Coming off of their previous week's lopsided victory, HUFC O30 traveled to Washington Park on the city's south side to face the West Indie Jets. Despite horrendous conditions on the partially flooded pitch, HUFC O30 dominated play throughout the game, coming away with a 2-0 victory against the National League stalwarts.
From the starting whistle, HUFC O30 immediately pressed the Jets gaining control of the ball and setting the tempo for the remainder of the game. Solid passing among the midfielders created multiple opportunities on the left wing and down the center of the pitch, as both teams avoided the flooded west side of the terrain. Forwards Mario Mele and Jeff Samels continuously forced the Jets back on their heels, dribbling and passing effectively with support from midfielders Terry Cirbo, Alex Javaras, and Nick Penesis. Despite many attempts, HUFC O30 was unable to score during the early part of the first half.
HUFC O30's first goal game in the 28' minute as the team moved the ball from the defensive back line to the midfield wings along the left side to Nick Penesis. Penesis pushed the ball past two Jet defenders and centered the ball from left to right. The ball skipped across the 6 yard line and was met by Alex Javaras who came crashing in from the right corner of the 18, placing the bouncing ball in the lower left corner. HUFC O30 continued to dominate as the defense prevented the Jets from creating any serious scoring opportunities during the first half.
HUFC O30 dominance continued after the break as they continued to pressure the Jet defenders creating multiple opportunities on goal. Around the 50th minute, HUFC O30 scored their second and final goal of the game as a short cross from right winger Giuseppe Rivetti made its way to Mario Mele near the 18', who slid past one defender sending the ball into the lower left corner of the net beyond the reach of the Jets diving keeper.Down by 2 goals, the Jets finally found their stride working the ball up both sides of the field creating a handful of opportunities on goal-all of which were quickly contained by the HUFC defensive line and keeper. Despite a small rally by the Jets in the waning minutes of play in which they were granted corner kicks, HUFC prevented any serious test of Papakostas, giving the team its first clean sheet of the season.
Starting Lineup:
Papakostas, B.Javaras, Bassias, Kralj, Rivetti, Penesis, Cirbo, A.Javaras, Arsenis, Samels, Mele ----Velios, Stavrou
Game Summary:
1 : 0 Alex Javaras (Nick Penesis) 28' 2 : 0 Mele (Giuseppe Rivetti) 50'
Mele 60'