz to a Byasse header which bounced off the woodwork to finally be knocked in back of net by Festa.
Final Score: 4 –4
