Introduction
Last Friday at 8:15 PM, the Municipal Field Venecia in Alzira hosted the match corresponding to matchday 21 between SIA Academy and Picassent ‘A.’ The game ended in a 1-3 victory for Picassent in a match without notable incidents and under perfect weather conditions.
Match overview
The match started evenly, with both teams alternating long possessions in an attempt to break down the opposing defenses. During the first 20 minutes, there were hardly any clear chances, reflecting that SIA Academy’s game plan was effective against a well-positioned opponent in the standings.
However, in the 23rd minute, the match began to shift. Picassent managed to open the scoring, gaining confidence and forcing SIA Academy to respond. Just ten minutes later, the visiting team extended their lead after a well-executed collective play. Despite the solid defensive performance led by our Next Gen Alex Sonne, Picassent’s relentless pressure eventually tipped the balance in their favor.
With two minutes remaining in the first half, the game entered a frantic phase. SIA Academy’s urgency to close the gap had a double effect: on one hand, Picassent scored their third goal, but immediately after, our team responded with a goal of their own, bringing the score to 1-3 at halftime. A special mention goes to Elías J., who, alternating between midfield and the left flank, created several dangerous situations.
In the second half, SIA Academy sought new offensive strategies to reduce the deficit. From the right wing, Lukian S. made dangerous runs but was unlucky in front of goal. Defensively, Matías P. and Alex Sonne were solid, clearing Picassent’s counterattacks with composure. The introduction of Thibault Pio and Daniel Farkas brought freshness and dynamism to the team, but it wasn’t enough to turn the game around.
The score remained unchanged in the second half, sealing the final 1-3 result. Despite the defeat, the team displayed great attitude, particularly highlighting their defensive solidity in the second half and their ability to react after the early goals.
MVP of SIA Academy: Alex Sonne
SIA Academy’s center-back, Alex Sonne, was the standout player of the match. Despite playing in a position that is not his usual one, the American defender delivered an outstanding performance. From the backline, he provided excellent ball distribution and effectively neutralized numerous Picassent attacks.
In the second half, his role was crucial in keeping SIA Academy’s goal untouched. He dominated the aerial game, won duels with authority, and made decisive interventions on the ground, allowing the team to stay in the fight until the final whistle.
