ANSPI Scarabocchio (u11): Ambrit 3-4 Empire APD

Ambrit's u11 team put in a great performance tonight and were very unfortunate to come away with nothing at the end.
Alberto supplied two excellent assists for Lorenzo to bang home two first period goals that put the home side in a comfortable position at the first break. Bernard, Vittorio and Carlo were a solid unit at the back and the visitors never really threatened Santiago's goal.
In the second period, Lukas came in for Alberto and Empire made three changes. These fresh legs put Ambrit in a bit of trouble and it was soon 2-1. But Ambrit continued to press and, from a free kick 15m out, Nikos bent a perfect shot into the top corner to restore the two goal margin.
Alberto came back in for the last period and the game was now end-to-end excitement. Empire's dangerous number 7 - strong in defence and fast in attack - was putting Ambrit under more and more pressure and the equaliser came with just 7 minutes left on the clock. Both sides continued to attack; Ambrit struck a post and forced the opposing goalkeeper into at least two saves. At the other end, Santiago was alert to all threats and saved two or three Empire chances.
Then, with just two minutes left, disaster struck. The Empire centre-forward turned unexpectedly and his snapshot took goalkeeper and defence unaware: 4-3 to the visitors.
Ambrit now need to put this defeat behind them and start again on Saturday!
Difficult to pick out Ambrit's best player tonight because they all played so well. Santiago was not at fault for any of the goals and he played very well. Carlo was a rock in defence and nothing got past him. Bernard won tackle after tackle and passed the ball well into midfield. Vittorio was everywhere, winning balls in defence and joining the attack to great effect. Alberto's touch and vision in the first period opened up chances for everybody and Nikos was always looking to break quickly and effectively on the right. Lukas did a good marking job when he came in but the last word goes to Lorenzo, who was... outstanding! He chased, harried and never gave up on any ball; his control was good, he was strong and his link play was exemplary.
Bravi tutti!!