ACLI League: Ambrit 1-0 S. Catarina

 Ambrit got back on the winning trail today with a narrow victory over a much-improved team from S. Catarina. The hosts might have scored an early goal in either half, Alberto lifting an early opportunity over the bar in the first half, Lorenzo doing the same at the start of the second period. The visitors came close to an early goal in the first half too, their no. 15 rattling the crossbar with a well-taken free kick.

Ambrit finally scored when Lorenzo invented a clever strike from a free kick on the left, his low shot into the corner taking the keeper by surprise. Another good game from Kevin, Carlo and Dylan in defence.

TEAM: Cameron, Dylan, Kevin, Carlo, Emilio, Alberto, Nicolas, Lorenzo, Antonio

Serafico Bianco 4-3 Ambrit

 Ambrit dominated the first half but they were let down by some very poor shooting, some overly casual passing and some lazy tackling. The home side took the lead after 15' against the run of play but Vittorio equalised when he timed his run well to get on the end of Alberto's corner. Cameron made it 2-1 when he shot from the edge of the penalty area into the opposite corner but Serafico pulled it back to 2-2 at half time.

Cameron was on target again early in the second half bit Serafico's midfield began to find more and more holes in the Ambrit formation. They had strong runners and Ambrit's tackling was poor. They scored two late goals to take all three points. The only really bright spark for Ambrit today was Hugo's performance in midfield - easily his best game of the year.

Man City 2-1 Salzburg

 Rocco set the tone early on with a couple of shots that were narrowly wide. The Austrians were pinned down for much of the first half and City  had a deserved 2-0 lead at the turnaround, goals from Rocco (an angled shot from a short corner) and Aron ( a tap-in off a Rocco assist). Salzburg improved in the second half and their goal was emblematic: a well-constructed passing move from Michael to Leo to Adam to Leopoldo... goal!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 4, Adam 3, Steve 2, Leo 2, Adrian 2, Gabriele 2, Daniele 2, Aron 1, Sam 1, Michael 1, Giovanni Z 1 

Chelsea 2-0 Lyon

 Chelsea dominated possession and territory today, rarely conceding any attacking chances to their French opponents and creating numerous opportunities for themselves.

Aurora drove the team forward and was always able to depend on intelligent support from Martina. Lavinia was everywhere in midfield, breaking down play after play and, when Chelsea did break through, Alessia made some super saves to keep the teams level at half time.

Chelsea scored immediately in the second half, Aurora'a shot spinning away from Alessia and into the corner of the net. The Blues added a second when Martina's free kick was deflected by Costanza, giving Alessia no chance.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Aurora 4, Martina 3, Alessia 2, Lavinia 2, Costanza 2, Ella 1

ACLI League: Ambrit 1-5 Monteverde

 Ambrit suffered their first defeat of the season today and they fully deserved to lose. Only Dylan, Kevin and Carlo played to their usual standard - everybody else was strangely off-form. Coach Corcoran looked like the recent Jurgen Klopp on the sideline, with that 'where-is-our-winning-team-gone?' look on his face. Half-time 0-2 down; second half: 0-3, 0-4, 1-4 (Dylan), 1-5.

Next week: big test of character: can we bounce back!?

Ajax 4-0 Atletico

 The first period was even but Ale took advantage of some confusion in the penalty area to give Ajax 1-0 lead. In period 2, Tiago should have a added a second but he somehow blasted the ball over from 2 meters out! Diego shot well but Francesco made a good save. At the other end, Antonio was pouring in a series of shots but all were just too high or just wide of the post. Ale made it 2-0 off an Emilio assist; Emilio made it 3-0 off an Ale assist. Diego's third period goal closed off the match.

Best Player points: Ale 5, Antonio A 4, Emilio 3, Matteo 3, Adriano M 2, Francesco 2, Tiago 1, Joshua 1 

Man City 2-2 Real Madrid

 Another intensely competitive game, another draw, another match down and the classifica is getting tight! Daniele gave City the lead in the first period when he followed up on Rocco's run and shot, after the shot was well-saved by Ryan. But Real fought back quickly and Marco, scoring freely these days, bagged an equaliser.

In the second period, Real took the lead through Hugo but City forced an equaliser this time, Remy unlucky when the ball rebounded in off him. Both sides tried hard in period 3 to capture all three points, but neither side could manage it.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 5, Marco 4, Carlo 3, Daniele 3, Gabriele 3, Hugo 1, Giovanni Z 1, Remy 1

Chelsea 4-0 Arsenal

 Nell'atteso derby inglese il Chelsea si dimostra squadra molto solida e liquida con un perentorio 4-0 le smarrite avversarie: Aurora mette a segno un terribile 1-2 nel primo tempo, consolidato dalla doppietta di Martina nel secondo tempo. Alle avversarie non resta che rimanere a guardare, visto anche il momento difficile dal punto di vista fisico della stessa delle Gunners, Sara.

A guidare le offensive dell'Arsenal ci hanno provato con grande insistenza e convinzione Marina e Alessandra, davvero lodevoli per impegno e tecnica, ma che di fronte a loro hanno trovato il "muro" di Naila ed Erica.

Nulla da fare per Annika, Lubiana e compagne, che sono però alla prima sconfitta e quindi possono ancora ben sperare di qualificarsi per la finale.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Aurora R 4, Martina 4, Marina 2, Freydis 2, Alessandra 2, Lubiana 1, Erica 1, Naila 1, Sara M 1, Vittoria 1.

ACLI League: Serafico 1-2 Ambrit

 This was one of Ambrit's best victories in their last two seasons of highly successful ACLI football: a bigger, unfamiliar pitch; some bigger, stronger opponents; a tired team after the morning's RISA endeavours and a hot Spring sun - but hey, no problemo! 

The home side did take the lead in the first half but some fantastic defending from Kevin and Trym kept the score down and allowed Ambrit to gain a foothold in the game as the first half wound down. A good run by Vittorio then won a free kick on the edge of the area and Dylan fired home an equaliser.

The half time break afforded some valuable rest time for the players and some of them were looking nearly as deflated as the ball(!). But they came out for the second half looking determined and ready to go. Dylan now had the big n.9 in his pocket and Kevin continued to play like a man possessed. Carlo was insuperabile again (just like this morning!). When Serafico did get some chances, Trym made two more fantastic saves. Emilio came into the game more towards the end, setting up Vittorio for one goal - converted! - and then for another - wasted, with a ballet move that did not come off😠.

TEAM: Trym, Dylan, Carlo, Kevin, Cameron, Vittorio, Emilio, Oliver, Antonio.

Ambrit pulls off a Spectacular Double!

 In an exciting morning of football, Ambrit pulled off a spectacular double win, taking both the u11 and the u14 RISA Football trophies on offer!

On the Big Pitch, the MS boys began the day with a 1-1 draw against a big, strong team from Marymount. Adam bagged the Ambrit goal and the team followed up with a 2-1 win over RIS (Daniele, Hugo on target) and a 1-1 draw with New School (Daniele again). Meanwhile, Marymount had won their other games easily and were already qualified for the final. St George's too were doing well and so the Ambrit vs SGBIS match was decisive. A draw was enough to put the team from La Storta into the final; Ambrit needed a win. After 10', SGBIS led 2-0, their no. 10 wreaking havoc. But then Vittorio broke through three tackles and fired home to set the stage for a brilliant Ambrit comeback, cemented by a brilliant performance from Ryana and a wonderful doppietta from Marco! The first was a shot into the top corner to make it 2-2, the second a last-minute header past a despairing goalkeeper!

And so to the final versus Marymount... 0-0 after 20'... penalty shoot-out... 3-0 to Ambrit!!!

MedCup News: Ambra signs a new contract with Ambrit!

 

Alessandro Ambra was welcomed back to the team today by a smiling Vittorio. With Ambra proudly displaying the No. 7 shirt that is surely destined to become as famous as Ronaldo's, di Paola commented: "Aho, e 'mo je famo vede' a questi de Verona!" 

Salzburg 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Salzburg's long wait for a win is over! With the return of Leo in defence, the team was transformed but they had a tough trial against this Atletico team. Vittorio was shooting at every opportunity: vicious shots that ere often blocked or just wide or saved by Adrian. He made one good stop in each period: the first two from Vittorio shots, the third from a Vittorio header. Salzburg's moment came in period 3: a move involving Michael and Leo worked the ball to Oliver in the area and his pass found Adam in just enough space to allow him to poke the ball home!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Leo 5, Adrian 5, Vittorio 2, Antonio A 2, Adam 2, Francesco 1, Oliver 1, Michael 1, Emilio E 1, Giovanni V 1

Real 2-1 Atletico

 This was a typical derby game: hard tackles, constant effort, barely-concealed rivalry. Only one goal in the first half and it came when Tommaso stole a ball and found Ashton in space just 2 meters out and Ashton made no mistake. Vittorio almost equalised when he hit a good free kick but Ryan saved well. Atletico did score after the break, Max pouncing on a loose ball and turning it home. But Real came back again and Tommaso, always alert today, won the ball in the area, turned well and squeezed the ball home.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Tommaso 4, Ryan 3, Vittorio 2, Antonio 2, Marco 2, Hugo 2, Carlo 2, Ashton 1, Matteo 1, Remy 1, Giovanni V 1 

RISA Girls Tournament

 Le ragazze Ambrit disputano un ottimo torneo con le pari età delle scuole internazionali di Roma e finiscono a pari punti con le vincitrici, ma al secondo posto per differenza reti, in una bellissima mattinata di sport.

Dagli esordi il torneo mette in mostra una squadra, la New School of Rome, che sembra in netta superiorità tecnica rispetto alle altre formazioni: la valanga di gol con cui sommerge prima la St. George's Dragons e poi la Castelli International non lascia molte speranze alle altre squadre presenti. In particolare una talentuosa giocatrice della NSR, che milita nelle giovanili della Roma, sembra letteralmente immarcabile dalle avversarie.

Tuttavia le ragazze dell'Ambrit iniziano con grinta e fiducia il loro cammino, sconfiggendo la St. George's con un netto 2-0 (doppietta di Aurora), e permettendosi di "sbagliare" almeno altre 3-4 occasioni nette.

La seconda partita - contro la Castelli - finisce 3-1, sempre in favore delle nostre ragazze, con doppietta di Aurora e gol di Irene.

Tutti ormai hanno capito che lo scontro diretto Ambrit-NSR sarà decisivo ai fini della vittoria, dato che non ci sarà una finale. La partita è accesissima: Mr. Antonio schiera una doppia marcatura sulla stella della NSR, che in effetti sarà totalmente bloccata da Bianca e Irene. Le nostre ragazze vanno in vantaggio con Aurora, ma vengono raggiunte quasi immediatamente dalla New School. La partita procede a fiammate, ma è l'Ambrit a tenere il pallino del gioco. Su calcio d'angolo di Martina una sfortunata deviazione riporta in vantaggio l'Ambrit, che ora ci crede davvero. Il punteggio regge fino alla fine della partita, quando un rimbalzo inganna la nostra grande Freydis e blocca il punteggio sul 2-2 finale. Peccato.

L'ultima partita vede la vittoria di misura 1-0 sulla seconda squadra della St. George's, ma ormai il trofeo è sfuggito.

In generale un ottimo esordio per le ragazze, che hanno dimostrato grinta, tecnica e tanto cuore.

MVP: Aurora e Martina.

Ajax 4-1 Salzburg

 Salzburg held the Dutch Champions for most of an even and highly entertaining game but then lost the ball at some crucial times and lost the points as well. Adam was very active all through the game and, in the first half, he tested Trym with four attempts. One was wide and Trym made some good saves for the other three. But Ajax stole the lead before half-time. Emilio passed to Antonio and the Brazilian ace finished it off.

Tiago made it 2-0 early in the second half but Salzburg continued to press forward. Adam and Oliver combined well with Sara, on-loan from Arsenal today, and Oliver pulled one back when he got a leg to Adam's long shot to force it home. But Ajax were back in front by two goals almost immediately, Diego shooting low past Adrian. Adrian made a great save shortly afterwards but an own-goal from Steve completed Salzburg's misery and their hunt for that elusive first point goes on.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Adam 4, Oliver 3, Trym 3, Michael 2, Giulio 2, Emilio 2, Sara 1, Diego 1, Tiago 1, Sam 1, Steve 1

Ajax 6-1 PSG

 PSG showed a little more enterprise in attack today but the defence continues to leak goals. Ajax moved the ball around well, using their three touches economically and sensibly and the goals were scored by Ale, Diego, Tiago, Emilio, Ale again and Giulio. Aurora replied for the girls.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Bianca 4, Ale 3, Emilio 3, Aurora 2, Sara 3, Lavinia 1, Ella 1, Adriano C 1, Clara 1, Diego 1

ACLI Champions League: Nomen 3-3 Ambrit

 For the second time this season, the league's two strongest teams tied in a six-goal thriller. After a scoreless first half, the game exploded into life and the home side were soon 2-0 up. The new-look Ambrit team, refreshed with four recruits from the January transfer window, looked a little bewildered but Giorgio pulled them back into the game; his strong shot was parried by the keeper but Giorgio followed up and smashed home the rebound: game on! The next goal was similar: Dylan's well-struck free kick from the left was fumbled by the goalkeeper and this time it was Daniele who followed up to bundle the ball over the line. At 2-2, both sides might have settled for a point but neither did... and neither did the referee, awarding yet another free kick in a central position to Nomen. And they scored, to make it 3-2 with just seconds to play. 

But seconds were all that Daniele needed to equalise again. Pouncing on a loose ball in midield, he unleashed a perfectly-struck and perfectly-placed shot just inside the left post to give Ambrit a well-earned point! 

Atletico Madrid 0-4 Liverpool

Today’s match was evenly contested until late in period 2 and then Louis’s team put their foot down and accelerated away. Two goals from Gianmarco - the second one from a horrendous series of defensive errors - put Atletico on the back foot and then Lorenzo delivered the knockout punch with February’s Goal of the Month. Patrick finished it off with a low free-kick that found its way through a crowd of players.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antonio A 4, Gianmarco 3, Patrick 3, Matteo T 2, Francesco 2, Emilio E 2, Kevin 1, Giovanni P 1, Yufan 1, Lorenzo 1, Christian 1

Lyon 2-2 AS Roma

 Decisamente non una partita per deboli di cuore quella giocata oggi all'Ambrit Stadium, con due squadre disposte a tutto per conquistare i tre punti: gol, spettacolo e molto agonismo.

Parte forte la Roma, con le folate offensive di Irene e Bianca, ben supportate da Clotilde, ma il Lyon regge bene, anche grazie agli innesti di Aurora (che neutralizza Sara) e Alessandra. Tuttavia la buona difesa francese cede al colpo da maestra di Bianca che, su rimessa del portiere, lascia partire un tiro spiovente che s'infila sotto la traversa: 1-0 Roma. 

Il Lyon prende coraggio e rischia di più, consapevole di dover recuperare lo svantaggio e - allo scadere del primo tempo - la zampata di Ella, dopo azione insistita, s'infila in rete per il momentaneo 1-1.

Nella ripresa le due squadre si affrontano senza esclusione di colpi: Lavinia è una furia su tutti i palloni, Irene sembra un mastino, Bianca non smette di lottare, Margherita inventa colpi al limite della fisica ed Ella sembra posseduta. Ma a fare la differenza è Clotilde, che si avventa su un pallone inavvertitamente lasciato nell'area dal portiere. La rimessa sbatte proprio contro la romanista ed entra in porta: 2-1.

Manca una manciata di minuti al termine e il Lyon si riversa in attacco, ma la Roma sembra molto ben organizzata. L'ultima prodezza spetta però alle francesi, che con l'incredibile azione personale di Ella trovano il pareggio all'ultimo secondo! WOW...che partita!

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Ella 5, Clotilde 4, Irene 3, Lavinia 3, Margherita 3, Bianca 3, Alessia 1, Clara 1, Sofia 1, Azzurra 1.

Ajax 6-2 Manchester City

 Returning from his recent controversial sendiing-off, Capitan Cellini led the way for Ajax today with two early goals, the first from a Diego-Ale assist and the second from another Ale assist. Alessandro himself added a third while, at the other end, Giovanni rattled the bar with a long shot from his own half. City did manage to shake things up later on: Dani was lively up front and danced around Trym to score goal and give City some hope, but Diego snuffed it out soon after with a fourth for the Dutch champions. Antonio nipped in with a sneaky header for number 5 and the scoring was completed with Gabriele's cool finish and Antonio's second.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 6, Daniele 4, Antonio 3, Adriano M 3, Emilio 2, Gabriele 1, Maverick 1,  Diego 1

Real Madrid 5-0 PSG

 A bad start today from PSG, allowing too much time on the ball to their opponents, merciless in pressing home their advantage.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo 5, Hugo 3, Ryan 2, Martina 2, Sara 2, Freydis 2, Bianca 1, Clara 1, Marco 1, Tommaso 1, Nicola 1 

Chelsea 1-1 AS Roma

 Una partita entusiasmante, per intensità e determinazione delle due squadre, per agonismo - sul filo della correttezza - e per una crescente capacità di produrre gioco. Insomma: oggi all'Ambrit ci siamo davvero divertiti e credo si sia divertito anche il pubblico numeroso, che dagli spalti non ha smesso di incoraggiare le protagoniste del match.

Inizialmente il Chelsea ha preso in mano le redini del gioco, con un dialogo stretto tra Aurora e Martina, sempre pericolose, ma oggi, forse, poco concrete rispetto alle occasioni create. Nel primo tempo, tuttavia, la formazione inglese non sfonda, complice la resistenza di Bianca, Irene e Clotilde a centrocampo.

All'inizio del secondo tempo il Chelsea passa, grazie a un ottimo controllo di Aurora, che serve Martina al limite dell'area: stop di destro, un passo avanti e bomba all'angolino! La partita sembra indirizzata, ma la Roma non ci sta e inizia a macinare occasioni. Naila mette giù Bianca e si becca un cartellino giallo. Il gioco diventa più acceso e la Roma guadagna una punizione sulla trequarti: si incarica della battuta Bianca, Aurora in porta compie un mezzo miracolo, ma sulla ribattuta Sara si avventa sul pallone e tira forte, infilando la palla - con deviazione - tra palo e portiere. Pareggio!

Nei minuti finali entrambe le squadre sfiorano i tre punti vittoria, ma il punteggio rimane sull'1-1.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: 

Bianca 4, Irene 4, Martina 4, Aurora R 3, Sara P 3, Erica 2, Clotilde 2, Maeve 1, Aditi 1, Vittoria 1.

Ajax 6-1 Liverpool

 Ajax paraded their expensive new signing today and Ambra did not disappoint, firing in all six goals. The first three goals came in period 1 and Liverpool never really recovered. Gianmarco did get a shot in but Trym saved well. One more goal was added in period 2 and Gianmarco almost scored, not quite finishing off a good move involving Kevin and Lorenzo. Ale scored twice again in period 3 and Gianmarco did manage a reply for the Scousers.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Alessandro 8, Gianmarco 3, Adriano M 3, Emilio 2, Kevin 2, Lorenzo 1, Antonio F 1, Matteo T 1 

Arsenal 3-0 Lyon

 Bella vittoria dell'Arsenal, che ha trovato un equilibrio e una solidità migliori rispetto alla prima partita e si è "sbarazzato" di un avversario pericoloso come il Lyon, che aveva dato parecchio fastidio all'altra contendente al titolo, il Chelsea.

Sicuramente hanno pesato le assenze importanti, Margherita sulla sponda francese e Freydis su quella inglese, ma - senza il filtro a centrocampo - l'Arsenal ha avuto gioco facile sulla difesa, una volta superata la barriera Ella-Lavinia-Clara.

Molto buone le prestazioni di Sara, autrice di una doppietta, e della promessa Marina, sempre più centrale nel gioco dell'Arsenal e capace anche di andare a rete.

Il Lyon non deve perdersi d'animo, tutto è ancora possibile, con una buona organizzazione e con tanta, tanta grinta.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Marina 4, Sara M 4, Lavinia 2, Clara 2, Ella 2, Alessandra 1, Lubiana 1, Annika 1.

ACLI League: BravettaDue 0-4 Ambrit

 Despite a decidedly below-par first half performance, Ambrit went in at half time with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a lovely goal from Cameron and an impoertant save jusr before the break from Trym.

The second half performance was much better. Lorenzo stretched the lead with a low shot just inside the post. Dylan's free kick was on target and a slight deflection helped it in. And Daniele scored the fourth goal: looking to be blocked by the defender, he turned first inside and then outside and found the net with a low cross-shot to the opposite corner.

TEAM: Trym, Kevin, Vittorio, Dylan, Emilio, Cameron, Oliver, Lorenzo, Daniele, Carlo, Hugo 

Atletico Madrid 3-1 Manchester City

 After a scoreless first period, Giovanni took the Spanish side by surprise with a goal straight from the restart. But this served only to spur their opponents to play with greater determination and Atletico soon started to threaten Giovanni's goal. Vittorio gave ample warning with a rocket from 20m out that flew back off the bar. Soon after, Vittorio got the ball wide on the right and fired in another rocket from an impossible angle: Giovanni parried but Max was on hand to tap in the rebound: 1-1. The Vittorio show continued in period 3 when he made a chance for himself and bried a low shot past Giovanni to make it 2-1 and then, not long from the end, he sewed up the points with another low shot into the bottom corner.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 6, Giovanni Z 3, Matteo 3, Antonio 3, Daniele 1, Gabriele 1, Francesco 1, Max 1, Rocco 1, Jacopo 1

Real Madrid 4-0 RB Salzburg

 Salzburg's disastrous start to the Champion's league continued today as they shipped another four goals to a well-organised team from Spain. Marco set the tone in period 1 with a well-taken goal and Hugo almost made it two but was denied by Adrian. Ashton came on for period 2 and made his presence felt, twice finishing well off assists from Marco and Carlo. In the final period, Madrid continued to push forward. Nico shot, Adriano saved; Carlo shot, Adriano saved... and again... and again... until Hugo did beat Adrian off another Marco assist. Marco hit the bar towards the end and Leopoldo had a chance at the other end, but Ryan saved. Assured performances at the back today from Carlo and Remy. Ryan's clever moves in the transfer market look like they might just pay off!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Remy 3, Carlo 3, Marco 2, Michael 2, Sam 2, Adrian 2, Adam 2, Nicola 2, Hugo 1, Ashton 1, Leopoldo 1

LYON 1-1 CHELSEA

Lyon e Chelsea si sono affrontate a viso aperto in una gara equilibrata e combattuta: il pareggio finale è forse il risultato giusto per quello che si è visto in campo. 

La formazione di Costanza ha preso da subito in mano il pallino del gioco, ma l'iniziale assenza di Naila ha costretto le inglesi a giocare tutto su Aurora e Martina, con l'ottima Erica in copertura. Il tandem ha funzionato bene fino al vantaggio, siglato proprio da Martina, lanciata a rete da Aurora dopo un intervento al limite.

Nel secondo tempo il Lyon ha preso coraggio e consapevolezza di non essere inferiore, riuscendo a dominare in difesa grazie alle buone prestazioni di Margherita ed Ella, e alla solidità di capitan Lavinia (oggi player of the Match). Il parteggio giunge proprio con Ella, con un tiro dalla distanza che sorprende il portiere, e nel finale Naila deve evitare addirittura la sconfitta con una scivolata spettacolare.

Un pareggio giusto, insomma, a tratti spettacolare, mai noioso.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Lavinia 4, Aurora R 3, Margherita 2, Ella 2, Martina 2, Clara 2, Naila 1, Erica 1, Aditi 1, Alessia 1.

ACLI League: Simplicitas 2-4 Ambrit

Without captain Vittorio and veteran midfielder Alberto, Ambrit's squad depth was tested today and was not found wanting. With Carlo, Kevin and Dylan in scintillating form in defence, Emilio doing a good impression of Martin Odegaard in midfield, Lorenzo in free-scoring form up front and Antonio, Nicholas and Daniele in top form too, the three points were scooped up again and Ambrit continue their unbeaten run this year.

Dylan was first to test the opposition goalkeeper with a rasping shot and then Lorenzo set up Antonio but he screwed the shot wide. This was a good day for the young g7 midfielder though, his best game to date. Emilio played Lorenzo in for another chance, but Lorenzo's opening goal came 4' later - this time off a Dylan assist. Cameron, heroically in goal today despite not feeling well, made a good save just before the break.

Emilio played well today in central midfield

Ambrit needed to convert their possession into goals in the second half... and they did. Lorenzo made it 2-0 very quickly and more chances followed. Lorenzo played in Daniele: a near miss; Emilio played in Daniele with a lovely reverse pass: another near miss; Daniele played himself in, beating two defenders to set up a one-on-one with the goalkeeper: another near miss as the keeper saved well. Dani played in Dylan: another near miss! The third goal finally did come, Daniele finally finishing one off. The hosts pulled one back (was it really a goal?) and then another but Lorenzo sealed the win with the third of his hat-trick.

TEAM: Cameron, Carlo, Kevin, Dylan, Emilio, Nicholas, Antonio, Lorenzo, Daniele

 

Man City 6-1 PSG

 A lack of discipline could have cost the Blues dearly today but the City players who were left on the pitch after the two red cards were able to maintain superiority over an improving PSG team. Victor and Daniele had City ahead by the time Rocco was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Alessia, and Daniele had made it 3-0 just before Aron followed Rocco off the pitch for a second yellow card. Both players will miss the crunch tie on Feb 3rd versus Atletico Madrid. The other goals today came from Gabriele and Giovanni (2), the Gallic reply from Clara.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Daniele 7, Lavinia 3, Giovanni Z 3, Irene 2, Gabriele 2, Clara 1, Aron 1, Ella 1, Sara 1

Liverpool 5-0 Salzburg

 With multi-million Euro signing Becherini on the bench, the Austrian champions could do nothing to stop a rampant Liverpool in the first half. Patrick was all over the place in the first half, linking the play from defence to attack and scoring the opening goal. Gianmarco then took over the goalscoring duties and rifled home one, two, three, four before half-time.

Salzburg collected themselves during the break and played much better in the second half. Adam hit the post and had a couple of shots cleared off the line; Michael and Steve cleared everything at the back.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Patrick 5, Gianmarco 4, Adam 3, Michael 3, Steve 2, Erik 1, Leopoldo 1, Vincent 1, Lorenzo 1

Arsenal 1-0 AS Roma

 Un'ingenuità nei primi due minuti ben sfruttata da Annika ha permesso all'Arsenal di guadagnare i primi tre punti del campionato 2023 e di portarsi momentaneamente in testa alla classifica. La Roma, d'altro canto, complice l'assenza del capitano Sofia, non è riuscita a creare molti pericoli dalle parti di Freydis, sempre comunque molto attenta e reattiva. Buone le prove delle due difese, con una menzione particolare per Alessandra, che non ha sbagliato un intervento.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Sara M 4, Sara P 3, Alessandra 3, Irene 2, Bianca 2, Lubiana 2, Freydis 1, Annika 1, Marina 1, Clotilde 1, Maeve 1.

ACLI League: Monteverde 2-5 Ambrit

 In what was possibly Ambrit's best team performance of the season so far, the boys from Via Tajani held off their bigger opponents and picked up another three points in the race for this year's title!

Ambrit is accustomed to a difficult match at this venue and, again today, the first 10' were a bit of a trial as Monteverde piled on the pressure and got three good shots on goal - but Trym was on form and kept them all out. Ambrit's starting defensive line of Kevin, Vittorio and Dylan were slowly getting a measure of the task though and, in midfield, Oliver was closing people down well on the right and Emilio was starting to find space going forward on the left. Cameron was everywhere and, in fact, was on hand to fire home a surprise opening goal when Lorenzo laid it back into his path. The home side now redoubled their efforts and, when Ambrit conceded an unnecessary free kick in a dangerous position, they nabbed an equaliser off the free kick. Half-time, 1-1, even game, all to play for!

Back row: Hugo Cameron, Vittorio, Emilio, Dylan, Lorenzo
Front row: Oliver, Trym, Kevin, Nicolas, Antonio

As the second half began, Nicolas and Hugo came in for Ambrit. Following their late first half equaliser, Monteverde should have had the momentum and confidence to pull ahead but it was Ambrit who scored with the best goal of the day. Dylan played a long ball down the left towards Emilio, who timed his run to meet the ball perfectly on the volley and into the opposite bottom corner beyond the desperate clutches of the goalkeeper. Emilio was then replaced by Antonio and, riding on a wave of enthusiasm, Ambrit added a third goal (Lorenzo) and a fourth (Hugo) and then the hosts pulled one back. But just as this might have been the spark for a late comeback, any nascent flame was snuffed out by Lorenzo's well-taken second goal. 

Liverpool 7-1 PSG

 Liverpool's bargain-basement signing lit up Ambrit Stadium today with an early hat-trick and left PSG with an uphill task in the Spring Intramural Champions' League.

Though kept at bay early on with some fantastic saves from Freydis, Liverpool did find a way through time after time and Gianmarco foolowed up Patrick's tripletta by adding a fourth with a trademark header. Two goals from Kevin and one from Matteo completed Liverpool's tally but some great defending from Lavinia and Bianca kept the scoreline down. A well-taken consolation by Aurora was the least that a courageous PSG deserved.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Freydis 5,  Patrick 4, Lavinia 3, Aurora 3, Gianmarco 2, Louis 2, Kevin 1, Bianca 1 

Teachers 1-2 Grade 7

The crowds left Ambrit stadium in shock yesterday having witnessed one of football’s great upsets. The teachers expected to win comfortably and all was well as Mr Alessandro scored early on with a beautiful back-heeled shot. Later in the first half, Rocco broke through and equalised but the goal was disallowed for handball, a decision later confirmed by VAR.

In the second half, Rocco struck the crossbar with a good shot and then he tested Mr Martin with a free kick. The teachers now had a goal disallowed too, Mr Piccolo’s final touch judged to be illegal. Rocco shot wide again and then Mr Martin made a fantastic double save, first from Daniele and then from Rocco who was following up. IT seemed that g7 were destined not to score but then Mr Cristiani’s rigid interpretation of the penalty rule gave Giovanni a chance from the spot: he didn’t miss and now it was 1-1 with five minutes to play.

G7 got a corner on the right. Rocco went to take it. The situation seemed to be under control for the teachers but Rocco had other ideas. Taking everyone by surprise, he hammered the ball directly into the opposite corner to seal this historic win!

Transfer Market - Girls

 

Transfer Market 2023 - Girls

All four captains bid for Aurora but Costanza edged out her rivals and put a 75 million price tag on the g7 ace. Costanza picked up Martina for 15 million and wrapped up her spending with Naila.

Ella was also on everyone’s shopping list but she will play for Lyon, where she will team up with g8 colleague Clara (50 million!) and expert goalkeeper Alessia.

Irene was a bargain at 20 million and she will surely drive Roma to glory. Bianca cost 70 million and Sara P makes up the trio.

Arsenal did good business too, landing Lubiana and Sara M for a combined fee of 30 million! Alessandra joins them at Highbury.

Transfer Market 2023 - Boys

 The Spring Intramural got underway with some furious bidding in the January transfer market. Three captains launched significant bids for last year's Best Player but Antonio's 80 million won out to bring Vittorio to Atletico Madrid.

Another huge bid of 75 million was enough for Adriano to land Alessandro and the Dutch champions also managed to add two more g8 players in Tiago and Emilio P. 

Manchester City on the other hand are pursuing a youth policy and have invested in three g7 prospects, including goalkeeper Giovanni Z who cost a hefty 65 million.  

The prize for bargain hunter of the day must surely go to Louis who grabbed Top Scorer Gianmarco for a meagre 30 million and Patrick for just 10. 

Teachers 5-0 Grade 6

 A dominant display from the teachers today sent a warning to all of the student teams that these old fogies are not to be taken lightly!

Nicola spurned an early chance to score from the spot and then Mr. Max (with a header) and Mr Alessandro (with a shot) almost opened the scoring. Mr Piccolo did score though - merciless attacker that he is - to put the teachers ahead.

But the students, despite the final scoreline, did play well. Tommaso played Emilio in but he couldn't sort his feet out in time and he finished weakly. Emilio had another chance almost immediately but this too was wasted. Jacopo was next: another good chance spurned. All of these chances were the result of good running off the ball and good quick passing. But the teachers' finishing was sharper, and a lovely passing move down the left (Piccolo - Max - Alessandro) was finished by the tennis ace for 2-0.

Second half: Mr Max scored an early goal and then supplied the assist for goal four by Mr Piccolo. The teachers were cruising now and Mr Chad almost got onto the scoresheet, but Mr Piccolo supplied the necessary tap in and completed another hat-trick, his third in as many years.

Boys' Final: Wales 1-3 Germany

 Hot favourites Wales fell at the last hurdle today as Germany used all their tournament nous to rack up a historic victory. Germany looked solid from the start. Giovanni in goal radiated confidence to the whole team and Emilio up front never gave the Welsh defenders a moment of peace. Adam was strong in midfield and captain Gianmarco was... well, he played like a captain. Wales almost took the lead in the first period but Gabriel's header was just too high. Ashton made no mistake for Germany though: 1-0.

In period 2, Tiago came out of goal and transformed the welsh attack, adding energy and penetration and setting up Daniele for an equaliser... but the shot was blocked and the teams headed into the last period.

Germany struck again. Kevin played a pass to Emilio and he shot home to make it 2-0. But Vittorio wasn't giving up easily and he drove home an unstoppable shot to make it 2-1. Would this be Argentina-France all over again? Almost... and Ryan did make a save from Gianmarco that rivaled the save of Martinez for Argentina and left the Welsh with a chance to get back into the game. But, alas for them, Gianmarco got another chance and this time Ryan couldn't quite keep out the close-range header.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Emilio E 4, Carlo C 3, Tiago 3, Ryan 2, Giovanni Z 2, Adam 1, Kevin 1, Tommaso 1, Vittorio 1, Gabriele 1, Daniele 1, Gianmarco 1  

Third Place Final: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon

 A closely-contested encounter in today's antipasto. Rocco scored the game's only goal and sent a challenge to Gianmarco et al for the Top Scorer Award. All to play for in today's final!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo 5, Rocco 3, Patrick 3, Francesco 2, Aron 2, Leo 2, Marco 2, Lorenzo 2

ACLI League: Ambrit 10-4 Santa Caterina

 The unfortunate visitors made their lives difficult fromthe off, gifting an own goal to their hosts after just 6' of play. Ambrit pressed home their advantage and Antonio was well  positioned to bundle a second goal over the line and Vittorio made it 3-0 after 15'. Daniel coverted Lorenzo's assist before S. Caterina pulled two goals back just before the break.

The visitors came back out for the second half fully intending to get back into the game. But Ambrit weren't about to allow that. Cameron picked out Lorenzo: 5-2; Lorenzo picked out Dylan: 6-2; Cameron made it 7 and Dylan made it 8. The teams swapped four more goals before the end, Vittorio and Lorenzo scoring for Ambrit.

TEAM: Trym, Carlo, Vittorio, Dylan, Cameron, Antonio, Kevin, Daniele, Daniel, Lorenzo

Boys SF: Germany 3-1 Mexico

 Europe versus S. America and the Europeans progress to next Wednesday's final where they face hot favourites, Wales. Gianmarco put his team ahead in period 1 with a penalty and Adam made it 2-0 in period 2. Rocco pulled a goal back and Leo stuck a shot low and hard just past the post as Mexico made a fight of it.

Gianmarco could have wrapped it all up in period 3 but his shot on the turn from close range was well saved by Giovanni P, but he did score minutes from the end off an Adam assist. 

BEST PLAYER POINTS:  Gianmarco 5, Giovanni Z 3, Francesco 2, Nicola 1, Rocco 2, Leo 2, Trym 1, Adam 1, Emilio 1, Kevin 1, Giovanni P 1, Adam 1

CROAZIA CAMPIONE! Croazia 3-2 Malta

 La tanto attesa finale del torneo femminile, combattuta ed equilibrata, giocata a viso a aperto da tutte e due le formazioni, si è conclusa sul punteggio di 0-0 e si è risolta solamente ai calci di rigore. 

Il tempo di gioco ha visto due formazioni combattive, determinate e abbastanza organizzate. Malta forse ha prodotto qualcosina in più sul piano del palleggio, affidandosi alle ripartenze di Martina e Aurora, davvero molto pericolose quando avevano la palla al piede, ma poco precise al tiro. La Croazia, con il tipico atteggiamento avuto durante tutti i mondiali, ha aspettato e ha limitato gli avversari, grazie a un buon blocco difensivo, oggi impersonato egregiamente da Ella e dall'eroina della giornata Alessia. Quest'ultima è stata infatti protagonista assoluta, prima neutralizzando un colpo di testa ravvicinato di Aurora nei minuti finali, poi ai rigori, ipnotizzando le avversarie e mostrando una sorprendente rapidità nell'intuire il tiro della calciatrice di turno.

Vince dunque la Croazia il primo intramural stagionale, in attesa di conoscere le squadre che usciranno dal Calciomercato di gennaio.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Alessia 5, Ella 4, Aurora R 3, Martina 3, Naila 2, Lubiana 1, Clara 1, Lavinia 1, Alessandra 1, Clotilde 1.

Boys SF: Wales 2-1 Cameroon

 The Welsh Dragon continued its regal march to the final with a deserved victory over Cameroon. Wales went 1-0 up when Vittorio blasted a free kick low towards the bottom corner; Daniel almost cleared the ball but it got past him and into the net. In period 2, Vittorio almost doubled the lead but Patrick made a great save and then saved again from Antonio's follow-up, pushing the ball onto the post and away. The applause for Patrick had barely died down when he disappointed the crowd, not dealing with a much easier shot from Tiago: 2-0. Cameroon upped the tempo for the last few minutes. Daniel forced a good save from Ryan and Lorenzo pulled a goal back, too little, too late.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 5, Daniel 2, Daniele P 2, Lorenzo 2, Martino 2, Tiago 1, Gabriele 1, Ryan 1, Carlo C 1, Carlo T 1, Antonio F 1, Patrick 1, Louis 1

ACLI League: OMC 2-8 Ambrit

 Cameron got us off to a flying start today, with a well-struck shot that fizzed low off the wet pitch to put Ambrit 1-0 up after just 3 minutes. But the team didn't settle: possession was wasted, passes went awry, players were not ready to receive the ball. Ambrit paid the price and were hauled back to 1-1. 

But normal service was soon resumed. The introduction of Alberto to the key central midfield position stabilised things a little and the scoreline changed rapidly. A feathery touch from Emilio: 2-1; a neat one-two with Daniele and Alberto made it 3-1; two good assists from Oliver and Cameron + Daniel brought the total to five. A crazy own goal from midfield made it six, OMC pulled one back and Alberto and Dylan rounded things off.

Friendly: Ambrit 1 - 4 St Stephen's

 Ambrit competed well, especially in the first half. With the teams still at 0-0, Daniele hit the post but that was the signal for SSS to wake up. Two quick goals from Bertie (a tap in) and Giorgio (an unstoppable drive) allowed the older team to relax, but Adam had them on their toes again before half time when he pulled one back for the hosts.

The second half looked easier for SSS on the scoreboard but, on the field, it was an even contest right to the end.

TEAM: Tiago, Carlo, Leo, Michael, Kevin, Trym, Oliver, Gabriele, Adam, Daniele, Daniel

Remaining fixtures

 Wed Dec 14 WALES vs Cameroon (BOYS semi-final)

Thu Dec 15 MALTA vs CROATIA GIRLS FINAL

Fri Dec 16 Mexico vs Germany (BOYS semi-final)

Wed Dec 21 BOYS third place final 11.20

Wed Dec 21 BOYS FINAL 14.00

Germany 1-3 England

 England woke up! It must have been Clara in midfield, but suddenly Emilio's team played well. But not in time; England win and go out, Germany lose but go forward to a semi-final versus Mexico. First half goals today from Hugo and Adriano. Kevin played in Ashton for a second half goal for Germany and the Germans pressed hard for an equaliser. Both of today's top players were in fact on the losing team. But the shots that rained in on goal were wide or were saved by Adrian (an especially good save off a Matteo shot!). Captain Emilio topped off his side's win with a well-taken goal, cutting in off the right and sliding it past the hapless goalkeeper.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Adam 3, Ashton 3, Michael 2, Hugo 2, Kevin 2, Adrian 2, Matteo 1, Giovanni Z 1, Adriano 1, Oliver 1, Emilio 1, Gianmarco 1, Trym 1

ACLI League: Ambrit 3-3 Nomen

 After a morning of torrential rainfall, this was a match to warm the cockles of your heart. Ambrit were missing some key players - Vittorio, Carlo and Lorenzo all out - but they still managed to dominate the play for most of the game. Emilio put his team ahead with a beautifully-taken corner, straight over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. An accident? No - all decided before the game! Ambrit had chances to add to their lead before half time but none was taken.

The visitors equalised early in the second half but Ambrit went ahead again when a long free kick from Cameron and Alberto found Daniel at the far post. He was quicker to the ball than either goalkeeper or defender and scored. Ambrit went 3-1 up when Emilio's shot was deflected home and now the three points were there for the taking; but Nomen made it 3-2 when Ambrit didn't clear the ball from defence and the equaliser came soon afterwards. A foul on Cameron was ignored by the referee and the ball fell to Nomen: 3-3.

Ambrit should have won the game at the end. Cameron and Emilio took a quick corner but the referee halted play. Emilio then lofted a lovely corner to the far post, Daniele headed home but the goal was disallowed. Bad decision. 'Pazienza, andiamo avanti'.

Lots of good performances today but one of the smnallest players on the pitch was head and shoulders above everyone. Playing in defence, Kevin was outstanding. Brave in the tackle, composed in possession, clever with his positioning. Grande!

TEAM: Trym, Dylan, Oliver, Kevin, Cameron, Alberto, Emilio, Daniele, Daniel, Antonio, Nicolas

Argentina 1-2 Mexico

 A very tense match, too much complaining to the referee, too many niggly fouls. Ale opened the scoring in period 1 with a typical movement, using his speed to make space, using his skill to shoot accurately. He might have scored a second goal too, but his shot crashed down off the bar... over the line? Maybe, maybe not. No goal.

Rocco's equalising goal came in period 2 and matched Ale's goal for skill and composure. Mexico dominated period 2 and Antonio worked hard to keep the scores level. Mexico won the game in period 3, Adriano pouncing on a loose ball to fire a shot down the middle and into the back of the net.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 4, Ale 4, Max 3, Marco 3, Antonio 2, Adriano 2, Nicola 1, Diego 1, Vincent 1