East Gippsland United FC

At the conclusion of the first half, GOLD had had five goal scoring opportunities, resulting in one successful goal. Sale had no goal attempts highlighting the attacking nature of GOLDS play necessitating constant defensive pressure from Sale.

The second half of the match saw a very familiar story with GOLD dominating the possession with Sale under constant defensive pressure. Three more goal attempts by the Eagles were made inside the first twelve minutes, the highlight being a spectacular attempt by Quinn Carmichael that deflected off the top bar of the goal. A minute and a half later another scoring attempt by Harry Lancaster was just wide of the mark. Two minutes later Cooper Bennett was on a run down the right wing when he was brought down heavily by a Sale defender, this resulted in a free kick by Quinn Carmichael about two metres outside of the goal square that resulted in a spectacular goal just under the top bar.

Just six minutes from full-time Sale finally broke through for their only goal of the match, some lax defense from GOLD enabled Sale to score from the centre forward position. Sale’s late goal typified their match, pushing GOLD all the way and never giving up.
EGUFC GOLD have now secured second place on the ladder and a first week bye going into the finals.

The Eagles weren't giving up if Sale intercepted a pass- they kept putting in second and third efforts.
With a couple of goal attempts from both teams- they went into half time 0-0 on the scoreboard.

With the wind to their advantage, the Eagles took to the ground in the second half determined to hold their lead.
But Sale were equally determined to level score but once again, were unable to make the most of their early opportunities.
Unfortunately neither were the Eagles with Claridge, Ben Knight, Marc Desio and Will Park all unluckily in their attempts to score.
76 minutes in saw the best display of skills for the Eagles as they controlled the ball with their passes as they took the ball down the ground.
This passage of play resulted in a goal from Marc Desio who put the ball past the keeper to take the score to 2-0.
Sale came close to scoring shortly after but the ball hit the cross bar and rebounded over the top.
The Eagles held on to finish the season with the win.

LVSL 2017 SENIOR WOMEN'S. Round 16.
NYUSC 1 EGUFC 0
SPONSORED BY MURPHY'S WORLD OF COLOUR. ..

The Eagles Women travelled to Newborough on Sunday to face a team just a few places above them on the ladder. While the weather in the valley was unusually still and sunny the result cast an ominous dark shadow over the Eagles. The final 0-1 result flattered Newborough and disappointed the Eagles.
The game had been in progress less than 1 minute when an unfortunate handball gave Newborough a freekick in 30 metres out in the centre of the field. Newborough was quick to set up while the Eagles finalised their wall keeper Brianna East was caught of her line and the kick sailed over her head and into the back of the net. The remainder of the first half was well balanced with each side creating one clear opportunity but neither being able to convert.
The half time talk focussed on sticking to the match plan and keeping your shape. The women went out with renewed effort and were immediately in attach having Newborough on the backfoot. They were pressing and their pressure created a corner. The training drills had them well organised and they kept the ball in the box resulting in panic amongst the Newborough defenders and five consecutive corners. Their persistence paid off with a gold edged opportunity five metres out of an open goal with the keeper stranded. Unfortunately, the shot went over the bar. The Eagles continued to maintain possession and had the momentum when defender Rachel Rogers went down with an ankle injury. Captain Jenna Coppa was pushed forward and her presence created further opportunities but no conversions.
The women having been working hard on the training track and improving every match. However, they will need to convert the hard work into results if they want to play finals. The close loses while honourable has left them in a precarious ladder position. The forfeit last week meant that they did not have a competitive match and broke their momentum, hopefully they will have an opportunity to redeem themselves against Churchill next Sunday.

LVSL 2017 SENIORS. Round 16.
NYUSC 3 EGUFC 0
SPONSORED BY FOUR N TWENTY.

The seniors had the long journey to Newborough with several players out due to work or injuries. Facing a Newborough-Yallourn side looking for revenge after the Eagles beat them 3-2 in the last encounter the Eagles were looking forward to the challenge and started the game very positively. 
At the 20th minute mark Newborough finally broke through the Eagles defence to score but that did not deter the Eagles side who were not only holding the opposition at bay but were creating chances themselves. Against the run of play the home side found the net again finishing the first half with a 2-0 lead...
The eagles come out in the second half knowing they were still in this contest and were giving their all. With the back line of Jarrah Feather, Rob Turner and Andrew Mills playing superbly unfortunately an injury to young Coby Jarvis who had to be replaced with another young rising star Will Park who immediately let the opposition know his ability and talents by creating several chances. The Eagles were dealt another blow when Josh Perry came of with a hamstring injury. Stalwart of the club Jason Steele came on to try and sneak a goal teaming up with Will Park upfront. This Eagles side were showing so much courage and were playing some great soccer with end to end action from both sides. The home side managed to net a goal in the second half to finish winning 3-0 but again the Eagles can hold their heads up high after displaying so much spirit and determination this week and are looking forward to their next match against Churchill this week at home...

LVSL 2017 SENIORS. Round 15.
EGUFC 2 Olympians 5
SPONSORED BY FOUR N TWENTY.

The eagles where coming off a great game last week, full of confidence after falling short and were determined to make amends and started brilliantly against 2nd placed Olympians. The home team got on the scoreboard first finding the net with a great goal from Josh Perry after some great build up from the Eagles midfield. Olympians responded immediately finding a hole in the Eagles defence, slotting in an equaliser.
With both teams going into half time at 1-1.
After the break both sides were playing some fantastic soccer. The Olympians managed to exploit the very tight Eagles defence and went up 2-1. That did not deter the homeside and were looking for an equaliser which they found after a beautiful free kick from Paul Apostoleris found the head of Josh Perry who brilliantly headed the ball into the back of Olympians net levelling this the game 2-2.
This game was played at a frantic pace with both sides giving there all. The momentum shifted to the Olympians and they found three more goals. The Eagles fought right to the final whistle and should be very proud of themselves after showing a great deal of determination against these top sides.
The clubs future in all grades is looking very very bright.

LVSL 2017 U16. ROUND 12.
EGUFC 4 Monash SC 1
SPONSORED BY DAHLSENS BAIRNSDALE MITRE10..

The U16’s Eagles took to their home ground and left their supporters smiling with a solid 4-1 win against Monash under a beautiful winter sun.
The Eagles started the match with good early pressure that saw repeated entries forward and several strong chances on goal. Reward came in the 10th minute when captain Jarrod Stephens slotted a neat low shot past the right post.
Gaining the first goal saw no lapse from the Eagles efforts as they continued to create repeated shots on goal. Peter Madu was lively in attack keeping the Monash defenders constantly on the run.
At the 17th minute a free kick taken by Lyndon Harper near the centre circle resulted in superb delivery into the box that gave Jarrod Stephens opportunity to steer his second past the Monash keeper. 
At the other end of the ground there was solid defence coming from Oscar Sexton who seemed to be everywhere Monash attempted to attack and Cam Dare who repeatedly cleared the ball from danger.
At the 20th minute Monash scored against the flow of play with a soft chip over Eagles keeper Liam Smith. The Eagles entered the half time break leading 2-1.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with the Eagles biggest challenge the mental battle to ignore the negativity of the Monash team.
The play of the day came early as Callum Harper took a forward half free kick, sending it into the box where Brady Spears timed the strike perfectly to hit the back of the net on the volley, earning an enthusiastic cheer from the Eagles faithful. 
Not long after a short kick in from the Monash keeper saw Callum Harper in the action again with a long strike registering the Eagles on the score sheet again for a 4-1 lead. 
There was no further addition to the score as the Eagles defence continued to withstand all Monash attempts even with one player benched by injury. When the final whistle blew with the Eagles 4-1 they recorded two wins in a row and their second win over Monash for 2017.

LVSL 2017 U12 DIV 1. Round 10.
EGUFC GOLD 5 Fortuna Black 0
SPONSORED BY KARLS MEGA SPORTS....

Gold’s teamwork and determination pays off..
Anticipation was high for the U12 division 1 match between EGUFC Gold and Fortuna Black on Saturday at Howitt Park. Last time these two teams met Fortuna came out on top at 5 goals to 3 and they currently sit second on the ladder.  
Today the Gold team demonstrated what was to be the theme of their match – great teamwork, passing and dogged, determined defence. They won convincingly with a score of 5 – 0.
The first two goals were scored by Matthew Lal in the first five minutes following fantastic passing through the midfield. A great joyful cry from Coach Marc Bain said it all. “You’re playing football!”
Harry Lancaster demonstrated his speed at the 8 minute mark to run down the middle and kick the ball into the back of the net.
The back and midfield players demonstrated some brilliant pressure on Fortuna Black to get the ball out of their offence zone. Big kicks and passing from Angus Burchall, and Quinn Carmichael enabled the ball to be moved out of the opposition’s scoring area.
The final goal for the first half was scored by Andrew Chapman with a great shot into the right side of the net.
Fortuna Black came out determined in the second half but Gold’s defence kept them scoreless to the end.  
The final and only goal of the second half was set up by Cooper Bennet. Whilst playing a new position of mid field, he drew a foul. Harry Lancaster stepped up to score from the penalty spot.
Special mention today for Gold’s determination and ability to “shut down” Fortuna’s pivotal player. Enzo Blackmore, Ronan Moors and Quinn Carmichael followed their task keeping him out of the game with defensive pressure and fancy footwork.

LVSL 2017 SENIORS. Round 14.

EGUFC 3 Monash Wolves 4
SPONSORED BY FOUR N TWENTY.

After a heartbreaking loss last week the Eagles where all fired up to take on Monash who are sitting second on the table. With revenge on their minds the home team started the game positively. Both teams were playing some great soccer. After 20 minutes a Monash forward fired a scorcher from 25 metres out giving goal keeper Dave Pachl no chance.. that spurred the young Eagles on looking for an equaliser but unfortunately conceeded an own goal. 
The home side went into half time 2-0 down but definitely not out of this great tussle.
The second half the Eagles came out full of hunger and with a beautiful cross from Mark Bain young Josh Perry got on the end of it and calmly slotted the ball into the Monashs goal.
With the Eagles all fired up looking for an equaliser, once again against the run of play Monash found the net making it 3-1.

That did not deter the home side and they were piling on the pressure and after some great play Perry slotted in his second for the game. 
The Eagles were full of confidence and after a beautiful set play Paul Apostoleris found some space and drove home an equaliser.
This game was poised for a great finish. End to end stuff, then a scramble in Monashs penalty box with the ball loose Apostoleris pounced on the opportunity to put the Eagles in front scoring his second goal of this game.

That sparked the Wolves into action and found a way to equalise breaking through a resilient defence led by Ben Siers. 
With both sides looking for a winner it was a defensive lapse in the Eagles backline that allowed Monash to score in the last minute to take all 3 points home.  
Although the home side lost, coach Toly Apostoleris said he could not have been prouder of his side and is looking forward to the future of this club with determination and heart it is showing...