U23 World League

Pedro Bidegain
Spectators: 7114 (Terracing: 5789, Seating: 1200, VIP seats: 125) Martin Mangion started the match with the kick off in front of an excited audience. Sliema Dragons FC's Marcelo Severiano proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 2nd minute of the match, managed to save Sliema Dragons FC from getting a goal against them. Marcelo Severiano took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Ciriaco Cordarrell, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. In the 7th minute SAN LORENZO FC were awarded a corner. Marcelo Michael went to the cornerflag to take it. A well done corner resulted in Gustavo Matosas drilling the ball in to score 1-0 behind Sliema Dragons FC's goalkeeper. 12 minutes into the match, SAN LORENZO FC's goal looked a bit too open when Ryan Grima came free, but John Locke reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Roberto Monserrat lost his temper 15 minutes into the game and shoved another player to the ground. He was immediately shown a red card. After 14 minutes of play, the referee blew the whistle. It was a penalty for SAN LORENZO FC! John Locke had in the 16thth minute some difficulties stopping Martin Mangion's well aimed penalty as it nearly passed him on his left side, but he still managed to hold the ball. Froilan Jatsu received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 22nd minute. Marcelo Severiano tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After 29 played minutes SAN LORENZO FC got a freekick which was hit by Froilan Jatsu. An unexpectedly hard shot by Julian Savona in the 31st minute of play forced SAN LORENZO FC's goalkeeper John Locke to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. John Locke made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Isaac Grimaud in the 36th minute of play. With an all-out effort, SAN LORENZO FC's Marcelo Severiano threw himself towards the right post 42 minutes into the match and grabbed hold of the ball from Erubiel Lano, which otherwise would have been placed in the net. No-one was surprised that the home team were leading 1-0 at half-time.

The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Justino Quinito to strike the kick off in the second half. John Locke made an important save on a dangerous shot by Martin Mangion in the 56th minute. Marcelo Severiano made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Justino Quinito in the 60th minute of play. Erubiel Lano recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 76th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. SAN LORENZO FC made a substitution. Ruperto Erlantz replaced Justino Quinito. Leon Desira's late challenge caught a SAN LORENZO FC's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Leon Desira helped the player get up and apologised. The supporters of SAN LORENZO FC booed when Sliema Dragons FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 82 match minutes in a wonderful position. Leon Desira didn't get a good kick on the ball. Erubiel Lano received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 83rd minute. Marcelo Severiano tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Ruperto Erlantz sent away a hard shot on goal in the 85th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Martin Mangion could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 87th minute of the match, but John Locke made a huge save. Ryan Grima's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but John Locke read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 92nd minute of play. SAN LORENZO FC walked away with a well-earned victory that was much celebrated by the crowd.