MSP edges Soccer XI FC 3-2 in thrilling MFA Super League encounter

by Chittu Shetty November 1, 2023

In a riveting MFA Super League clash, Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP) outplayed Soccer XI FC in a high-scoring match that ended 3-2 in favor of MSP.

In a thrilling clash in the MFA Super League, Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP) and Soccer XI FC provided some stunning goals, remarkable twists, and some suspenseful moments in the end.

First Half Action:

The game kicked off with high energy, as both teams aimed to make their mark early on. Deep Moorajani of MSP lofted a beautifully timed ball forward, aiming to exploit the Soccer XI FC defense. Nihal made a clever run but saw his attempted hooked shot safely gathered by the opposition’s keeper.

MSP wasn’t to be denied, though. In a pivotal moment, Nitesh Aswani, MSP’s center-back, sent a precise long ball that found Nihal Colaco in an advanced position. Nihal expertly controlled the ball, leaving a defender tracking behind, before confidently firing a shot past the keeper to open the scoring with the score at 1-0.

Undeterred, Soccer XI FC rallied with determination, pressing hard and pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, MSP had other plans. In a quick and efficient counterattack, Deep Moorjani won the ball on the right side of the defense, launching a long through ball for Nihal. Nihal showcased his attacking prowess by outmaneuvering his marker, rounding up the keeper, and finding the back of the net for his second goal of the match, extending MSP’s lead to 2-0.

Soccer XI FC did have their opportunities, particularly via crosses from the right wing, but luck was not on their side. Shubham Gole came closest, hitting the side post just before the half-time whistle.

Half-Time Score: MSP 2 – 0 Soccer XI FC

Second Half Action:

The second half commenced with MSP keen to build on their lead. An early chance to make it 3-0 came when a clearance from the defense found Nihal, who initiated a brilliant run into the opponent’s box. Despite his efforts, Soccer XI’s center-back managed to keep him under pressure, and the subsequent shot was blocked by the keeper, Ketan Kumar. The rebound fell for Lokesh Bogi, whose shot narrowly missed the post.

Nihal continued to be a threat for MSP, launching another attempt from outside the box that narrowly cleared the bar.

In the 53rd minute, Soccer XI FC found a glimmer of hope. Shubham Gole made an incisive run, exploiting the offside trap to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The chipped effort was initially cleared off the goal line by Nitesh Aswani, but a minute later, Soccer XI FC managed to pull a goal back. Vishal Venugopal set up Chaitanya Nar, who fired a shot that curved just past the keeper’s reach, making it 2-1.

MSP was quick to respond. A well-executed corner delivered by Dishant found Akshay Chavan at the near post, who calmly tapped home the third goal for his team, restoring the two-goal lead.

As the game progressed, both teams had several chances, including Gaurav’s blocked shot and a disallowed goal for offside. In the 75th minute, a precise cross by substitute Tanmay Gaikwad into the box saw the MSP keeper attempt to collect the ball. However, Shubham Gole had expertly timed his run and managed to poke the ball past the keeper into the empty net, reducing the deficit to 3-2.

MSP looked to extend their lead, but a late free-kick over the defense line led to a disallowed goal due to an offside call. In the end, MSP successfully managed the game in the final moments, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Soccer XI FC.

Full-Time Score: MSP 3 – 2 Soccer XI FC

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