ACLI league (2007/08): Mentana 1-4 Ambrit

 Ambrit traveled to Mentana today for a midweek fixture and they made the journey worthwhile by taking home all three points. Ale and Pedro had early shots but, despite the Ambrit dominance, it was the home side who went ahead when their no. 9 rose unchallenged to head home a corner. But the league leaders didn't panic. Ale picked up the ball in midfield, got past three defenders, was fouled twice but still managed to get a good shot away. The ball beat the goalkeeper but came back off the post. Mattia was first to the rebound and swept it home for the equaliser. Mattia had a great game today, winning every ball on the right flank and making the defenders' lives a misery with good passing and good running.

On Form Today!

Ambrit stayed focused after the break. Jonah almost scored with a well-struck shot but it was Ale who put i rossoblu ahead with another well-placed strike that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Ale and Emilio were combining well now and from one of Ale's passes, Emilio crossed  to Bertie and his touch set up Alberto for the third goal. The game opened up now, spaces everywhere. Mentana attacked, tempted Santiago out of position but Giorgio was there to clear the shot off the line. Bernardo came close with a header, Alberto hit the post and Vittorio made it 4-1 when he ran on to Zach's long throw.

Belgium 0-1 Brazil

 Not one of the best games today; very little goalmouth action and just the one goal. Daniel's shot that rebounded off the crossbar was the highlight of the first period and nothing much of any note happened in the second period, apart from a valuable clearance by Josh when the goal was empty behind him. In the final period, Rocco was unlucky to see a well struck shot rebound off the bar, Daniel and Bertie picked up yellow cards and Santiago's long free kick got past a bemused Gabriele who was distracted by his own defender. Santiago was sent off and will miss the next match.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Alberto 5, Rocco 4, Carlo 3, Leo 3, Bertie 2, Adriano 2, Tommaso 1, Daniel 1, Gabriele 1, Josh 1, Santiago 1, Michael 1, Bernardo 1, Marco 1, Louis 1, Alex 1

 Yellow: Bertie; Daniel  Red: Santiago

Basketball: AOSR 50-33 Ambrit

 Ambrit traveled to Via Cassia, hoping to repeat their December victory on American soil, but it was not to be. Though leading early on, Ambrit - with only seven players to rotate - tired as the match wore on and had to concede defeat to their hosts this time.

Team Ambrit

ACLI League (2007/08): Ambrit 14-0 Santa Caterina

 First of all, compliments to today's opponents who turned up today knowing that they were in for a torrid afternoon but they kept plugging away for 50' and always tried to play football. Yes, it was an easy win and Ambrit look to have recaptured the form that took them to the top of the league before crashing to a

Another impressive performance today

surprise defeat against Casaletto. Giorgio got the first goal today and his overall performance was impressive, probably Ambrit's best player today. Seven more goals followed in the first half from Ale (3), Mattia, Bernardo, Santiago and Zach.

Ambrit's formation changed in the second half but the goals kept coming. Bertie opened his account early on and added a second later; Vittorio got on the scoresheet too and Emilio marked his debut with a goal. Giorgio notched another two.

Netherlands 1-0 Italy

 Ancora una sconfitta per l'Italia 🇮🇪, nonostante la buona prova generale contro la temibile Olanda 🇳🇱. I "tulipani" riescono a passare solo nel terzo tempo, con una rete di Vittorio su calcio d'angolo di Antonio: vincente la spizzata di petto, che Myla riesce a intercettare ma non a trattenere.

La partita è stata per larghi tratti dominata dalle ragazze, che hanno mancato il colpo decisivo, anche per la bravura di Giovanni, bravo a opporsi prima a un tiro ravvicinato di Carolina, poi a diversi tentativi di Sara, Camila ed Emma. 

Da segnalare l'ottima prova tra i pali di Aali, imbattuta per due tempi, di Giulio, che con il fisico ha arginato le ripartenze di Carolina, e di Sara, particolarmente pericolosa con il suo pressing e le sue giocate.

L'Italia cresce, partita dopo partita, nonostante il tifo avversario e il rientro del capitano Alice potrebbe essere la svolta per guadagnare i primi punti.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Aali 3, Vittorio 3, Sara 3, Antonio 2, Camila 2, Myla 2, Carolina 2, Giulio 1, Abby 1, Maya 1, Emma 1, Giovanni Z 1.

Bolivia 2-0 Australia

 Today's game was an even contest right down to the last 5 minutes, when the constant harrassment of the Antipodean defence paid off for Aurora and Camila, letting the latter in for two chances and two goals. Earlier, the action had raged up and down and Isabel was in the middle of most of it. Her battle with Vittoria was epic and, although Vittoria managed to clear her lines most of the time, Isabel did get through on occasion to threaten the goal. Martina was her Isabel's accomplice, and the two combined well up and down the pitch. Vittoria had her accomplices too, and some of the tackles that Bianca P used to stop her opponents were genuine bone-crunchers.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Camila 4, Vittoria 3, Isabel 3, Martina 3, Abby 3, Aurora 3, Bianca P 3, Belen 2, Lavinia 1, Bianca S 1, Ginevra 1, Maria 1

Argentina 1-2 Germany

 Argentina, tipped by many to win this World Cup, came a cropper today against a determined Germany. Early on though, the South Americans did take the lead when a long throw from Zach was finished by Pedro. Argentina kept up the pressure and only a fantastic save from Adrian stopped Adam from adding a second goal.

Mattia came on at the start of the second period and he added some much-needed energy to the German midfield. He equalised with a stunning shot on the turn that whistled in off the crossbar and now the Germans had some momentum. At the other end, Adrian was frustrating the Argentinian attack and he made two excellent saves from Pedro.

In period three, Germany went ahead. Again Mattia was involved, the fulcrum for a give-and-go with Ale that opened up a chance for the G7 ace and he didn't miss.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Mattia 5, Theo 4, Ale 3, Adrian 3, Dylan 2, Pedro 2, Kevin 2, Remy 2, Ziyi 1, Yufan 1, Adam O 1, Zach 1, Adam H 1

ANSPI League (2009-10): Sam89 2-3 AMBRIT

 This was a strange game indeed. Ambrit came out for the first period and dominated play. Trym, Emma and Vittorio repelled all attacks and Ambrit attacked time and again down the left, with Ben, Diego and Francesco combining to make lots of chances. But it wasn't until 2' from the break that they finally got a reward when Ben struck a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Things changed in the second period. The home side woke up and took over, winning all the loose ball. Ambrit were caught out of position time and again and Gabriele made some timely interventions. Then in in a traumatic 5' period, Ambrit went from 1-0 up to 1-2 down and Sam89 struck the crossbar too! But Ambrit had their chances too; Diego found some great positions and was unlucky to trundle the ball just wide on two occasions.

For the third period, Ambrit dug deep to find renewed energy and determination. From the off, they pinned the home team back and pressed them relentlessly. Emma and Vittorio threw themselves into attacking positions and did a lot to open up space. Trym, now alone in defence, coped admirably. The first chance fell to Ruben but he had to take the bouncing ball early and shot high. The second chance fell to Ben but he shot wide. Emma had a couple of shots too but it was Diego who scored the equaliser. He beat the last defender and shot past the oncoming goalkeeper with confidence. Neither side wanted to settle for a point. Ambrit continued to attack but were often forced to scurry back to defend quick breaks from an ever more dangerous opponent. Then Sara won a ball on the right, turned inside and found Ben with a ball that bounced in front of him; what happened next, we have seen from Ben before: he launched a high, high shot from the halfway line that always looked like it might come straight down onto the goalkeeper and sneak just under the bar... and it did! What a win!!  

TEAM: Gabriele, Trym, Emma, Vittorio, Ruben, Ben, Francesco, Diego, Sara

Brazil 2-2 Spain

 We're still at the beginning of this tournament but things are hotting up! It was all samba at first, with Brazil controlling the ball and pressing the Spanish back. A shot by Marco was deflected by Daniele past Seb for the fits goal. Cameron tried to grab an equaliser but Daniel saved.

Marco was involved in the second goal too, crossing to Santiago for a simple tap-in. Now Spain needed some inspiration and it came from Daniele, who made an incisive run down tha right and crossed a good ball in for Gianmarco to score.

Into period 3 and Spain won a free kick on the left, on the half-way line.  He sized it up and struck a perfectly-placed shot just under the crossbar - no chance for the goalkeeper. Both sides had chances to win it - Seb saved magnificently from Santiago, Gianmarco shot wide - but the game finished level.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Cameron 7, Seb 4, Santiago 3, Gianmarco 2, Emilio 2,  Jonah 2, Daniele 2, Ralf 2, Bernardo 2, Michael 1, Jonah 1, Marco 1 

Yellow: Gianmarco

Mexico 2-1 Russia

 Il Messico 🇲🇽 mette la seconda e scatta in testa alla classifica a punteggio pieno; questa volta a uscire sconfitta è la potente Russia 🇷🇺, nonostante un primo tempo molto equilibrato e combattuto. Di certo è pesata l'assenza di Sofia, infortunata, e di Maya, in quarantena, nell'organizzazione della squadra: l'impressione infatti è che Rose non sia riuscita a schierare una formazione equilibrata, nonostante la buona prova di Ella in difesa, troppo spesso lasciata a tu per tu con Sara, oggi in versione super. Il Messico è stato invece molto ben organizzato, con Myla tra i pali e la coppia Ella - Annika in difesa; Emma inesauribile motore a centrocampo, insieme a Clara, e Sara come terminale offensivo. Proprio sull'asse Emma Sara sono nate le reti messicane, con quest'ultima molto brava nel concludere a rete, una volta di sinistro e una volta di destro. La Russia, pur volenterosa e fisica, grazie a Carolina e Irene soprattutto, non ha sfruttato le occasioni giuste ed è giunta al gol solo a due minuti dalla fine, proprio con un bel diagonale di Carolina.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Sara 8, Emma 6, Carolina 2, Irene 1,  Ella L 1, Aali 1, Rose 1,  Sofia 1.

Argentina 3-3 Netherlands

 Two of the world's top sides produced an exhilarating match in a six-goal thriller at Ambrit Stadium today. Zach tested Giovanni early on but the Dutch keeper saved well and he then kept Pedro out two minutes later. But the South Americans were pressing hard and went ahead when Pedro met a corner with a thundering header. But the Netherlands began to string a few passes together in midfield. Ben was everywhere and Antonio was never far behind. Vittorio's assist to Antonio brought an equaliser. Then, just before the first break, Pedro and Zach combined to restore the Argentinian lead.

Giulio's yellow card was the only incident of note in the second period but the pace picked up again in period 3. Pedro forced another great save from Giovanni but then Vittorio brought the teams level with a sweetly struck 'daisycutter' into the bottom corner. Lorenzo then stunned Argentina; a high ball came off Dylan, Lorenzo controlled with his forst touch and fired it home with his second. But if Dylan blamed himself there, he made up for iyt immediately by getting onto the end of a Zach throw to turn it past Giovanni and save a point for his team.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Dylan 4, Vittorio 4, Giovanni 3, Zach 3, Lorenzo 3, Ben 3, Giulio 3, Pedro 3,  Antonio 2,  Adam 1, Diego I 1

Brazil 2-1 Italy

Santiago's price tag didn't weigh too heavily today as he put two goals past a brave Italy team to make sure of the three points for Brazil. In a fast game that swung from end-to-end, both defences played well and kept chances to a minimum. A handball in the Brazil area 5' from full time allowed Carolina to pull her team closer and Brazil hung on nervously for the last few minutes.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Santiago 5, Myla 4, Carolina 4, Jonah 2, Abby 2, Louis 2, Bernardo 2, Camila 2, Athena 1, Alice 1, Isabel 1, Daniel 1, Michael 1

Yellow: Santiago, Daniel

Australia 1-1 Russia

 Una partita spettacolare, molto combattuta e divertente da vedere, è quella che abbiamo visto oggi all'Ambrit Stadium. Due formazioni agguerrite, determinate a cercare la vittoria, che hanno duellato - pallone su pallone - sino alla fine. Il pareggio, forse, è il risultato più giusto per quanto visto in campo, con le difese in grande evidenza: Abby da una parte e Maya dall'altra non hanno quasi mai sbagliato un intervento.

Veniamo alla cronaca: la Russia, nonostante l'assenza del capitano Rose, parte forte con Irene, Sofia e Carolina ad azzannare ogni pallone: proprio su una punizione guadagnata da Sofia, Carolina trova il vantaggio con un tiro potente. La reazione dell'Australia non si fa attendere molto, ma le molte iniziative di Alice, Martina, Isabel e Athena vengono bloccate da Maya e compagne, mentre sul fronte opposto Abby tira giù la saracinesca e non lascia passare nulla. Quasi allo scadere del primo tempo Isabel trova una percussione fantastica e un gol di prepotenza, con la palla che s'infila sotto la traversa. Il pareggio resiste anche nel secondo tempo, benché le due squadre tentino fino all'ultimo il colpo vincente.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Isabel 4, Abby 3, Athena 3, Maya 3, Irene 2, Alice 2, Carolina 1, Sofia P 1, Aali 1, Martina 1.

Belgium 0-0 Germany

 Germany's 30-million Euro player was missing today and it was a dour encounter with neither team imposing itself and neither deserving more than one point. Germany had the best of the early exchanges, Mattia shooting just over the bar and Theo forcing an excellent save from Cosimo at close range.

Theo struck the bar early in the second period but then Belgium began to take over. Nothing was getting past Carlo and Leo in defence and then Rocco passed to Giorgio and he struck a strong shot just wide. Adriano had a great chance from a corner but wasn't quite ready for it and he too shot just wide. Giorgio struck a fantastic volley from the edge of the area and was unlucky to see it crash back off the bar. Theo had another shot at the other end but Rocco blocked it well.

The same players were prominent in the final period, Theo bringing another save from Cosimo and Adriano providing another assist for Giorgio who shot just wide again.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Theo 6, Giorgio 6, Carlo 5, Leo 5, Rocco 2, Mattia 2, Daniele B 1, Adriano C 1

Netherlands 1-1 Spain

Antonio looked dangerous for Netherlands in the first period and it was his beautiful curling shot that almost broke the duck but then struck the post instead. A nice move then saw the ball move from Ruben to Vittorio to Lorenzo but the shot was wide. Trym was booked for a tackle on Vittorio but the free kick was blocked.

Spain came into the game more in the second period and Matteo fired in a good shot just over the bar. At the other end, Vittorio forced a good save from Seb but the score was still 0-0 at the second change-over.

Seb was in action again early in the third period, pulling off a great save to thwart Lorenzo, and Lollo curled another shot just wide 1 minuite later. But his next shot, low down to the near post, did sneak under Seb to make it 1-0. And it was almost an immediate 2-0, but Sebastian blocked Ruben's shot and Daniele P cleared a follow-up shot off the line. But Spain were quick to react. In their next attack, Cameron finally got past Giulio and shot home. Spain could then have stolen all three points when Cameron broke through again but, this time, he shot too early and Giovanni saved easily.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Lorenzo 5, Cameron 4,  Antonio 4, Sebastian 3, Vittorio 2, Giulio T 2, Gianmarco 1, Emilio 1, Giovanni Z 1, Ben 1, Sam 1, Ruben 1, Daniele P 1, Matteo 1

Mexico 2-1 Bolivia

La partita tra Messico e Bolivia, derby sudamericano, inaugura il secondo Intramural dell'anno e la sfida dimostra quanto sia cresciuto il calcio femminile all'Ambrit: lo spettacolo è stato godibilissimo e arricchito da tante belle giocate da entrambe le parti. Ha vinto la squadra più organizzata e aggressiva, nonostante un giocatore in meno. La prima rete nasce dai piedi di Emma, vera dominatrice del centrocampo, che tira dal limite dell'area e trova la sfortunata deviazione di Lavinia. Nella seconda frazione il Messico continua a dominare, grazie alle folate offensive di Sara ed Emma, ben supportate da Clara e dall'ottima prova difensiva di Ella. Le Boliviane, nonostante il grande sforzo di Camila, Aurora e Olivia, faticano a trovare spazi e anzi rischiano un rigore per un sospetto mani di Vittoria in area. A due minuti dalla fine, Sara riceve palla, controlla bene e insacca con un destro incrociato. La reazione della Bolivia arriva troppo tardi, con la bella rete di Aurora, inutile ai fini del risultato.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Emma 5, Sara 5, Ella 4, Aurora 3, Clara 3, Lavinia 1.

Belgium 3-1 Italy

Two of Europe's top teams kicked off the Spring Intramural with an evenly-contested match at Ambrit Stadium. An early Italy attack put Carolina through with one defender and the goalkeeper still to beat. She beat both of them with a good first touch and a calm finish into the corner.

Belgium woke up. Some neat midfield passing brought the ball to Adriano and, when he spotted Carlo in space, the seventh grade ace scored to make it 1-1. Carlo was playing further forward today and his decision was rewarded when he pounced on a loose ball to release another shot past Myla in goal: 2-1 at half-time.

Belgium continued to press. Alberto shot over the bar and then under, but Myla was there with a great block and she repeated the feat twice more before the game ended. Sofia was having an excellent game in defence too, though she did almost score an own goal and was relieved when the ball struck the bar.  Carlo almost scored a third but Myla saved and then Captain Bertie did score when his shot took a big deflection.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo 6, Alberto 4, Myla 3, Athena 3, Carolina 3, Bertie 2, Sofia 1, Rocco 1, Leo 1, Giorgio 1, Isabel 1 , Adriano C 1, Maya 1 

Teachers 3-1 Intramural Champions

The teachers team re-asserted their authority and superiority with a convincing win over a willing team of students at a packed Ambrit Stadium on Friday. Carolina gave the teachers an early fright with a shot that crept wide but it was the teachers who took the lead when Edoardo put Dan clear with a quick pass and the English ace made no mistake. Max found Edoardo on the right of the penalty area and his shot should have made it 2-0 but Myla made an incredible save to keep the students in the game. Cameron's first contribution was a shot that went narrowly over and Francesco shot over for the teachers too. Giulia was having another fantastic game and, when she found Max with a clever pass out wide on the left, the second goal seemed a certainty... but Myla astounded everyone with another miraculous save! The game was still open; Vittorio forced Chad to make a timely save and then Giulia blocked another Vittorio shot before Edoardo gave the teachers some breathing space with a second goal. Now the students threw caution to the wind and Giulia took advantage, turning a Max pass around the goalkeeper and just inside the near post: 3-0. The students kept plugging away - Theo put Vittorio in again but Chad made a great save - and they finally got their reward with a goal from Cameron right at the end. 

Grade 7 1-1 Teachers

Grade 7 came flying out of the traps and pinned the teachers back in the first few minutes. Gianmarco shot wide and Sara and Vittorio had shots well saved by Mr Chad before the teachers put together a lethal counter-attack that saw Max latch onto a through ball from Matteo and calmly lob the goalkeeper to make it 1-0 against the run of play. The lead didn't last long though: a clearance on the left canoned off Emilio and gave Mr Chad no chance: 1-1. The rest of the match was an even contest but clear scoring chances were rare.

Grade 6 0-6 Teachers

 The teachers began 2022 with a comfortable win over a valiant team from grade 6. I Maestri were never really threatened and the statistics tell the story: 82% possession, 15 shots on goal, 9 on target and 6 goals (two each from Max, Edoardo and Dan). G6 managed three shots in the entire game and will need to improve before they come back next year as the g7 team to give the teachers a closer run for their money!

 

CALCIOMERCATO GIRLS

 Di nuovo qui in diretta per un'altra giornata di Calciomercato, questa volta le ragazze!

Il primo giro è un'asta nascosta sulla giocatrice più ambita: Carolina, contesa tra Belen e Rose, va alla Russia per 46 milioni! Alice viene acquistata per 65 milioni da Athena!

Eccoci alla altre ragazze: Maya alla Russia per 20 milioni, si sta muovendo bene Rose...

Offerta segreta per Camila, che va alla Bolivia per 58 milioni!

Emma Torralba fa gola a tutte le squadre, la spunta Myla per 35 mln! Bel colpo. A lei si aggiunge anche Sara, altri 35 mln.

Vittoria alla Bolivia per 36 mln, Sofia alla Russia per 25, Isabel all'Australia per 31 mln.

Ultime assegnazioni per Clara al Messico, Aurora alla Bolivia e Martina all'Australia.

CALCIOMERCATO - BOYS

 Eccoci insieme per la diretta del Calciomercato maschile dell'Intramural!

Quest'anno si inizia con un nuovo format: ogni capitano farà un'offerta segreta per due giocatori che desidera e poi si apriranno le buste! Cifre incredibili, follie!!! Santiago al Brasile per 90 milioni! Ottima mossa della Germania che si assicura Ale per 30 milioni, mentre i gemelli Massi finiscono uno alla Spagna (Cameron, 50mln) e uno all'Argentina (Dylan, 26mln), che si aggiudica anche Pedro! Il Belgio scommette su Giorgio (30mln), la Spagna punta su Emilio (10mln)...

Eccoci alle aste vere e proprie: Zach, molto conteso, finisce all’Argentina per 17 mln, mentre Lorenzo va all'Olanda per 22mln. Molte scommesse su Alberto e Carlo, che finiscono al Belgio, rispettivamente per 34 e 32 mln, mentre Mattia viene preso dalla Germania in "saldo" a 12 mln (che colpo!). 

L'Olanda si assicura un ottimo portiere con Giovanni (24 mln) e un solido centrocampista come Vittorio (39 mln). 

Le altre offerte completano il Tabellone delle squadre. Lucas all'Argentina, Rocco al Belgio, Daniel e Ryan al Brasile, Adrian e Daniele B alla Germania, Giulio T all'Olanda e Gianmarco e Daniele P alla Spagna.

ACLI League (2007/2008): Forte Bravetta 4-3 Ambrit

 Ambrit finished 2021 unbeaten but begin the new year with an unexpected defeat. After going behind to an early goal, the team regained their balance and Bertie equalised with a brave header past the onrushing goalkeeper. The home side regained the lead after 16' but, once again, Ambrit equalised - Vittorio's goal sending the teams in level at half time.

Immediately after the break, Ambrit took the lead for the first time when Vittorio struck again, this time his shot crashing in off the underside of the bar with a helpless goalkeeper looking on. But the team - playing 7 against 8 - was looking tired and the home side took over the midfield. First came the equaliser and then the final goal that decided the encounter.

TEAM: Theo, Bernardo, Vittorio, Jonah, Zach, Mattia, Bertie

ACLI League (2007/08); Simplicitas 1-2 Ambrit

 After some easier recent wins, Ambrit were tested today and came through with flying colours. After 3', Zach gave an early indication that he was in top form when he stole a ball from a defender and shot just over. This was typical of Zach's play today: he was a constant thorn in the opposition defence and was always available for his team-mates, holding up the play and laying off simple, intelligent passes.

Despite dominating possession, Ambrit went 1-0 down but continued to play the better football. After 14', Pedro found Zach who shot wide. Pedro himself then had a shot saved and Ale shot wide off an Alberto corner. Zach found Ale on the edge of the box for another chance but this one also went wide and then Zach took a pass from Alberto and shot high. Ambrit were making chance after chance without scoring while, at the other end, Giorgio, Vittorio and Bernard were clearing up everything, allowing no dangerous balls to threaten Theo.

In the second half, Ambrit went boldly to a two-man defence and continued to pepper the opposition goal with shots. Bertie played a good ball in from the left and Mattia turned it towards the bottom corner but the keeper got there to make the save. The scene was repeated 4' later, this time Alberto finding Mattia in space but the result was the same. Ambrit's pressure finally paid off mid-way through the second half when the referee awarded a penalty for handball. Ale was cool as a cucumber, planting the ball firmly into the back of the net.

The league leaders now had the familiar scent of victory in their nostrils and they continued to pour forward. The best move of the game almost produced a goal as Zach played a one-two with Mattia and then headed the return narrowly over the bar. Ambrit's winner came soon after. Zach's shot was blocked by a defender and, when the ball fell to Alberto on the edge of the area, he made no mistake!

Everybody played well today but a special mention must be made for Zach, Vittorio and Giorgio - all three outstanding!

TEAM: Theo, Bernardo, Giorgio, Vittorio, Ale, Alberto, Pedro, Mattia, Bertie, Zach.  

TEAM

ANSPI league (2009/10): CRIS 5-1 Ambrit

Ambrit flattered to deceive in the first 10 minutes of this match, settling quickly and looking like the better team. But everything changed when the home side went ahead with a goal against the run of play and Ambrit came in at the first break trailing by the single goal.

Early in the second period, Oliver struck with a beautiful left-foot volley to level the scores but CRIS hit back almost immediately to make it 2-1. A third goal for CRIS followed just before the break.

Ambrit came out for the third period determined to pull back but they struggled to contain the opposing No. 15 and struggled to cope with the uneven surface. 

TEAM: Gabriele, Trym, Giulio, Kendi, Tommaso, Ben, Grancesco, Diego, Oliver

MS girls 1-3 g6 Boys

 An exciting match today as the g6 boys managed to edge out the MS girls to wrap up the match schedule before Christmas. The first period finished 0-0, with Maya making a series of saves from Rocco and Daniel. But it was these two who, in the second period, turned the game in the boys' favour. Daniel was first to score and Rocco followed up almost immediately.

The girls pushed hard in the third period and deservedly closed the gap when Alice slotted home a penalty, awarded by VAR for a push by Adriano. The girls had chances to equalise but Adrian kept them out and Ben wrapped up the victory with a high, high lob that crept into the net between Maya's fingertips and the croossbar.

Boys Third Place Final: Sporting 1-0 Zenit

 A headed goal by Marco off  a Santi throw-in was enough to win the match.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Santiago 6, Daniel 4, Daniele B 4, Antonio 4, Marco 2, Giorgio 2, Daniele P 2, Zach 2, Alberto 2

Juventus 3-2 Dortmund

 A packed crowd at Ambrit Stadium today witnessed a fitting final to the Autumn Intramural as the Italian Champions edged over the line by a one-goal margin.

Ale began with two quick shots to find his range and he then put the Germans ahead when Adam found him with a neat pass. From a corner, Vittorio almost equalised but Seb made a good save to preserve the Dortmund lead. Diego almost helped his team to another goal when he stole the ball on the right and crossed dangerously but the score was 1-0 at the break.

Ale began the second period with another couple of shots but Juve equalised when Rocco handled to keep a Gianmarco shot out. Cameron's penalty was precise. But Juve found themselves behind again almost immediately, another Ale strike sealing his place as Top Scorer.

Tiago had an early chance in the third period but it was Vittorio, receiving a pass from Theo, who struck the equaliser. Juve now looked stronger and Gianmarco had a chance to steal a winner when through on his own against Seb but he shot over. But he got an almost identical chance two minutes later and, despite a good challenge from Rocco, he slipped the ball in to trigger more celebrations for i bianconeri!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 6, Theo 6, Ale 4, Dylan 4, Gianmarco 3, Cameron 3, Tiago 1, Bernardo 1

ACLI league (2007/2008): Miracoli FC 1-9 Ambrit

 This was a much more even game than the scoreline would suggest and, particularly in the second half, the home team arguably played the better football for long periods.

So how do we explain the scoreline? Three factors... 

First, Ambrit played with more determination and will-to-win. This was exemplified today by Jonah who never gave his opponents a second to settle on the ball, never gave them a centimeter of space to turn. 

Second, Ambrit played as a team. While their opponents often passed well and tried to play football that was easy on the eye, there was always the feeling that each one was playing for himself. Not so with Ambrit, where the players helped each other all the time and nobody was looking for the individual glory. 

Third, Theo. As Miracoli poured forward in the second half, Theo made a string of saves that ranged from the ordinary to the exceptional and he kept out at least three near-certain goals.

On the mark for Ambrit in the first half: Ale (pen), Alberto, Ale, Vittorio (and what a game he had today... outstanding!), Bertie (fantastic header), Mattia (another header). Second half: Mattia, Zach, Bertie.

Team: Theo, Bernardo, Vittorio, Santiago, Jonah, Mattia, Alberto, Alessandro, Zach, Bertie, Pedro

BOYS SF2: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Zenit St Petersburg

 The first period was all about Ale's left foot. Two sweet strikes produced two goals and it could have been more but for an attentive Zenit goalkeeper. Daniele B pulled one back before the break with a typically determined run and shot.

Diego took over in the second period, finding his range with an initial shot that went wide but making no mistake with his second opportunity, played through by Dylan.

Zenit began the third period brightly and created one or two chances. Zach pulled one wide and Daniele B came close too after a good passing move involving Zach and Oliver. But Dortmund were always more dangerous and Antonio was forced to make an excellent save to stop Ale from scoring a hat-trick.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 6, Daniele B 6, Antonio 3, Giorgio 2, Zach 2, Oliver 2, Dylan 2, Rocco 2, Diego 1, Daniel 1, Matteo T 1

Boys SF1: Sporting 2-2 Juventus

 In the first period, Juventus had a hat-ful of chances as Gianmarco's pace and positioning left the Sporting defence in tatters. Adrian made a great save from the first chance and then Gianmarco headed the second one over. It was third-time-lucky though when Gianmarco converted, following a good pass out of defence. Shortly afterwards, Gianmarco turned up again - and hit the bar - and then again - and headed over - and then again - and shot wide. After all that, a long throw from Santi canoned off Cameron and went in for the equaliser.

Another throw from Santiago led to another own goal and now Lisbon were ahead. But only briefly. Juve repaid the compliment, Tiago scoring from a Vittorio throw-in. 

In teh final period, Gianmarco struck again... almost. He crashed a shot back off the post and then saw his follow-up cleared off the line. And then it looked like Lisbon would win it at the end. Theo kicked the ball high over the South fence... penalty! Francesco was nominated to be Juve's executioner, but the ball finished just wide of the post.

The match will be decided by a penalty shoot-out on Monday, morning break.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Santiago 6, Theo 5, Cameron 4, Tiago 2, Gianmarco 2, Adrian 2, Vittorio 2, Ryan 1, Adriano 1, Albero 1, Kevin 1, Ralf 1, Gabriele 1

GIRLS' FINAL: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United

All'inizio dell'atteso match le Red Devils si sono contate e hanno realizzato di essere solo in 6, ma - con grande fair play, Carolina ha accettato di ridurre il numero delle sue giocatrici e ristabilire la parità, pur dovendo rinunciare alle qualità di Lavinia e Abby. Chissà se alla fine del primo tempo, con il Manchester in vantaggio grazie alla rete di Olivia, ben servita da un'imprendibile Camila, per un attimo il Chelsea ha ripensato a quella decisione...

La cosa certa è che dopo lo svantaggio le Blues hanno risposto con grande intensità, acciuffando prima il pareggio con un'azione di forza di Carolina, poi andando vicine al vantaggio con una bella azione di Sofia, murata dalla brava Annika in porta. Il punteggio si è infine sbloccato grazie al gol di Sofia, brava a correre più veloce di tutte su una palla lunga e a non sbagliare da due passi. 

L'enorme occasione avuta da Camila poco prima è stata forse la vera unica chance per la squadra capitanata da Maya di riaprire una partita ormai destinata al termine. La bella finale, proprio allo scadere, è arrivata infatti con la terza rete del Chelsea, questa volta grazie a Kendi, giusto ricompenso per un'ottima partita.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Sofia 5, Camila 4, Carolina 3, Annika 3, Olivia 3, Kendi 2, Ella 2, Maya 1, Belen 1, Sofia P. 1, Myla 1.

Sporting 0-0 Liverpool

 The scoreline says it all. A sterile match with few chances and an ignominious end. Santi hit the post in the first period and nobody came any closer after that.

A draw is enough to see Lisbon through to tomorrow's semi-finals.

BEST PLAYER POINTS:  Emilio 5, Leo 4, Santiago 3, Lorenzo 3, Ryan 3, Giulio T 3, Giovanni Z 2, Aron 2, Francesco 1, Mattia 1, Ruben R 1

ANSPI league: Ambrit 3-3 Sam89

 For the second week in a row, Ambrit collected a point when most observers agreed that they should really have taken all three. This was another good performance though, with several players making their debuts and others trying out new positions.

Emma and Kendi started off in defence and they bossed the pitch for the first two periods. After her first three decisive interventions, none of the opposing forwards was too keen on contesting the ball with Kendi. Emma won her tackles too, but she also added some classy distribution and it was her pass to Ruben that opened up the play and allowed Ruben to feed Oliver for the first goal.

Ambrit continued to dominate but Sam89 equalised with a lucky goal, Gabriele blinded by the sun when a high ball sneaked in behind him. But Ambrit went in for the first break with a 2-1 lead, Ruben firing home and Gabriele making a good save at the other end from a Sam89 free kick.

In the second period, Diego added pace and strength up front and scored off an excellent Ben assist to make it 3-1. Ambrit should really have won the game from here but our midfield was caught out of position too often and the visitors pulled two goals back to send the team in level at the end of period 2.

Francesco anad Vittorio took over in defence for period 3 and did a great job. Sara, Ruben and Diego all tried hard to find a winner but it was not to be.

TEAM: Gabriele; Emma, Kendi, Francesco, Vittorio, Trym; Ruben, Sara, Ben, Oliver, Diego

ACLI league (2007-2008): Ambrit 5-1 Monteverde

 Ambrit recorded their fifth consecutive win this morning with a solid display against competent opposition. The firs goal came from a clever free kick, Ale taking it quickly and Santiago heading home. The second goal followed not long afterwards, Pedro turning in a Santiago throw and, after that, Ambrit cruised to half time.

The only sticky moment came early in the first half when the visitors tested Theo a couple of times but Bernardo scored off a Zach assist to make it 3-0. Zach himself scored the fourth when Jonah found him with an incisive pass and Ale made it 5-0. Monteverde clawed one back but, for the moment, there is no stopping this Ambrit juggernaut.

TEAM: Theo; Bernardo, Jonah, Giorgio, Carlo; Ale, Pedro, Santiago; Zach

Breaking News.... Basketball: AOSR 24-27 AMBRIT

 Ambrit defeats AOSR in exciting basketball challenge - more details later!

Cosimo, Santiago, Alberto, Bernardo, Lorenzo
Massimo, Bertie, Pedro, Gianmarco, Theo, Gio

Sporting 3-3 Dortmund

 Dortmund got off to a flying start when Dylan hit the bar and then Kevin Sporting hit the post for Lisbon when Aron played him in. Lisbon took the lead through Alberto, straight from a corner, and Santi made it 2-0 before the first interval.

Dortmund dominated possession; Ale hit the bar and then shot narrowly wide but Sporting made it 3-0 when teh ball broke to Santi in a goalmouth scramble. But Dortmund didn't give up. They made chance after chance and, were it not for Adrian in goal for Lisbon, they would surely have come back to win this game. As it was, they came back to draw it! Ale made it 3-1, Rocco made it 3-2, Ale hit the post and then made it 3-3. The last few minutes saw Sporting come back into attack. Francesco played well and had some good chances but Rocco moved back to defend and made some great blocks-.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Adrian 4, Ale 3, Santi 3, Alberto 3, Dylan 3, Rocco 3, Kevin 2, Ryan 2, Seb 2, Aron 1, Francesco 1, Matteo T

ACLI league (2007-2008): Vigna Pia 1-4 Ambrit

 A good test for Ambrit today as the covid quarantine reduced us to 7 men against 8 in a closely-fought contest at Ambrit Stadium.

Early pressure from Ambrit caught the home team off guard and when Ambrit won a corner, Pedro drilled it low and hard and the goalkeeper fumbled the ball at the near post: 1-0! Vigna Pia came back and won a free kick but Theo was alert and tipped a dangerous shot over the bar. In a frantic 2' spell, the Vigna Pia keeper denied first Santiago, then Ale and then Santiago again with a header, before they broke quickly and stole a lucky equaliser.

This was a delicate moment and the game could have swung either way but, in a sweeping passing movement, the ball went from Ale to Pedro to Ruben and the g7 ace banged it home! This was just reward for Ruben who chased and harried the opposition defence all day and was always available for his team mates. Re-energised, Ambrit continued to attack and another corner brought another goal, this time Santiago first to the breaking ball to plant a solid shot beyond the keeper. In this first half, the solid tackling and forceful running of Pedro on the left and Santiago on the right was fundamental.

The second half was another story. Ambrit looked tired, Vigna Pia dominated possession but, led by a majestic Carlo in defence - ably assisted by Giulio - Ambrit repelled all attacks and Ale closed the scoring with a typically sweetly struck shot from 20m.

TEAM: Theo; Carlo, Giulio; Pedro, Ale, Santiago; Ruben

Friendly Match (2009/2010): Vigna Pia 13-4 Ambrit... and Gabriele Saves the Day!

 Ambrit came up against an extremely well-drilled team today and, despite the scoreline, they gave a good account of themselves and learned some useful lessons.

Vigna Pia, a team that trains three times a week and has been playing together for four years, were merciless from the start and they rifled in three early goals before Ambrit had even woken up.

On their first foray forward, Ben fed a good pass to Sara and her control and finish were exemplary to make it 3-1. This was not Sara's first contribution and her running, positional and passing were top notch all day long: complimenti!

Vigna Pia came straight back to score two more but Tommaso kept up Ambrit's spirits with a well-struck shot to make it 6-2 at the first break.

In period 2, Gabriele - already playing very well in goal - really began to shine. He made save after save... after save... after save and some of them were truly outstanding, none more so than when he flung himself to his right to push away a shot that nobody else would even think of stopping! He then topped it off by saving a penalty, though his defenders were less alert and Vigna Pia banged in the rebound. The teams went in for the second interval 2 at 9-2. 

In the last period, Ambrit were tiring but Kendi was still a rock in defence. She dealt with every ball and every tackle with authority and inspired her team mates to try harder.

TEAM: Gabriele; Trym, Vittorio, Kendi; Tommaso, Ben, Adam; Sara, Aali; Rubem, Carlo

Zenit 3-0 Juventus

 A few drops of rain and a covid quarantine weren't enough to stop Zenit from racking up their first win and keeping themselves in the running for a semi-final place.

Oliver almost opened the scoring but Theo made an incredible last-ditch tackle on the line. Daniele B made it 1-0 just before the first break and Daniele P had a good chance to double up but shot over the bar.

In the second period, Zenit continued to dominate possession. Juve played well in defence, with Theo, Ralf and Martino all making lots of tackles and  Gianmarco and Adriano playing on the break. Gabriele made some good saves and came out bravely to stop Daniel, but the Zenit man's shot finished in the back of the net.

In midfield, Adam, Hugo and especially Antonio worked hard to keep Juventus pinned down. Daniele B scored his second goal late on to seal a valuable win.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Daniele B 5, Theo 4, Daniele P 3, Gabriele 2, Daniel 2 (Y), Ralf 1, Martino 1, Gianmarco 1, 1Antonio 1, Hugo 1

Man. United 1-1 Ajax

 Decimate da quarantena e assenze, Ajax e Manchester United si sono affrontate per l'accesso alla finale, già conquistato dal Chelsea durante il morning break. La partita è stata molto combattuta ed equilibrata, il punteggio finale di 1-1 lo dimostra. Al vantaggio di Maya, che approfitta di un'ingenutià colossale di Aali ed Emma, ha risposto la stessa Emma con un bel tiro da fuori.

Il pareggio, tuttavia, favorisce solo una delle due formazioni, che - in virtù della differenza reti - si qualifica per la finale di questo primo Intramural: il Manchester United. Il capitano, Maya, è riuscita a portare a termine uno splendido lavoro nel motivare e guidare i talenti della squadra e ora racconglie con merito i frutti di questo impegno.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Emma 4, Maya 4, Camila 3, Martina 1, Zim 1, Rose 1, Ella 1.

Chelsea 2-1 Inter

 These two teams played out an exciting match under persistent drizzle at Ambrit Stadium this morning.

Chelsea took the lead when Sofia was the most alert and pounced on a breaking ball to poke it through a crowd of players and into the back of the net. Inter responded immediately and Sara almost scored from a narrow angle but Belen made a great clearance off the line. But Sara didn't give up and she equalised soon afterwards with a lovely looping lob over Myla in goal. Both defences were solid - Vittoria and Bianca versus Kendi, Belen and Abby - but Chelsea were relentless coming forward and Carolina was always dangerous. In the 15th minute she saw a shot thunder back off the post and then, in the next action, she planted a well-struck shot pas Aali to make it 2-1. Chelsea came closest to scoring again, with wides from Carolina and Kendi and two good saves from Aali who was making her debut today.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carolina 3, Sara 3, Vittoria 2, Belen 2, Sofia 2, Isabel 2, Bianca 2, Kendi 1, Abby 1, Aali 1, Clara 1, Athena 1

Napoli 0-4 Dortmund

 Napoli wave goodbye to the Autumn Intramural after a crushing performance from Dortmund at Ambrit Stadium today.

Dortmund were always in charge and, even when well ahead, they never took the foot off the pedal and strangled every Napoli initiative with a high press on their defence. Ale opened the scoring with the last kick of the first period and, early in the second period, Ben kept his team in the game with first a tackle and then a block in his own area to keep out the hungry Dortmund attack. Dylan unleashed a left-footed shot to make it 2-0 and Ake almosty made it 3-0 but Victor made a great save. Napoli's only attempt was a glancing header from Nikos that went slightly too high.

In period 3, Ale scored again early on and Nikos did force a good save from Sebastian. Adam rounded off the scoreline with a simple tap-in.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 7, Dylan 5, Seb 2, Jonah 2, Adam 1, Ben 1, Rocco 1, Pedro 1, Matteo 1

ACLI league: Ambrit 13-3 Mentana Calcio

 Ambrit were quick out of the traps again this week and had 5 goals on the board in the blink of an eye. Ale's assist to Santi for goal 1 was repaid by Santi to Ale for goal 2.Two more assists from Ale set up Vittorio and Zach and Zach made it 5-0 after less than 10 minutes. Santi hit the post and Alberto followed up to make it 6-0 and Ale rounded off the Ambrit scoring just before half time. The visitors pulled one back from a free kick.

Mattia came on and added the eighth just after the break and then he shot well from the right and Santi buried the rebound when it came back off the post. Mentana were playing better in this second half and made it 9-2. But Mattia scored again off a Santi throw-in and then he set Santi up for his third and fourth. Mentana put a third on the board and Alberto made it 13-3 with a lovely shot from 20 meters out.

TEAM: Theo; Bernardo / Jonah, Vittorio, Giorgio; Santiago / Mattia, Alberto / Ale; Zach / Bertie

ANSPI League: Santos 0-0 Ambrit

Ambrit's younger team got their season off to a good start today with a hard-fought match at Santos. Ambrit settled down quickly and Captain Vittorio showed his experience with a sterling display in defence, in midfield, in attack... all over the pitch. Giulio was his partner in defence and, together, they kept the opposition down to a minimum of chances. The teams changed over for period 2 at 0-0.

It was in the second period that Ambrit took over the midfield and controlled the game. Ruben wreaked havoc on the right and played in some great crosses that should have been better exploited. Tommaso was totally in charge on the left, blocking all opposition attacks and playing shrewd passes forward. Ben was feeling his way into the game and his tackles and passes became ever surer as the game wore on. Sara harried the opposition defenders and she was always ready to pounce on the smallest mistake. Oliver ran himself ragged and never gave the opponents a chance to relax.

Mentana did break through at one point and seemed sure to score but Vittorio C made a miraculous save... and then he was quickly up and back in position to make another superb save immediately afterwards! Vittorio dP then fired a rocket from midfield and the Santos keeper also made an incredible save to keep it out.

In the third period, Ambrit continued to dominate and Vittorio dP hit the crossbar twice! A goal just wouldn't come but this was a very positive start by all concerned!

TEAM: Vittorio C; Giulio, Vittorio dP; Tommaso, Ben, Ruben, Oliver, Sara

Juventus 4-0 Liverpool

 After a scoreless first half with little incident, Juventus opened the scoring when Gianmarco followed up to score a shot from Cameron that was parried by Lucas right into his path. Vittorio from a free-kick then picked out Cameron at the far post for a second goal (did Tiago get a touch?) and Juve were cruising. Liverpool needed a reply and Mattia almost supplied it but he was foiled twice within a minute by Bernardo in goal. Lorenzo tried hard up front but Theo was insuperabile.

In period 3, Adriano might have put the result beyond doubt but Lucas made a miraculous save. Lorenzo struck the post with a free kick at the other end and then Lucas made a great save from Cameron. But Cameron was back immediately to score the third and Vittorio's deflected shot rounded off the scoreline.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Theo 4, Cameron 4, Bernardo 2, Vittorio dP 2, Emilio 2, Lucas 2, Lorenzo 1,  Mattia 1, Giulio 1, Leo 1, Gianmarco 1

ACLI league: Santa Caterina 0-13 Ambrit

 An easy win today against a young team without the experience to fend off a hungry Ambrit outfit that now moves to the top of the ACLI classifica.

There is an old saying in football "you can only beat the team that is in front of you" and that is what Ambrit did today, disposing of an inferior opponent with a minimum of fuss and no messing around. Our defence was rarely troubled and our midfield and attack created numerous chances and converted a lot of them. Santiago led the way and his six first half goals set the team up for a 7-0 lead at half time, the other one being an own goal.

In the second half, Mattia, Alberto, Bertie (2), Zach and Ale added their names to the scoreboard.

AMBRIT: Bernardo; Vittorio / Jonah, Theo, Giorgio / Carlo; Alberto / Ale, Pedro, Santiago / Mattia ; Zach / Bertie

Zenit 2-2 Napoli

After a sterile first period, it looked like Zenit would get their first win of the season when Zach scored two goals in period 2. The first came when Daniele took advantage of a goalkeeping error and provided the assist to his captain; the second when Zach forced his way past two defenders and shot hard to the centre of the goal. Napoli got back into the game though when a controversial VAR decision awarded them a penalty and Pedro converted.

Pedro was involved in the period 3 equaliser too, setting up Louis for a confident finish. Nikos had a golden chance to make it 3-2 but somehow missed the open goal but then he set up Pedro for another great chance but Pedro's shot was well saved by Giorgio. At the other end, Louis made a great goal-line clearance,  Daniele came close with a header and Carlo shot wide but the score remained unchanged.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Louis 5, Zach 4, Daniele B 4, Giorgio 1, Nikos 2, Trym 1, Pedro 1, Michael 1, Alex 1, Antonio 1

Liverpool 2-2 Dortmund

 Ben made an early save from Emilio but, when Mattia played Lorenzo in, Ben was too slow off his line to stop the opening goal. Lorenzo returned the favour shortly afterwards, supplying the assist for Mattia to make it 2-0. Still in the first period, Ale went on a mazy run and knocked it to Dylan to make it 2-1 and Ale himself equalised with a fierce drive from the left to make it 2-2 at the interval.

No change in the second period, thanks especially to a fantastic block from Rocco to keep out a Lucas free kick. And no change in period 3 either, with Seb making a good save towards the end to keep out Lorenzo.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 5, Jonah 3, Lorenzo 3, Lucas 3, Rocco 3, Dylan 3, Mattia 3, Giovanni Z 2, Sebastian 1, Emilio 2

ACLI league: Ambrit 4-3 Palidoro

 Ambrit's senior team got the season off to a great start with a well-deserved win on Saturday morning at Ambrit stadium.

Zach shot an early goal from a tight angle on the right to settle the nerves and Vittorio made it 2-0 after 12 minutes with a cunning corner that sneaked directly in. A five-minute period of panic however undid all the good work and Palidoro scored first from a corner - the striker was left totally unmarked and headed home - and then from a shot that rebounded off Vittorio and went in: 2-2. But Ambrit collected themselves and finished the first half with an Alberto goal and a Santiago save to turn around with a 3-2 lead.

Jonah came on for the second half and made a fantastic clearance off the line with Bernardo already beaten. But Palidoro did equalise when a long shot somehow evaded everybody and rolled into the net. Both teams now attacked, looking for the winner. Bernardo was left alone on two occasions to face down opponents and he won the battle both times. Them, with just 5 minutes left to play, a Pedro shot was deflected high into the air and, when it came down beside the far post, Santiago was on hand to nod it home.

Carlo and Vittorio were outstanding in defence today and Pedro, particularly in the first half, governed the centre of midfield with authority.

TEAM: Santiago (Bernardo); Bernardo (Giulio), Carlo, Vittorio;  Alberto, Pedro, Mattia (Jonah); Zach (Santiago)