SEMI FINAL 2: 8S 6-0 7H

No amici, purtroppo non si è giocato a tennis oggi sul Big Pitch, anche se il punteggio lascia pensare altro...

La 7H esce dal torneo in malo modo, con un punteggio che non ammette repliche e che permette alla 8S di presentarsi al derby della finale con tutti i favori del pronostico.

Veniamo alla cronaca: nel primo tempo 7H tenta il tutto per tutto, schierando una formazione di contenimento, troppo debole in difesa, che diventa preda delle scorribande di Nikos, Alberto e Dylan, abili a dialogare e a presentarsi facilmente sottoporta. Tutto facile per 8S che, nonostante alcuni salvataggi di Emilio in porta, conclude il primo tempo sul 3-0 con una doppietta di Nikos e un gol di Alberto.

Il secondo tempo inizia su ben altra musica con l'ingresso di Alessandro e Daniele, che si cercano spesso, ma che vengono ben contenuti dalla rocciosa difesa di Giorgio, Emma e Maya. In attacco per 8S entra invece Lorenzo, oggi davvero scatenato e immarcabile, capace di seminare il panico e firmare una tripletta personale. Al termine del secondo tempo, sul punteggio di 6-0, terminano anche le ambizioni della 7H.

La terza frazione diventa un'inutile appendice, che permette solo di apprezzare qualche bella giocata in difesa di Abby, qualche galoppata di Carolina e poco altro. Vani tutti i tentativi della 7H si siglare almeno il gol della bandiera.

SEMI FINAL 1: 8V 3-1 6B

 6B's journey came to an abrupt end today against an 8th grade team that used its physical advantage shrewdly.

Santiago led his troops from the start, attempting an overhead kick that was always going wide. Pedro sent Adam in on the left but the 6B defence, led by an excellent Sam, kept him out. Santiago had a shot turned away by Trym and 8V couldn't score from a series of resulting corners.

But 8V did score from their best move of the game until now. Pedro killed a high ball expertly and passed to Adam; Adam slid it to Santiago... 1-0.

In the second period, Kevin received from Sam and finally got a shot on target for 6B but Ben saved. A hard-working Isabel in midfield made sure that other chances were rare.

In the final period, Santiago stole the ball from the 6B defence and made it 2-0 but 6B came right back at them. Giovanni attacked down the right, fed it inside to Daniele and his shot left Alex stranded. Now the crowd was screaming at 6B to get an equaliser... but Pedro had other ideas. His sweetly-struck shot from 20 meters out scraped past Trym to kill off the game.

Teams are published!

                                             If your name is NOT here but you DO want to play

OR

Your name IS here and you DO NOT want to play

then

please tell Mr Corcoran

IMMEDIATELY!!

TRANSFER NEWS

Transfer News

On the opening day of the transfer market, teams have been busy.

After recent performances in the Homeroom Cup, Zenithave splashed out 12 million on Giorgio in defence, and another 9 million for Daniele to bolster their attack.

Juventus have spent even more, starting with a cool 20 million to bring goalkeeper Theo to Stamford Bridge and another 15 million for veteran defender Vittorio dP.

Over at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp needs to plug a leaky defence and he has bought Lucas and Leo for a combined bargain fee of 18 million; now he is  looking to add a striker.

Dortmund have brought in the youngster Rocco, hoping that he can combine with the experienced Alessandro to produce some exciting football and lots of goals.  

Italian champions Napoli are gambling on Tryn, a recruit from their youth academy, and have spent 10 million each to bring

in the experienced pair of Pedro and Bertie.

And Sporting have managed to attract the talented youngster Kevin for a 5 million signing-on fee as well as forking out 14 million for the mercurial talents of Alberto.

6T 2-1 6N

 The game was slow to ignite today but, when it did, 6N put together a good move; Ben passed to Olivia and she touched it on to Aron who rolled in the first goal. But the big crowd in Ambrit stadium barely had time to draw their breath before 6T equalised, Rocco setting off on a mazy solo run that took him past 4 opponents before he found the back of the net. Before the break, both goalkeepers were made to work: Ruben saved a fierce shot from Rocco and Giovanni made a miraculous save to block Aron.

Goalkeeping heroics continued early in the second half as Bianca stopped a sizzler from Rocco. Kendi was having a great game in the 6T defence but then she was booked for a foul on Ben. Ben later followed her into the book, along with Gabriele and Rocco.

Ben came closest to a second goal for 6N but it was Nicolas who stole the points when he followed up a rebound. 6T were winners here but miss out on qualification due to goal difference.

7R - 7H

 Adriano was first to line up a shot; he blasted it with power and Victor, in goal for 7R, did well to block it. Next up to the shooting gallery was Ale, but Victor kept him out too. Then Antonio broke away, dribbled onto his left foot and slid the ball into the net!

The 7R defence was making it difficult for 7H. Giulio, Ziyi, Lubiana and Leo all made saving tackles. Victor saved again from Ale, but one minute later Ale attacked down the left wing, crossed the ball into the middle and Irene steered it home to make it 1-1 at the end of the first period.

Ryan replaced Victor in goal for period 2 and was immediately tested by Daniele. Ryan passed with flying colours, pulling off a spectacular save. But Daniele was back almost immediately and this time he scored to make it 2-1. Ale almost made it 3-1 but he pulled another good shot just wide.

And so into the final period. Ale piled two more shots into the 7H goal but both were well saved by Giulio. Then, with just two minutes left, Victor took a throw-in from the left and Gianmarco used height and guile to flick the ball in for a well-earned equaliser!

ALERT: Enquiries are ongoing into alleged administrative irregularities and a decision will me issued on Monday

8S 2-1 8V

8S 2-1 8V

8S confirmed themselves as G8 champions with a hard-fought victory over a valiant 8V. Giorgio played well at the back early on and Lorenzo and Nikos improved as the game went on but 8S would not have won today without Carolina. Apart from a well-taken goal, she made tackle after tackle, pass after pass and rarely wasted a ball, though she did almost score an own-goal with a dangerous back header!

The first real chance of the game fell to Mattia but Santiago stopped him with the first of many superb tackles. Two more chances fell to the Blues when Alberto played in Mattia and Carolina drilled a shot that was well blocked by Lorenzo G but the score remained at 0-0 on the first break as even Giorgio's shot from a corner went wide.

The Blues kept attacking in the second period. Lorenzo headed wide from a corner and then, when Pedro handled in the box, Lorenzo's poor penalty was saved by Benjamin and Carolina pounced on the rebound and fired it past a stunned goalkeeper to make it 1-0. 

But 8V were back even almost immediately. Santiago spotted some hesitation in the new 8S goalkeeper and he was on hand to tap in a header when Massimo fumbled a catch.

But Massimo settled down, made no more mistakes and 8S came forward again. Lorenzo should have scored, Nikos should have scored... but then Lorenzo did score to seal the win. 

6B 0-0 6T

 No lack of energy in this game but clear chances were as rare as hens' teeth. Giovanni Z marshalled his forces well and kept 6B pinned down for much of the first half, but Daniele was always dangerous on the break. For 6T, Diego was always a threat and Rocco ran from box to box, winning the ball time after time but not always passing early enough. For 6B, Giovanni V made good tackles and supported his team going forward.

In the second half, the addition of Kevin for 6B swung the balance in their favour and then 6T were penalised by a CAR decision (Calento Assistant Referee), with Daniel sent off for an off-the-ball foul.

The game finished 0-0, leaving all possibilities still open for Match Day 3.

------    played   points   goal difference

6B          2           4               +4

6T          1           1               0

6N          1           0              -4

7A 3-1 7R

 7A needed a result and they got off to a hectic start, Vittorio forcing Victor into the first of many good saves. 7A kept coming forward and, had it not been for the fantastic defending of Giulio, they might have been well ahead. As it happened, it was then 7R who grabbed the lead. Adam's first shot was saved well by Marco but Ryan was quick to follow up and head home the rebound.

7A came straight back at them. Carlo crossed a ball right on to Tiago's head to no avail. But 7A did equalise before the break when Vittorio cracked home a shot.

He almost repeated the dose straight afterwards but Victor saved, and then saved again from Carlo. But the winning goal was a gem! Vittorio crossed to Annika and she hit a first time shot right into the top corner. Oliver added a bonus goal right at the end.

----        played    points    goal difference

7H           1            3                 +1

7A           2            3                 0

7R           1            0                 -1

8H 1-1 8V

 The first half today was marked by some notable defensive performances. For 8H, Lucas and Belen were solid at the back and, in goal, Myla was equal to everything that Santiago could throw at her (quite literally) and she saved some well-hit shots from Adam too. At the other end, Atena was a constant thorn in the side of the 8H midfield as she foiled one move after another with clever positioning and well-timed interventions. Valerio, Maria and Isabel patrolled the defensive line and Santiago was everywhere. There were some chances for 8H: Alice played in Zach and Bernardo found space when he sold Santiago a dummy but neither chance was converted and Zach hit another shot wide just before the break.

In the second half, the game exploded and the watching crowd was captivated by an intriguing battle. The substitutes injected a new energy: Giulio, Bertie and Jonah for 8H: Adriana, Pedro and Alex for 8V and chances abounded. A few pictures: Giulio came close with a shot; Bertie had a chance from a corner; Alice fired the ball dangerously across the penalty area; Bertie made room for himself but slipped at the crucial moment; Alice's shot was blocked by Valerio; Giulio tested Myla... and then, Zach opened the scoring! Collecting the ball inside his own half, he sprinted down the left, tempting Valerio out of his goal with a loose touch but then slipping the ball past him into the empty net: 1-0!

But then, incredibly, 8V equalised almost immediately. Using his height, Santiago beat Myla to a ball coming in from a throw-in and flicked it past her with his head.

All in all, a fair result that still leaves everything to play for!

---     played    points    Goal difference

8S          1           3               +2

8V         1           1                0

8H         2           1                -2

          

6B 5-1 6N

 Today's game got off to a hectic, muddled start but then, halfway through the first half, 6B started to pull away as Daniele, Vittorio, Sam and Kevin began to string some passes together.

Daniele scored to make it 1-0, then Kevin, then Vittorio and 6B went in with a 3-0 lead at half-time.

6N settled down in the second half. Adriano organised the defence and Wyatt and Bianca made lots of tackles. Olivia was a tiger in midfield and Ben began to find some space to run on to passes from Matteo, Ruben and Gabriele. But 6B kept coming at them and Vittorio scored the best goal of the game to make it 4-0.

Now it was a test of character for 6N... and they passed with flying colours! Ben hammered home a goal to make it 4-1, almost scored a second and then hit the post with a good shot from the left. Martino, Marta, Bianca and Trim - until now untested - were stretched time and again but still managed to clear the ball.

Vittorio finished off preceedings by completing his hat-trick to make it 5-1.

7A 3-4 7H

 Ambrit Stadium was rocking at lunchtime today as 7A and 7H fought out a seven-goal thriller!

Chances were rare early on, the best of them falling to Tiago but his shot didn't trouble Carlo in goal. But it was Tiago who opened the scoring when he converted the penalty after Ruben handled the ball.

Louis in defence and Emilio in goal were playing well to keep the Reds at bay but they could do nothing about a solid shot from Vittorio that was deflected into the net to put 7A 2-0 ahead.

But 7H started to come back after half time. Daniele scored almost immediately after coming on and then Emilio made a crucial save from an Oliver shot. However, Sara was having a great game in midfield for 7A, snuffing out opposition attacks and playing clever passes - as indeed did Clara.

7H then equalised, Adriano surprising Marco and scoring from a corner... now the tension was mounting even more! 

Vittorio had a shot... and he hit the post; Ale had a shot... and he hit the post... and then Marco turned up in the 7A penalty area, turned neatly and shot into the corner to make it 3-2 for 7A!

Was it all over? Oh no, this game still had lots to give. 

First Ale followed up his own free kick and blasted home the rebound to make it 3-3 and then, with just seconds on the clock, Adriano popped up again to slot home the winner for 7H!

8S 4-2 8H

 The grade 8 students served up a slice of normal life today as the Homeroom Cup got underway at a packed Ambrit Stadium.

On paper the stronger team, 8S nonetheless fell behind late in the first half when Zach burst down the left and poked an insidious shot at Sebastian. Seb parried well but Alice was on hand to tap in the rebound and 8H went in 1-0 up at half time, thanks to some great defending from Jonah, Maya and Lucas.

8S pulled back level early in the second half. Nikos was fouled and, with Lorenzo clear, the referee should have played an advantage but no matter: Nikos blasted in the free kick. Dylan was now on to strengthen 8S but Cameron was on for 8H and these two brought new energy and skill into the game. 8S then pulled ahead when Lorenzo dribbled two defenders and it looked like 8S might run away.

But 8H kept trying and, when the referee penalised Maya for a handball, Cameron tucked it away to make it 2-2. 8H tried valiantly to hang onto a point but tired legs meant that spaces were now opening up.

Nikos took advantage to make it 3-2; Lorenzo added a fourth.

With Maya, Carolina, Theo and Emma to call on, it will take something special to stop 8S this year!

YELLOW: Lorenzo, Emma

 THE AUTUMN HOMEROOM FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

This is a preliminary tournament with MIXED teams.

A full Intramural tournament will follow, with separate matches for boys and girls.

Rules:

G6 teams have 9 players on the pitch

G7 teams have 8 players on the pitch

G8 teams have 7 players on the pitch

• All teams must have a minimum of 3 girls on the pitch

• All players who want to play should play at least 10’

• Any team that excludes a student that wants to play will be disqualified 

Wed Sep 08 8H vs 8S

Thu Sep 09 7A vs 7H

Fri Sep 10 6B vs 6N

Wed Sep 15 8H vs 8V

Thu Sep 16 7A vs 7R

Fri Sep 17 6B vs 6T

Wed Sep 22 8V vs 8S

Thu Sep 23 7R vs 7H

Fri Sep 24 6T vs 6N

SEMI-FINALS

Wed Sep 29 g6 Winner vs g8 Runner-up

Thu Sep 30 g7 Winner vs g8 Winner

FINAL

Fri Oct 01 vs

WINNING TEAM

will play a Teacher Selection on TUESDAY OCT 5th

6N White 7A orange 8H white

6B Black 7H white 8S blue

6T Red 7R red 8V green

Next Intramural coming SOON!

 

AMBRIT STRETCH THEIR UNBEATEN RUN TO 16 MONTHS!

 An Ambrit team containing boys and girls from 5th to 8th grade played their first competitive match of the season on Sat May 29th against Vigna Pia.

The match immediately became an uphill battle as Vigna Pia came out strong, scoring 2 goals in the first few minutes of the match. Kendi made some crucial saves to keep Ambrit in the game in the forts period.

Soon though the tide began to turn. Dudu started pulling the strings in midfield, combining really well with Liva, Benji and Sara to create some opportunities. Momentum was officially swinging in Ambrit's favour when Alessandro took on two defenders and shot the ball on target, only to see it parried by the opposing goalkeeper (who put in a stellar performance on the day). The chance appeared to have vanished, but Aurora showed off her Pippo Inzaghi-esque positioning and reflexes by pouncing on the rebound and scoring the goal to make it 2-1. The squad and the coaches erupted when Aurora scored, and the players used the positive energy to quickly turn the tie on its head.

While the offensive players were clicking on top, Flavia, Gala and Raffaele were shutting down opposition attacks at the back. Vigna Pia's strikers couldn't cope with Gala's aggressive defensive style, while Flavia and Raffaele did a wonderful job reading the play and cleaning up any dangerous loose balls that bounced ominously near Ambrit's goal.

Both Kendi and Francesco put in great shifts in goal, before eventually deciding they wanted to contribute outfield. In a moment of great difficulty for the coaches, with no goalkeeper on hand, Raffaele decided to step up and sacrifice himself for the team by putting on the gloves himself. While his stint in goal wasn't particularly successful, it led to a beautiful redemption arc which any Hollywood blockbuster would be proud of. With the scoreline at 4-3 in Ambrit's favour, a Vigna Pia shot caused a slight goalkeeping blunder (that Raffaele blamed himself for a lot more than anyone else would). He soon found his spot back in the heart of Ambrit-s defence and within a coupe of minutes made a goal saving block to stop Vigna Pia from taking the lead. Raffaele was a man on a mission at the is point and was ultimately rewarded for his efforts with the goal that put Ambrit back on top. Francesco stayed in goal for the entire 3rd period, proving crucial to Ambrit's efforts to stay on top in the dying stages of the encounter.

Ambrit showed glimpses of total football towards the end, including a beautiful team goal that saw everyone involved in the build-up. The play culminated with Ale finding Flavia in the box, who then smashed the ball into the goal after a perfect run.

The final score was 8-6 to Ambrit, but he most positive thing to see was the level of effort and attitude from the Ambrit side. Players like Bianca, who have only just started to play football, were battling it out and getting involved against an organized team that has been playing together for some time. The camaraderie within the Ambrit side was on full display after the full-time whistle, as everyone celebrated Liva's birthday with cake and drinks. Thanks to Fernando and all the Vigna Pia team for a great game!

ANSPI u13: Ambrit 4-3 Santos

What a match!
Ambrit and Santos lined up knowing that these three points were vital for the final standings. Before the match began, the atmosphere was tense: it was more like a Sergio Leone film set than a football pitch as the players eyed each other up.
Ambrit started well. Ale was fouled in midfield and then struck the free kick just wide. Then Mattia laid off a good ball to Ale and this time his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper. Ambrit were awarded another free kick minutes later and this time Vittorio took it and planted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Ambrit a deserved lead.
But then they threw it away. Though knowing Santos were quick on the break, they left the right winger free behind the defence and he struck the equaliser just before the interval.
After 30 seconds of the second period, the visitors led 2-1, having caught the hosts napping after the break, But Ambrit dragged themselves back into it; Bertie came close and then Ale scored to make it 2-2. Mattia set Ale up again but his shot just shaved the post.
At the second interval, Ambrit's players knew that the next 15 minutes would be decisive. They knew that no more slips could be allowed; there would be no more second chances; they knew that they could fail this test... or pass it by leaving every ounce of energy on the pitch.
Things didn't start well. Santiago played another excellent game but he won't have been happy with the Santos third goal, a shot from distance that he maybe should have held. But Ale came to the rescue again. From an indirect free kick, Vittorio touched it on and Ale blasted home.
Celebrations increased minutes later. Santiago came out to intercept a dangerous ball and played a great pass to Tiago on the right. Tiago turned inside and found Ale coming through: Ale found the net! A tense few minutes followed as Ambrit defended their lead. Santos had a few half chances... and one huge chance. But Santiago made a fantastic save to seal a precious win.
Well done to all our players tonight but three in particular stood out. Ale - sealed his place at the top of the scoring charts (18 goals this season so far!); Leo - great positioning and always on hand to cut off opposition attacks; and Zach - a lion in defence tonight.
TEAM: Santiago; Leo, Vittorio, Zach; Tiago, Mattia, Ale, Bertie.

Standings

ANSPI u13 league 2019-2020

Team	Played	Points
Vigna Pia	11	23
Ambrit	11	20
Santos	11	19
Cris	10	16
San Leonardo	11	11
Real Guadalupe	12	09
Real Muratella	10	02

MATCHES REMAINING
Real Muratella	Ambrit	Giov	05/03/2020	17.30
San Leonardo	Apd Vigna Pia	Ven	06/03/2020	18.00
C r i s	San.to.s.	Sab	07/03/2020	15.00
C r i s	Real Muratella	Gio	12/03/2020	18.00

Liverpool 1-1 Benfica

A fascinating tussle today in a packed Ambrit Stadium. Benfica took advantage of Liverpool's tardiness, Paul scoring in the first minutes as the Reds started without Paul and Tommy. At full strength immediately after, Liverpool started to make chances immediately. Tommy had a great shot blocked by Theo and Pietro had a chance deflected away for a corner. Pietro played in Lorenzo but Theo made a great save. Another Tommy shot came back off the post, then off Theo and then in... 1-1! At the other end, Marco made a good save from Paul and then Pietro played Lorenzo in again - and again Theo saved! Back at the other end, Dylan made a vital clearance just in front of the goalkeeper but the last chance fell to Lorenzo, again played in by Pietro; this time, Lorenzo beat Theo... but the ball dribbled just wide!
Best Player Points: Pietro 4, Tommy 3, Theo 3, Paul 3, Dylan M 2, Guli 2, Lorenzo 2, Ludo 1, Marco 1