Alfaro double strike makes it two in row for Highlanders
A horrible day between sticks for FC Goa Keeper, as Alfaro brace gives Northeast their second win in as many games
Despite getting numerous chances on goal, FC Goa failed to break an excellent Subroto between the sticks, while on the other hand, a terrible mistake in first half and poor technique in the second from FC Goa keeper was enough for highlanders as they romped home with 2-0 victory.
Northeast had only one surprising change as Nicolaz velez was dropped to bench in place of defensive midfielder Wellington priori as Coach Vingada went with just one up front in Alfaro.
Reeling from injuries to key players in Robin Singh, Gregory Arnolin, Denzil franco, Subhasish Roy Chowdhary and Luciano Sobrosa gave zico limited options as gaurs lined up in 4-3-3 formation with Joffre, Mandar and Rafael in the front, Marquee player Lucio started at the defence along with Raju Gaikwad, Fulgano Cordoza and Rafael Dumas.
The match began at an exciting pace with end-to end football, but it was home side that got the first big opportunity when Romaric’s crossed to Alfaro who mistimed the header, the loose ball fell on to Katsumi yusa, but the Mohan Bagan striker failed to hit it past the keeper.
However in the 20 minute, a routine back pass to keeper Kattimani ended in a comical fashion as the keeper panicked at an onrushing Alfaro and his clearance rebounded off the alfaro’s body to hand the highlander an early lead.
At almost half hour mark, Zokora was introduced for an injured Alves. Goans soon started keeping possession but failed to make a clear impact. Late in the first half, Mandar dribbled past Reagan singh and squared it for joffre, whose shot was palmed away by the Paul. First half ended at 1-0 with Northeast looking at their first ever win against the Goan side.
Also Read: BRICS Cup: Indian colts take on their Russian counterparts in the historic first edition
Second half started with Romeo coming in for Sanjay Balmuchu, as goa changed to 4-4-1-1 formation. Romeo and Mandar were deployed as wingers while Joffre played as a number ten.
Around 55th minute, Subrata Paul pulled off a brilliant save against a long range effort from Trindade. Minutes later, Paul came to rescue again when inside the box, Mandar’s first time shot was parried away to safety but goans made another attempt through Trindade but once again Paul diving at full stretch keep it away.
Around 62th minute, Nazary came up with brilliant sideway heel kick cutting open Goan defence as Alfaro moved forward to put the ball between the kattimani’s legs in to net as the home crowd went into frenzy
Two goals down, Zico introduced Reinaldo in search of that goal that was eluding them all through the night. The change seemed to work as goan went more forward with their attacks, missing quite a few chances at the final third.
Sensing trouble at the back end, Vingada brought in Nicolas Velez in to the game, and it seemed to work, around 80th minute, Velez paraded into the penalty box going past goan defender with his pace and cut back a low cross for an unmarked onrushing Alfaro but the striker failed to make it his third goal of the evening, as his shot was cleared by the last defender.
At the other end, Cesar tried a shot on goal from far out but did not trouble Paul as it went high off the bar. At the end, despite numerous crosses from Mandar in the dying minutes, FC Goa failed to break a resilient Northeast defence, as the highlanders collected their second victory on the row.
NEUFC 2 (Alfaro 20′,62′) – 0 FC Goa
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…
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
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…
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…