The 麻豆社国产FC U-18 team advanced to the second round of the Coastal Cup by defeating the Sunshine Coast Storm 2-0 on the road on Saturday (Jan. 16).
Coming off a hat trick performance, striker Hans Schranz again provided much of the offensive punch. Schranz opened the scoring at the 15-minute mark after a quick build-up through centre field.
Veteran Austin "Oz" Sweeney again put the opposition in its place a few minutes later. He took the ball deep in 麻豆社国产territory and sent a mighty bomb to Chad Pereira, who was waiting at centre field. Pereira trapped the high ball and drew a defender to him before passing it off to Schranz, who had one more defender to beat. Will Robson made his task easy by outpacing a defender and getting in the clear to receive a pass from Schranz and knock the insurance marker home.
"That was just textbook," said head coach Rui Pereira.
"Just like we've been drumming into their heads all these months," agreed assistant coach Dave Robson.
Although goalkeeper Cameron Doherty enjoyed a quieter game than most, there was a scare near the end of the first half as he slipped on the wet surface on a pass back from his defence. Only thanks to his remarkable trademark stretch was Doherty able to poke the ball wide of the post just before it could roll over the goal line with is hand.
The rarely seen infraction resulted in a free kick 10 yards from the goal line - a place even closer than the penalty spot. It was somewhat comical to witness the entire 麻豆社国产team lining up on the goal line, much as in a team photo, ready to block the shot. They did block the shot, preserving Doherty's shutout.
麻豆社国产will either play Lynn Valley or West Vancouver in the Coastal Cup's second round on Jan. 31.
In league play, 麻豆社国产remains in second place in the Gold division, one point behind Point Grey.
