A Delightful start to 2024 for Mount Eliza

Round 1 Recap – Bunyip District SC v Mount Eliza Soccer Club

Jordan Vacouftsis

 Mount Eliza started the game on the front foot, and it only took 5 minutes before they found themselves with a dangerous attacking free-kick. Tyler White Stepped up and placed the ball around the wall and into the bottom corner, a dream start that would only get better moments later, as a quick break left Cohan King with a chance to strike on the edge of the box. Cohan launched a first-time rocket into the top right corner, leaving his team 2-0 up inside 10 minutes. Unfortunately for Bunyip, things would only go from bad to worse as Captain of Mount Eliza, Callum Drysdale, scored a back post header, putting his side 3-0 up merely 11 minutes in.

 
After an electric first 15 minutes, the game began to settle with chances for both teams. It seemed Mount Eliza would go into the break 3-0 up; however, in the 45 minute, Cohan King won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Nickel Chand stepped up and fired the ball into the back of the net.

 Only a minute later, Cohan King would find himself through on goal after a lovely through-ball from Callum Drysdale. Cohan dinked the ball past the keeper and celebrated as he watched the ball roll into the back of the net. A delightful double for Cohen topped off a rampant first half from Mount Eliza, placing them 5-0 up going into the break.

 The second half ebbed and flowed, with chances for both sides. Nickel Chand had a golden chance to further Mount Eliza's lead in the 67th minute after he rounded the keeper. However, he delayed his shot, allowing a defender to get back and clear to safety for Bunyip.

 Mount Eliza seemed to be heading home with the three points and a clean sheet. However, that wasn't meant to be. In the 88th minute, Declan Pepping scored a stunning half-volley from outside the box to give his side a consolation goal. Moments later, another massive chance went begging for Bunyip, as Mount Eliza Goalkeeper Luke Armao produced an excellent save and helped Mount Eliza keep a four-goal buffer.

 The full-time whistle blew and Mount Eliza came out winners 5-1. An excellent start to the 2024 season.

 Earlier in the day, Mount Eliza Reserves lost 6-3 after leading 3-1 at halftime. A long shot from Mitchell Frazer in the 16th minute gave Mount Eliza an ideal start. A pinpoint long ball from Nicholas Griffett-Coulson found Finn Whitty, who laid the ball across the goal to Ethan Masterson. Ethan calmly placed the ball into the back of the net in the 32nd minute. Five minutes later, Bunyip Reserves scored an own goal, further extending Mount Eliza's lead.

Nonetheless, a dominant 5-goal second-half performance by Bunyip completely turned the game around.

Seniors

Bunyip District SC ( 1 - 5 ) Mount Eliza SC

Reserves

Bunyip District SC ( 6 - 3 ) Mount Eliza SC