Once again thanks to MP for his reports.
First game starting under heavy rain, The Americans had the best of the first 5 minutes but buoyed by the noisy travelling Sutho fans the aussies started to take control having good posession and stringing some good passing together.
Some fancy flicks more reminiscent of a Barcalona than Sutherland saw some good chances created, but it seemed the goals may not come.
Sutherland also survived a couple of scary moments where the US midfielders ghosted into the box unmarked but were thwarted by some last minute defending or a slip of the striker.
First half ended 0-0.
The second half started much as it finished with Sutho having more posession and looking more likely and the pressure told halfway through the 2nd half as Chris Naumoff calmly slotted home a deflected shot from outside the box.
The Sutho parents went absolutely ballistic and sitting amongst them it was impossible to not get caught up in the excitement.
We had commandeered one of the stands and had them draped in numerous aussie flags. the Sutherland supporters were attracting as much attention as the team with multiple cameras trained on them.
With about 5 to go, the win was just about sealed when Peter Makrillos cleverly flicked an excellent cross into the net to really crush the American’s spirit. It was then pandemonium in the Aussie quarters with everyone racing to see the Aussie celebrating. And shortly after it was almost 3-0 when Kiki had a chance for a double only to see his shot go straight to a relieved Arsenal keeper.
It was a funny situation with one of the dads ( i won’t name him) videoing with one hand and commentating over the phone to his wife back home with his other hand.
Once the final whistle blew you’d have thought Sutho had one the competition, but it was a very satisfying victory even for a fellow Aussie without any direct attachment.
Game 2 sees a 0-0 draw with Malaysian winners MSS Kedah, according to reports Sutherland had enough chances to win 4-0, but unfortunately couldn’t take their chances.
After day 1 that sees Sutho sitiing on top of the group after Barcelona went down 3-2 to the Americans, who’d have thought.
Tomorrow the challenge steps up a notch with Barcelona and Man United the opposition.
From what I have seen I think a win against Man U is a possiblity although Barcelona will be a definate challenge especially considering they would be smarting from the shock loss the day before.
www.manchesterunitedpremiercup.com
