FC Goa faces second straight defeat after NorthEast United secures 2-0 win over the Gaurs
Goa, 21st February 2024: FC Goa fell to its second straight loss as NorthEast United FC beat them by 2-0 to kick off the Matchweek 16 action of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Fatorda Stadium tonight.
A 69th minute opener Tomi Juric was followed by a set-piece situation 11 minutes later where Nestor Albiach headed in a corner that took a deflection off FC Goa defender Odei Onaindia to result into an own goal to double their lead.
The Gaurs and their 12-game-long unbeaten streak was snapped by the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the same venue last week. They must have hoped to bounce back against a Highlanders unit that has endured middling success so far in the campaign. However, Juan Pedro Benali & Co. struck back strongly from their 4-2 loss to the Mariners previous weekend with a clinical performance that saw them keep a clean sheet tonight.
NorthEast United FC has been given a boost since striker Tomi Juric joined them in January, and the forward scored his fifth goal in four matches with a spot-kick that he converted with ease. Juric boasts of a tall frame, but he was fleet footed enough to smartly earn a foul off Seriton Fernandes as the game was about to enter its final 20 minutes. There was never any doubt about who would step up for the penalty, and Juric drilled the ball into the bottom right corner when FC Goa goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh dived incorrectly towards the left. Unfortunately for the visitors though, Juric had to be stretchered off the field soon afterwards, as he appeared to have picked up a knock. The extent of the injury is still unknown and it could have massive repercussions on NorthEast United FC and their prospects moving forward.
Nevertheless, the Highlanders built a safe lead soon afterwards, with Spaniard Nestor Albiach coming to the fore after Juric’s substitution. During a corner kick, Nestor charged towards Odaindia and jumped the highest to head the ball, which nicked off the defender to head into the back of the net. Whilst the striker celebrated jubilantly, the strike was later adjudged to be an own goal.
The home team had its fair share of chances earlier, with Carl McHugh teasing the NorthEast United FC defence with his aerial prowess twice within the first 10 minutes. Carlos Martinez and Boris Singh had joined hands with the latter providing enticing deliveries that the forward tried to net both through the feet and the head, but to no avail.
Key Performer of the Match
Tomi Juric (NorthEast United FC)
The striker has had a massive impact on the Highlanders since he joined the setup, and tonight was another evidence of that. He played an active part in the build up, completing 14 out of his 21 passes. He made one clearance, and also earned three fouls, one of which led to the spot-kick that he put past Arshdeep Singh.
What’s next for both teams?
FC Goa’s next match will be against Kerala Blasters FC on February 25, whereas NorthEast United FC’s coming fixture is on Hyderabad FC on March 4.
Brief Scores
NorthEast United FC 2 (Tomi Juric 69’, Odei Onaindia OG 80’) – 0 FC Goa
Also Read: Dipu stars with hattrick as MYJ-GMSC stun Ambernath United – Bombay Muslims with 8-0 win
Also Read: MFA Super League – Playoff Round: India On Track, Bombay Gymkhana settle for a draw
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced Maharashtra State U-20 Men’s Football Team which will participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship to be…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…