Challenge

The Duck Pond
Spectators: 44 (Terracing: 34, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) Mexico's Joel Gaona started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. After some fancy dribbling in the 5th minute, Joel Gaona managed to get in a good position for a shot. Mexico's supporters rose to their feet, but Joel Gaona was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Sly Collier breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. In the 8th minute Facundo Cadaval shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Sly Collier saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. In the 9th minute Mexico were awarded a corner. Joel Gaona went to the cornerflag to take it. Luca Rouco was in a good position and managed to take a shot, but he missed just to the outside of the post. In the 12th minute Joel Gaona shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Sly Collier saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. 17 minutes into the game, Stephen Clapham recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Dante Lacasa. Stephen Clapham showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 2-0. Sly Collier showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Lautaro Mancebo, who was totally free with the ball in the 19th minute. Mexico's Luca Zorita got a good chance for a goal in the 20th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. 27 minutes into the match, Alberto Tafalla had an open shot that he just couldn't miss and scored to the right of Sly Collier. Stickleback Utd Xl's manager could be seen yelling to the referee that Alberto Tafalla was offside, but the referee ignored the protest. 2-1. Dante Lacasa made an important save on a dangerous shot by Silvester Odell in the 30th minute. An unexpectedly hard shot by Lautaro Mancebo in the 32nd minute of play forced Stickleback Utd Xl's goalkeeper Sly Collier to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Stephen Clapham's shot when he came free in front of the goal in the 34thth minute, Dante Lacasa skillfully showed off with a save to what seemed to be an obvious goal. An unexpectedly hard shot by Joel Gaona in the 36th minute of play forced Stickleback Utd Xl's goalkeeper Sly Collier to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 37th minute Mexico were awarded a corner. Joel Gaona went to the cornerflag to take it. A well-hit corner resulted in Luca Zorita heading the ball towards the goal, but to his dismay he misdirected it and missed the goal completely. Dante Lacasa made a fantastic save in the 39th minute, when Silvester Odell sent off a good shot on target. Sly Collier took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Alberto Tafalla, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The home fans were very happy to see their team leading 2-1 at half-time.

An unexpectedly hard shot by Joel Gaona in the 53rd minute of play forced Stickleback Utd Xl's goalkeeper Sly Collier to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 55th minute Joel Gaona shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Sly Collier saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. 60 minutes into the game, Joel Gaona recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Sly Collier. Joel Gaona showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 2-2. Alberto Tafalla in the 63rdth minute had a little luck and got a chance for a shot in front of the goal. Without hesitation aimed to the right of Sly Collier, who managed to lunge to the right direction and made a save. 65 minutes into the game, Joel Gaona cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 2-3. Sly Collier was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. Alberto Tafalla hit a great freekick 71 minutes into the match. Sly Collier showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Luca Zorita, who was totally free with the ball in the 74th minute. Lautaro Mancebo fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 82nd minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Sly Collier having to interfere. Sly Collier made a fantastic save in the 83rd minute, when Lautaro Mancebo sent off a good shot on target. A collision led to Stickleback Utd Xl getting a freekick after 84 minutes play. Benji Browne hit a great ball. In the 91st minute, Lautaro Mancebo got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. Joel Gaona fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 93rd minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Sly Collier having to interfere. Joel Gaona struck a weak shot in the 95th minute. Sly Collier didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Mexico. Mexico's players went to the stands to thank the travelling support. The fan's backing had helped spurr the team on to a fine performance that won them the match.