Intro
This Thursday night, amid heavy rain, SIA Academy hosted Gloval Levante at home for a friendly match between the two clubs. The match showed a disparity in play from the start, as the ages of Levante’s supposedly Juvenil squad were superior to those of the team selected by SIA Academy, where many of the international cadets played.
Match Summary
The match started off level with SIA Academy attempting to play a fast-paced counterattack game while the opponents fought for control of the midfield. Unfortunately, due to the weather conditions both the ball and the field quickly proved to be slippery, making long pass plays more difficult for our players. During the start of the first half the SIA Academy defense stayed solid providing crucial cover for the advancing midfield while effectively breaking down Levante’s offensive attempts. However, as the rain continued to pour, and conditions worsened mistakes started to take place in the back line which allowed for the opposing team to break through and score on two occasions. Now behind, SIA Academy began opening the game by utilizing their wingers more effectively allowing them to create more chances. For the rest of the half, the SIA Academy team kept their composure at the back, but struggled to maintain possession in the opposition half, while Levante, who had brought on a more senior player, managed to secure the midfield for the remainder of the half.
The second half started with the SIA Academy team having more momentum than in the first. The team made more passes and created space with the movements of each player. In addition, the staff took the opportunity to make several changes to strengthen some areas, but mainly to give playing time to all the internationals of the team, who gained minutes and playing experience.
Regardless of the result, this was only the second game of the new cycle of SIA Academy and from which important conclusions can be drawn for improvement, both as a team and as individuals.
MVP
The SIA Academy coaching staff felt that the performances of certain players throughout the match deserved honorable mentions. Edgar Carranza earned the top MVP spot for his tactical performance and the moral support he constantly provided to his teammates. Edgar Carranza, who played almost the full 90 minutes, played a key role in SIA Academy’s attack and defense, as well as constantly picking up his teammates and helping to maintain the team’s structure. The second MVP spot went to Lukian S., who came on in the second half, his presence was immediately felt on the field helping the team strengthen the defense and regain control in their own half.
