Road to the play-offs: FC Goa’s future stars
“While the senior Gaurs have made it to the play-offs of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015, FC Goa are already creating ripples to form waves in the years to come “.
02 December2015: FC Goa’s Grassroots Development Programme of this season that started in February this year is beginning to show its results in the form of the U-14 team who recently qualified for the play-offs of the 2015/16 Goa Football Association (GFA)Under-14 League.
The FC Goa team stormed into the play-offs by beating Fr. Agnel Pilar 2-0 on the day Zico’s men thrashed Kerala Blasters FC 5-1 to blast their way into the semi-finals of the Indian Super League (ISL) season 2.
The U-14 team coached by Gavin Araujo finished their engagement in Group D of the all Goa competition as top team with 22 points from 8 games.
“I thank the FC Goa management for taking good care of the team and providing us with the best of facilities for training and also good training attire,” saidthe U-14 team’s head coach.
Rayan Menezes out jumped everybody else to head home the opener before goalkeeper Saheel Shaik produced a wonderful save from a penalty that was awarded to the opponents, while Asfin Pinto enforced an own goal with a beautiful cross in victory over Fr. Agnel.
On account of finishing first in their group, FC Goa will be directly seeded to play the quarterfinals while the second team in the group start the knock-out phase of the competition in the pre-quarterfinals until two teams fight for the ultimate championship.
“It has been a very fruitful journey. The boys are enjoying their football. We have some outstanding players in the team,” Araujo commended his side.
“There is alot of promise and talent in this side. I am of the opinion that if we take good care of them, than some of these players might play for FC Goa senior team in years to come,” he added.
Road to the playoffs:
Preceded by the 2-0 win over Fr. Agnel Pilar, FC Goa hadregained the top spot in Group D after Portais S. C. failed to turn up for the match on Friday and as a result were declared winners with 3 points and 3 goals.
The Junior Gaurs enjoyed a 100% win record until they drew 2-2 with Dempo SC on Tuesday. Chadel Fernandes and Rayan Menezes scored the two goals for FC Goa.
The 3-0 win over Cabesa SCC 3-0 on 21 November was courtesy of a strike by Reuben Castelino and brace bagged by Valentine Carvalho. FC Goa’s 100% record included results such as the 6-0 victory against Goa Velha Sports Club, a 3-1 result over Sporting Clube de Goa, a 13-0 thrashing of the Don Bosco Oratory team and a 7-0 rout of Ponda Footballers.
Players to watch out for:
Asfin Pinto– Dubbed as the next Mandar Rao Dessai, the left winger has a natural left foot and can run at defenders with pace. He hails from Romeo Fernandes’ village, Velim.
Rayan Menezes – Captain and centre back, he isvery good in the air and possesses good technical abilities. He is the reason we have conceded only three goals.
Reuben Castelino – The number10 forms the heart of the midfield has scored some wonderful goals besides performing as the supply line for the strikers.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
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…