Finals Don Bosco, Curtorcares and Santos United Reach Semi-of the 39th UGC Football Edition
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
The first quarter final was played between Don Bosco and DHL on March 13. There was a slight drizzle before the match which made the teams play on slightly wet pitch conditions. DHL gained more possession early on and looked to score early on in the match but their forwards were unable to find their targets. DHL struggled to gain control on the match and allowed Don Bosco to take control of proceedings after that. The defense of DHL could not match that of Don Bosco on this day. Don Bosco rattled the post three times during the match and were unlucky not to be rewarded. After full time, the match was still level. In the first half of extra-time Seby of DHL had only the keeper to beat but was not able to beat the keeper. In the second half of extra time Don Bosco found their answer through Allwyn Mendes to break the deadlock. Lloyed’s special free kick in the second half hit the post but he made no mistake in extra time beating the keeper to give Don Bosco a 2-0 victory and storm to the semis.
The second quarter-final was between Curtorcares and Rising Stars. Rising Stars scored in the third minute of the game from a corner. The ball went in through a deflection from Curtorcares defender. Soon afterwards, An unmarked Martino Gomes equalized for Curtorcares. Rising Stars could have made it two, after the keeper was out of the box to make a save but the last man defender did well to keep the shot out. Both teams created good opportunities in the first half. The second half saw both teams leak in more goals. Cleto increased the lead for Curtorcares but Chelsee soon equalized for Rising Stars with a well taken header. Rising Stars ran out of steam and aloowed Cleto and Martino score freely to make it four goals.
The third match was between Goa Maroons and Santos United. Santos won by a single goal. It was a tightly fought match by both teams as both teams started the match cautiously. Goa Maroons had more shots on goal but they can only blame themselves for lack of finishing. They also managed to hit the post during the first half. After a goalless first half, both teams showed urgency in the second half to avoid a tie-breaker. Anthony Rego surprised all on the field with his beautifully taken overhead kick to give Santos United the lead. He had scored two goals in his previous match. Goa Maroons tried everything to find the equalizer they needed. Steven had a couple of headers from corner kicks but he was not able to hit the target. In the dying minutes Roshan had a good chance, but the Santos United keeper did well to keep all threats out. Santos United will face Don Bosco in the semi-finals on March 20th.
UGC Semi Final Fixtures on March 20th 2015 @ Bayan Grounds:
Kerela Challengers Vs. Curtorcares United, 6:30 am
Don Bosco Vs. Santos United, 8:00 am
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