Udaya S.C. edge Magoveera S.C. to book semi-final berth

by Balbir Singh November 9, 2015

The 3rd quarterfinal of the 9th edition of late advocate A. R. Kudrolli Memorial Knockout Football Tournament took place at the Karnatak Sports Association, Mumbai as Udaya S.C. fought their way through into the semifinals of the tournament after beating Mogaveera S.C. by two goals to one.

Two goals from Oliver Castelino on 14 and 44 minutes booked Udaya S.C.’s birth in the semifinals of the competition. They play against Jai Bharat Sports Club on 14th November ’15 at the Karnatak Sports Association.

Despite opening the scoring, Mogaveera S.C. failed to develop as the game gradually progressed; ultimately paying the price when Udaya S.C.’s gameplan ticked in their favour. Earlier in the first-half, Udaya S.C.’s players played-out too many passes in the attacking-third of pitch, which gave time to Mogaveera S.C. to intercept attacking plays. The latter opened the scoring on the 7th minute mark, when number 12 Jason D’Souza completed a good attacking play – with a goal – which started-off from good work down the right-flank.

Quickly after they scored the opener, they invited pressure from Udaya S.C. Having survived earlier threats from Royston D’Souza and Dilip Manoharan, Mogaveera S.C. couldn’t save themselves from conceding the equalizer, which came on the back of an excellent half-turn, quick dribble & great cross from Royston D’Souza, who found Oliver Castelino inside the box; whose one-touch finish past the Mogaveera S.C. goalkeeper gave U.S.C. a deserved equalizer on 14 minutes before going into halftime at 1-1.

Mogaveera S.C. had a steady control over the game, but they lacked to find enough good passes to breakdown a brilliant midfield trio of Royston, Mohit and Oliver let alone the defence. There were signs in the first-half, when Mogaveera S.C. could be seen miscommunicating between each other, which created opportunities for U.S.C. to take the lead before the end of the first-half.

M.S.C. were without links that could join all three bands (defence, midfield and attack), but U.S.C.’s use of 4-1-4-1 formation was noteworthy. Their forward players who constantly press for the ball while Royston and Oliver tried to win second-balls, which provided enough defensive cover to the defensive midfielder and the backline.

Royston was the starman in the middle of the park for U.S.C. who dictated plays and created opportunities for not only his teammates, but also for himself at ease. He also played a pivotal-role in the scoring of the second-goal scored by Oliver. Royston took a handful of attempts on goal, later in the game, but failed to test the goalkeeper.

Whether Royston and company can keep-up this form in the semifinal vs. Jai Bharat S.C. is yet to be seen. As of now, the Udaya S.C. team is filled with high spirits after an impressive quarterfinal victory.

The final of the 9th edition of late advocate A. R. Kudrolli Memorial Knockout Football Tournament will be played on the 21st of November 2015.