2nd Regional Juvenil: Juvenil SIA – C.F. U.E. Tavernes de la Valldigna ‘B’ 

Introduction 

This weekend Juvenil SIA faced off at home against C.F. U.E. Tavernes de la Valldigna for the 13^th matchday of the season. This was an important match for both teams as the winning side would overtake the other team in the table ranking. After an extremely competitive match Juvenil SIA were able to put two goals past their opponents while maintaining a clean sheet of their own. 

Match Overview 

Juvenil SIA had the home court advantage for this matchup, and they started the match with confidence. Using the full width of the pitch to spread their opponents as wide as possible and creating opportunities on the wings through overlapping runs, Juvenil SIA were constantly creating opportunities in front of goal. The first attacking attempt saw Joaquim B. withstand a foul inside the box only to shoot across the keeper only to miss the goal by a few millimeters. The threats did not stop there, every chance Juvenil SIA got to play the ball towards their wingers was a chance that left them in front of goal. The opponents defensive line continued to struggle with Juvenil SIA’s playing style until the 16^th minute, when a through ball coming from the wing was sent right behind Tavernes defensive line and Juvenil SIA’s Jose E. was left alone with the goalkeeper. A simple tap to the side of the goal and Juvenil SIA were one goal up. 

Being 1 goal down, Tavernes now began putting more pressure on Juvenil SIA’s players hoping to cause a mistake on their end. Although the opponents were able to bring the ball up until Juvenil SIA’s defensive half they were having difficulties finding a clear space to shoot on goal. The match became much more balanced from then onwards as both sides would create scoring opportunities but struggle to get that last shot off. The next bug chance on goal came at the end of the first half as Juvenil SIA got themselves a corner kick. Inside the small box with all Juvenil SIA’s biggest players was Elias J., a SIA academy player making his debut with Juvenil SIA. The corner goes straight to him in the near post, and he puts it past the keeper to increase Juvenil SIA’s lead to 2 just as the half time whistle is blown. 

Tavernes began the second half desperate to turn things around. Their frustrations began showing as their challenges became increasingly more violent causing more fouls to be called and yellow cards to start coming out. Unbothered by the games increased physicality Juvenil SIA kept their back line compact and ensured that there was always a player covering the overlap to prevent any through balls. As much as Tavernes struggled they were unable to find a clear path on goal as Juvenil SIA’s keeper was always on alert. In the 77^th minute one of Taverne’s players was sent off due to receiving a second yellow card. From this moment onwards Juvenil SIA began to play a much more processive game, passing the ball between them and causing their opponents to run more. The strategy worked well for Juvenil SIA as it prevented their opponents from creating any dangerous opportunities and guaranteed them a clean victory. 

MVP

Out of all the players in Juvenil SIA’s squad there were three whose performances stood out above the rest. Elias J., the SIA Academy player who made his debut for Juvenil SIA, played the entire match and got himself a goal, was the first player nominated as this match’s MVP. A. Comas was another player whose strong performance ensured Juvenil SIA’s victory. Lastly, Joaquin B., another SIA academy player, had an incredible match winning almost every duel, creating multiple scoring opportunities and being a player able to effectively provide support both offensively and defensively.