Joseph D’Mello and Dev Dewoolkar lead MSP to victory over United City

by FC September 24, 2024

In an exciting follow-up to their recent six-goal thriller against South Mumbai United, Mumbai Soccer Prodigies emerged victorious over United City-FSA, courtesy to goals from Joseph D’Mello and Dewoolkar in each half.

The match began evenly, with both teams trying to break through each other’s defense in the opening 15 minutes. United City-FSA’s No.12 attempted an early shot from outside the box, but it was comfortably saved by MSP’s young goalkeeper, Jacob Sahu.

The first genuine threat on goal came from the Mumbai Soccer Prodigies, and they capitalized on it brilliantly. Skipper Deep Moorjani, dropped deep to collect the ball. With a deft turn, he maneuvered past his marker. In a split second, he lobbed the ball over United City’s defense, finding his midfielder on the verge of a 1v1 with the keeper. With composure, the midfielder squared the ball to Joseph, who had made a perfectly timed run behind him. Without mistake, Joseph tapped it home, giving his team an early lead.

The drama intensified just two minutes later as United City equalized in spectacular fashion. A free kick awarded on the left flank saw skipper and veteran player Abu step up for his team. He delivered a mesmerizing ball into the box, where an initial header from a United City player was deflected right to Omkar Shinde, who found himself completely unmarked. Seizing the moment, Omkar thumped the ball into an open net while keeper Jacob was caught in the momentum of the first deflection, leveling the score.

Following their equalizer, United City seized the momentum, with their No. 19 unleashing a stunning shot from over 25+ yards. The ball dipped dangerously, seeming destined for the net, but Jacob Sahu came to the rescue with a brilliant fingertip save, deflecting it onto the woodwork before it bounced back into play. However, in a moment of near calamity for the prodigies, skipper Abu was positioned for an easy tap-in, only to be thwarted by Jacob’s quick reflexes.

As the first half drew to a close, the Mumbai Soccer Prodigies launched a desperate attempt to regain the lead. Amith executed a perfect long pass to the left flank, finding Dev in a prime position. However, Dev couldn’t quite reach the ball in time, as the United City goalkeeper charged forward to snatch it safely, keeping the score level heading into halftime.

As the second half commenced, United City found themselves with another golden opportunity to take the lead. After the ball bounced just above Yashwant outside the box, United City’s right back quickly intercepted it and laid it off to his teammate, the No. 13. With ample time and a favorable angle on goal, he unleashed a shot—but it sailed well wide of the far post.

The near miss served as a wake-up call for MSP, prompting them to intensify their efforts to break through United City’s defense. Kishan right back, directed a beautifully through pass to No. 16, who had previously assisted Joseph. He drove the ball into the box and squared it off to Joseph, who was making a well-timed run from behind. However, Joseph missed the simple tap-in, letting a crucial opportunity slip away.

With the high intensity of the match in the opening ten minutes of the second half, MSP finally found their breakthrough in the 56th minute. Although an attack from the right flank initially faltered, the ball stayed in play and Yashwant seized the moment, delivering a precise cross into the box. United City’s defenders misjudged the flight of the ball, missing their headers and allowing it to land at the feet of Dev Dewoolkar. With the ball still hovering, Dev dashed a stunning half-volley into the top right corner, giving MSP the lead after a chaotic start to the half.

MSP nearly added a third late in the second half when both fullbacks, Yashwant and Kishan, combined beautifully, but Kishan’s volley missed the mark. United City had chances to equalize but couldn’t find the finishing touch.

With this result, MSP sits on top of Group D, while United City-FSA, coming off a narrow win against Bombay Gymkhana, now find themselves mid-table.

Also Read: Symbians FC’s Skipper Kartik Bele secures dramatic late equalizer against Waves FC

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