6-7th April 2019

U8 Green

U8 Red
Mt Eliza U8Red 5 v Skye United 0
Mt Eliza U8 Reds (‘The Reds’) kicked off their season with a solid 5-0 win at home in a dominant first round performance against Skye United. The Reds warmly welcomed some new recruits to the team in Lewis Jedynak and Thomas Allison, who have already endeared themselves to their new team mates, and did not disappoint in their first game of the regular season by putting in solid performances. The team has quickly built upon the great spirt that it created in 2018, with fabulous new players and families coming into our little part of the MESC. The Reds dominated play from the kick-off as Skye Utd struggled to keep the ball in its half due to some influential defensive play from Christian Bethune andCallum Helmore, who continually pushed the ball back into The Reds’ attacking half. Austen Bettess and Ewan Barnes created numerous opportunities upfront, but it was the skillful Christian Bethune who first broke down the Skye defense and calmly notched the Reds first goal of season 2019. The Reds continued to press the Sky goal in the second quarter - but the Skye United keeper was valiant in defence and kept the game alive at half time. In the second half, The Reds looked to up the ante and it was again Callum Helmore, sneaking forward (as is his natural instinct) from a second spell in defence,who slotted home a great second goal making it difficult for Skye to get back into the game. From there, the Reds lifted their game again with Helmore and Bethune securing a brace (2 goals) each. However, the highlight of the day was still to come. It all started with another run from Austen Bettess who weaved his way through the Skye players and then lifted his eyes to attempt a pass (or more likely a long range shot) that deflected off a Skye defender towards his striker - Luke Batey. Luke, who had hit the post earlier, then calmly slotted it home first touch with his right boot from around 5 metres to register his first goal for the team (and the MESC) in imperious fashion – much to the delight of his team mates and all the extended ‘team’ watching from the sidelines. Luke’s solid game and magnificent goal netted him the ‘player of the day’ prize in the form of a bbq voucher. You beauty! The broader team also wanted to extend their thanks to Paul Helmore (Callum’s Dad) for stepping in to the Game Leader (Referee) role in Damien Batey’s (Luke’s Dad) absence (due to work travel). Thank you Paul! What a team. Go Reds! 

U8 Yellow

U8 Blues

U8 Girls
With only 7 players, the girls first ever game together was looking like a tough task. But boy were we wrong.
Not only did the girls play tremendously well, but they were passing and driving the ball down the field like they had been playing together for years.
Each and every player deserves a pat on the back for a fantastic game. Bring on next week...

U9 Orange

U9 Yellow V Brighton Zombies
U9 Yellow had a great start to the season scoring 4 goals against a good team Brighton Zombies. Making it a promising start to the 2019 season.
The first half of the game U9 Yellow created a number of chances, eight in total. Kicks by Tom Ceccato, Rafael Yanes and Charlie Longhurst ended up wide, deflected or on the hands of the Brighton Goal Keeper who had a very nerving 20 minutes of play. U9 Yellow had the majority of possession leaving Brighton Zombies scrambling to defend an onslaught of shots on goal. Brighton on the counter attack proved to be clinical with few attempts, U9 Yellow goal keeper and defence managed to intercept most attacks in the midfield thanks to a brilliant performance by Phoenix Roswell. The Yellow's goalie stopped a total 3 shots on goal during the half. Brighton in the end managed to score past the Yellow's goal keeper on the dying seconds of the first half with a brilliant strike by the Brighton striker. It looked to be a poor payback for a brilliant start by U9 Yellow.
In the second Half the Yellows swapped goal keepers, with Archie Lucas swapping the gloves with Ben Hobbis-hanrahan. Second half u9 yellow made a number of changes to their formation playing wider wingers with Ben Hobbis-hanrahan and Carlo Suracce taking the wide attack with Phoenix Roswell playing holding Mid-fielder and Charlie Longhurst , Ohian Aramendi Roberts sharing the role of forwards . On defence Will Combes and Rafael Yanes. The changes payed almost immediately within the first five minute of play Charlie Longhurst scored a brace, assisted by Phoenix Roswell and Carlo Suracce. A third was in the cards with a brilliant assist by Ohian Aremendi-Roberts pass to Charlie Longhurst. At the 10 minute mark two subs where introduced Robbie Van Krieken took to the forward line andlong with Callum Nicoll. Soon after joining the game Robbie received an assist from Ben Hobbis-hanrahan to release a full volley 12 yards from the Brigton goal scoring the forth goal for U9 yellow. This was Robby's first goal for the team and the goal that proved to be the difference between the two teams as a late rally by Brighton and a lax in concentration by U9 Yellow saw them concede two goals in the last 5 minutes of the game. In the dying seconds Archie Lucas made two crucial saves denying Brighton an equalising goal. Match Day 1 for MESC U9 Yellow 4 - Brigthon Zombies 3.

U9 Gold

U9 Blue

U9 Green

U10 Kangaroos Red v Brighton Blue Tornadoes
The players, coaches and parents were all very excited for the start of the season, our first at Kangaroos level. The match started at a fast pace with good pressure from our boys and despite a great shot being saved early we persevered and were rewarded with the first goal, quickly followed by another from a tight angle making it 2-0 to us. Our defenders were then put to the test and managed to hold their positions well, saving some good opportunities before the Tornadoes scored an excellent goal from outside the square making it 2-1. After this our boys showed great determination and with some good teamwork they were rewarded with another goal from close range. Brighton again showed that they would be a tough side to beat scoring a quick reply to make it 3-2. This lead to a more controlled patch of play where the pace slowed down until just before the half time whistle when the Reds managed another great goal making it 4-2 at the break. After some oranges and tactical discussions from our excellent coaches the boys were ready to start the second half which began with the ball moving quickly end to end with great defence from both sides before the first goal of this half came from Brighton making it 4-3. The energy level from our boys remained high throughout but despite our efforts Brighton sneaked another goal in and it was now 4 all with 5 minutes to go.  There were lots of chances for both sides during the closing minutes with free kicks and lots of corners but both keepers did a good job at keeping the ball out of their goals! A diving save from the Brighton Keeper at the end of the match meant we ended with a drawn game at 4 all. This was a dynamic game filled with action and the boys should be very proud of their efforts, skills and the result! 

U10 Yellow
MESC Yellow v Skye Utd
Successful start to the season with a great win!  With Thomas on holiday our already small team was grateful to be assisted by Paul OShea from U10 Red's, who kicked a massive 5 goals!.  Ethan kicked 1 great goal and Xander & Flynn were amazing in goals. Awesome start from a newly formed team!

U10 Green

U10 Blue

U10 Gold

U10 Girls
Bentleigh East Strikers Vs MESC Girls U10
It was a beautiful morning for the MESC U10 girls first game as a new team led by coach Charles Ewart. With many first time soccer players, the MESC U10 girls put on a great performance showing lots of promise for this season despite going down 7-0 to Bentleigh East who capitalised with break away goals from their strong attack.
In the first half, the girls showed excellent communication and good skills passing the ball with accuracy and speed. In goal for the first time, Stella Smith was a star, stopping many shots from the opposition including one high kick over her head! Her player of the game award was well deserved! The MESC girls showed tenacious tackling skills and a 'never die attitude' particularly from Indi Bryant, Gemma Gilchrist and Madeleine Hadley. Attacking up wind and into the sun, the girls had several pushes towards goal but were unable to capitalise against some strong defence. Bentleigh scored 4 goals in the first half.
The second half saw no let up from the girls with strong tackling and a better use of the wings. Ella Andaloro in goal carried on the good work from Stella with some excellent saves and strong defence of the MESC goal. Lily Rivett's excellent skills in holding her position on the field and chasing opponents helped the team hold off the Bentleigh attack but they were able to score a further 3 times. The MESC girls never put their heads down though and had a lot of fun while learning a lot in their debut as a team. 
Their strong encouragement of each other as a team and good display of skills should make their next game against the Glen Eira Mindys at home one to watch!

U11 Green
Brighton Pumas 0  MESC Greens 2
Having had a run of entertaining and challenging preseason friendlies, the Greens were keen to put what they have learnt into practice particularly after a tough Mornington Preseason Gala final against a strong Langwarrin side the week before. The team took 10 minutes to settle down, mark up and find space then put some impressive passages of play together coming from the back line of Benji, Tom, Thomas and Indigo. Harrison,  Will  (Davo) and Alfie teamed up to produce some dangerous attacks which saw Harrison convert 2 well taken strikes and Alfie deliver some top class balls across the goal. Riley held his own in midfield and made it hard for the opposition to create opportunities. Kian looked strong on the right wing and Tommy came on to take care of the right-back position. Benji pulled off 2 stunning saves to keep the score at 2 nil at half time. In the second half, the Greens struggled to keep their shape and spent 25 minutes defending from set piece corners and on the break. Harry and Davo came close to scoring 2 more in the final 10 minutes. All in all, it was a well-earned first win with plenty of work to do for the rest of the season. What did we learn? The second there's a transition to the other team, look around and find a shirt to mark up and watch out for unmarked players waiting to pounce on set piece corners.
Indigo took home the Strike Bowling player of the match award for her consistent presence in centre back.

U11 Yellow
MESC Yellows 9  Casey Panthers 0
The Under 11 Yellows headed out to Casey to take on the Panthers in Round 1. The boys played really well as a team considering how long they have been playing together. The boys held their structure fantastically and put into practice the skills they have been working on at training. Special mentions to Andy who played very well as an attacking defender, Bohdi provided a real spark up forward, Levi, Tully and Humphrey held the defence together beautifully and managed to repel all comers. Was a fantastic team effort with a very even contribution from all players. 

U11 Red

U11 Orange

U12 Blue v MESC Reds


U12 Green Wallabies vs Aspendale SC
A slow 1st 10mins for us with the boys looking a bit lost and well off their game, which Aspendale took advantage off-putting 1 away after 5mins.
It took our boys another 5mins to work out all they had to do was settle and play football the way they have been doing for the last 4 weeks.
The end of the 1st half, saw us coming off for the better with a 2-1 lead. Unlucky not to have a few more tucked away.
2nd half saw the boys return to what they do best, play hard and play football. The defence became a Hadrian's wall and beat back 90% of Aspendale's attacks
back into their own half, in which our mids and forwards converted into points. Some excellent use of the flanks saw the team put away many more.
Highlight of the game was a halfway strike from our Centre defender Henri, which saw the ball sitting just above the ground for the whole lengh of the half pitch and find the
bottom right-hand corner. The keeper had no chance to get to that one.
Also, a worthy mention to our player of the day Liam, who time and time again found space in the left-midfield and made an amazing sweep down the left to cut in at a diagonal and draw keeper to his right post, only for Liam to smash the ball into the far left of the goal.  
 
U12 Red v Mesc Blues
U12 Reds played as a team from the first to last whistle. Considering it was only their second game together, the first being a friendly 3 weeks ago. We started last week playing Berwick (A) in the Wallabies & ended the week playing Mt Eliza Blue Kangaroos. The boys played as a team, controlling the game from the first whistle. Considering 5 of the team where not able to attend training last week, it was just a pleasure to watch them play to a standard which I was planning on reaching around mid-season. We controlled the game throughout all area's of the pitch,  not allowing the Blue's to settle at anytime during the game. With a beautiful headed goal by the very impressive Mathew from a Mali corner for the first goal followed by a great team goal in the 2nd half converted by Merch (James Merchant) sealed a wonderful round 1 victory over a well organised Blue's team. I told the team after the game that they have set the bar for the rest of the season. Well done U12 Reds. Enjoy Easter

U12 Orange V Berwick Bears
The Orange team came up against a very well structured Berwick Bears team on Saturday on quite a slow artificial pitch. Although going down 4 – 2, on another day, the scoreline may have been the other way. Up forward, our combinations of Jimi, Josh, Nate and Kai created a lot of chances with the boys taking it to the opposition at every opportunity. Our midfielders of Will, Jeremy and Ollie worked hard all game and although Manny, Coby, Ben and Josh WE had their hands full dealing with a pretty slick opposition forward line, they got better and better as the game went on. Rounding off a team effort, Dom in goals made several great saves to keep out a couple of other stinging shots from Berwick.What I like most in today’s game was that the team never gave up the fight and at 4 nil down, I was expecting a few dropped heads. But the team is better than that and they set about showing the spectators that this team won’t lie down and pulled back two very nice goals. The momentum was with us, tails were up and what we would have given for another 10 minutes! There are a few things to work on at training and once we cut down on some simple mistakes and find the right balance, I am really excited on what this team can do. Great effort boys! 

U12 Navy
Great effort from the boys after only one training session under their belts.
We started slowly and let Berwick get away to a four goal lead at half time. Our boys showed great determination to score three quick goals early in the second half to bring the game within a goal. Finally losing 5-7.
In summary, our strikers showed some great potential and we’ll work on developing a solid defence over the coming weeks.

U12 Gold v Berwick Tigers
This was a tough game with a 5-1 score line that didn't reflect the effort put in by the U12 Gold especially in the second half.
We were up against a physical Berwick side who overpowered us in the second half. In the first half we looked well organised, making it hard for Berwick to get through our midfield Isaac, Ben, Luca & Oliver and in defence of Ernie, Lincoln, Danny & Alex who all had a terrific game. Matt put on a brilliant goalkeeping display and went on to receive the man of the match award. Up front Jai & Liam kept on looking for ways to create scoring opportunities. 
In the second half Berwick got the better of us finding a way through our defence and capitalising on a few opportunities making the game even tougher for the back-line. Danny ended up scoring a great consolation goal for us, winning the ball at the halfway line and running the ball all the way to score, giving us hope for a come back.
A flat out effort from our amazing team with some nice moments of players passing between each other, and a few pointers for next time before our next exciting game against Aspendale. Also  a huge thank you to Isaac, Jai & Justin Sheppard for joining the team on the day. We really appreciate you helping out U12 Gold when we were in a tight spot.

U12 Girls
The girls went in nervous on Sunday however quickly built confidence as the game got underway.  The talent ranged from a quick on the toes ballerina with incredible precision to sticky defence players with a Netball background.  They fought hard and were strong going into tackles. In the first 10 minutes Lilyana (debut) nearly scored her first goal.  Olivia came out firing and we saw her take on challenges with no fear or doubt, she was quick and gave the opposition a run for their money.  We saw the ball fly at pace into the face of one of our most quick and skilled players Leni who carried on without a rest.  Our girls walked away from Mace Oval with a 4-0 loss , but came out knowing what they needed to work on.  A great effort by all with strengths ranging from pace through to determination.

U13

U14
Mt Eliza U14 4  Casey Comets 1
The first game of the season saw the U14’s first competitive run out.
The first 15 minutes saw Casey Comets apply significant pressure, having the majority of the ball, and attaking chances.Cool heads prevailed for the U14’s with Ben Gibson making some fine saves in goal, and Sam D, Will and Michael in defence keeping the Comets at bay.
Midfield then kicked into overdrive with great passage of passing play.  Jasper, as captain, then opened the scoring with a well taken placed shot from just inside of the area.  With the momentum now with Mt Eliza, more passing and moving off the ball continued to brake down the Casey defence and Jasper found the net again prior to half time.  
During the second half, Casey again put in efforts to get on the score sheet.  Again, determined defending and some amazing saves by Michael Gee kept Mt Eliza in front.  
Mt Eliza extended their lead with Jasper getting his hat trick.  The game then opened up, with chances for both teams.  Casey hit the post and the bar, but were not able to capitalise.  Mt Eliza continued to create chances, with Sabry slotting home for the fourth goal.
Casey managed a consolation goal, but the momentum stayed with Mt Eliza, who continued to work as a team and create multiple chances.  
A great performance by Mt Eliza, where their passing and possession made for an exciting and entertaining game.

U15
The under 15s played East Bentleigh on Sunday in their first game of the season, ending in a well fought 1-1 draw. 
Great effort for the boys in their first game considering there were no subs this round. 
A great goal by Murray gave Mt Eliza the early edge in the first half but East Bentleigh struck back not long after. 
From there it was a battle of defences with neither team able to fully find their rhythm in their first hit out. 
There were some good chances in the second half for both teams on transition and Mt Eliza held firm against a number of corners for East Bentleigh. 
Stalemate at the end with the 1 all result fitting given the competitive nature of the match.  
Thanks to Kane for refereeing the game in the absence of an FV referee being available. 
The Under 15s are looking forward to a rematch with East Bentleigh this week due to fixture changes in the group.