SSVS Soccer Tournament

For the first time ever, MCC fielded a team in the Secondary Soccer SSVS Division tournament held at Aero Ovals. Being the smallest school to attend, we entered the intermediate (year 9-10) division and fielded a team of boys from years 7 to 9.

Initially intimidated and nervous, the boys were welcomed with a 6-0 defeat, courtesy of Trinity Lutheran College. Irymple, our next opponent, were of similar quality to Trinity and our team was tasked with remedying identified errors with the goal of improving the scoreline.

Outmatched in terms of skill, the Irymple task demanded organisation and selfless commitment to coordinated defence. After boosting his teammates’ confidence by providing a strong physical midfield presence, Toby was joined in the centre by Lucas, who had excelled in the first match. Andrew Skillicorn completed the central trio, using his speed and stamina to fulfil his disruptive role perfectly.

Caeden used his experience to expertly repel continual threats and organized the defence with William, Joel and Josiah constantly managing waves of attacks. Joseph played a captain’s game in goal, keeping us in the game with several fine saves and twice with the help of the frame of the goal.

With a 0-0 half time scoreline, the team began to believe that salvaging a point was possible. Joshua, Christian and Andrew Foley were continually required to assist with the defensive effort and despite scant forward opportunities, still harassed Irymple defenders when the chance arose. Asher and Levi Deroon joined the forward rotation to provide relief in the exhausting role and when the final whistle blew, the team had earned our first point, heroically holding Irymple to a 0-0 draw!

In our final match, we met Red Cliffs and had hopes of an even better result. A new problem arose—with increased offensive opportunities came the realisation that having defended soundly, our attacking play was severely underdeveloped. Although Asher delighted the crowd with some sideline trickery, the team was unable to mount a sustained threat. One uncharacteristic defensive mistake was all it took to gift the Reds an easy chance, which although saved by Joseph was followed in on the rebound and proved to be the difference as the game ended in a 1-0 defeat.

Congratulations to all thirteen boys who turned in a brave and spirited team performance against older and larger opposition and represented the school with honor!