Last Saturday was a festive day for Juventus Academy Shanghai, as our U8, U11, U13, U14, U16, and U18 teams all played great matches. With most of the teams finished with their tenth and last game of the fall season, multiple teams were able to go on-stage and receive medals for their great performance. Thank you to all the players and parents for their hard work and support, and let's hope for an even better next season! Congratulations Bianconeri, always Forza Juve! Here are the results:
Senior Team League: 4-3 Win
U16 League: 2-1 Loss
U14 League: 1-0 Win
U13 Friendly: 5-3 Win
U11 League: 8-2 Win
U8 Friendly
MATCH SUMMARIES
SENIOR TEAM
The Senior Team won their match 4-3 against their opponents, with two goals from Eli, one from Tendai, and another from Sam. The coach started Gui in goal, Nolan and Lang as central defenders, Julien and Ali as full-backs, Amar and Amit as central midfielder, Mert for attacking midfielder, Eli and Fynn for wingers, and Sam as striker. The first half got off to a good start for the Bianconeri, already leading 2-0 in the 13th minute. Just 30 seconds into the second half, Tendai's quick goal saw Juve widen that gap to 3-0. However, the opponent gave the team a scare when they made the scoreline 3-2 with two free-kick goals. Eli then gets a brace when Juve is awarded a penalty and he seals the deal. Despite a late goal, the Bianconeri win the match and bring home the three points!
U16
The U16 team put up a great fight, playing against a team whose players were older on average. The final score was an unlucky 2-1 loss, but it was a match lost with pride as the team and coaches saw the shining potential that the team has. In the first half, Juve saw more chances and more play occurred in the opponent's half of the pitch. It was a physical game, and our players did an incredible job constantly applying the pressure to threaten their goal. However, the opponent was able to make the scoreline 1-0 not long before the end of the first half. During half-time, Coach Radfan reminded the players that the game is far from over. 1-0 is a scoreline that can surely be leveled, and the Bianconeri did just that. Kevin was the one who found the back of the net, with a calm chip over the goalkeeper who strayed a bit far from his goal. With both teams going back and forth on the pitch, it was an exciting match that was looking like it would end in a draw. Unfortunately, the Bianconeri concede another and the match ends 2-1. Despite the result, this is precisely the type of matches that players need to improve. They were able to see their own potential and skill but at the same time learn from the opponent team about what they did well to win the match. Great performance from a strong team, Forza Juve!
U14
Juventus Academy Shanghai's U14 boys won 1-0 against the opposing team and later celebrated the season with bronze medals. The Bianconeri was the better team on the pitch and had more chances to score. Ultimately, Matthew's goal led the team ahead, and a solid defensive performance from Juve allowed that scoreline to stay until the end of the match. The atmosphere of the match was great as many Bianconeri supporters watched, chanted, and cheered for their fellow academy players. Losing just two matches in the season against tough opponents, the U14 team ended in third place on the table and thus was awarded with bronze medals! This team is one that is full of potential and grit, it is always a joy to watch the boys play. The recognition is well deserved and next season will be an even better one. Forza ragazzi, congratulations!
U13
U13 once again played a great game, winning the friendly match with a 5-3 scoreline through goals from Tomas, Jacob, William, Toby, and Sky. Though their celebrations for a medal will have to be delayed as they wait for results from the other teams in the league, the U13 parents prepared a beautiful Juventus-style cake! This team will end up either in the second or first place and will be playing a friendly next week to personally receive the awards. A team full of team spirit, the U13 players stayed behind in the cold after their own match to support the U14.
U11
We are the Champions! With a convincing 8-2 win, Juve U11 top the league table by both goal difference and head-to-head. With four goals from Jonah, two from Luscien (one beautifully-taken penalty), one from Ines and one from Edoardo, the team dominated and showed true Juventus spirit. Thanks to the wonderful team effort, the U11 players celebrated their win with a trophy and gold medals for every player. #CAMPIONI
U8
With no opponent to play against, the young U8 players played a friendly match amongst themselves to gain playing experience while having fun. It was a very even match and the final scoreline came to a 6-6 draw. The U8 team topped the table in their league group and was therefore recognized with an award for their great season! Great job from the kids all season, we see lots of potential for the future.
