Yesterday, the Juventus Academy Shanghai Elite Girls team played one of their most important matches of the Nv League season. Facing against reigning champions SWIFC 1, Juventus became the team to break the opponent’s two-year streak of no losses and won 3-1.
The team prepared well during the week’s training and started the match with a clear goal in mind. As soon as the match began, Juve launched attacks and had many chances to score. In the 7th minute, Brooklynn dribbles down the left wing and scores a beautiful goal straight into the right side netting. However, SWIFC 1 proved to be strong and equalized a few minutes later. The first half finished 1-1.
After a great halftime talk, the girls returned to the pitch. Both sides found close chances but kept the draw for the next 15 minutes. In the 40th minute, Juve makes a breakthrough! Once again, Brooklyn finds space on the left and makes a pass down the middle. The ball slips past the opponent goalkeeper’s gloves and into the goal. Juve are back in the lead!
Nearing the end of the match, the girls sealed the deal. Starting from a fast and accurate long pass from Juve’s goalkeeper Karen, Niuniu stops the ball, makes a great pass to Alicia, and she scores clinically. A great team goal to guarantee the win for Juventus! Even though the opponents were awarded a penalty in the last minutes of the match, Karen comfortably made the save and ensured that the team did not concede another goal.
Every single player of the team was crucial to the win. Karen was a solid presence as a goalkeeper, doing well to instruct the team and protect the goal. Defenders Cris and Yvonne had great chemistry and flexibility to keep the defense solid. Niuniu and Olivia contributed both to the attack and defense, controlling the match’s pace and making some great passes. Brooklyn, Angela, and Alicia were immense on the attack and consistently forced the play forward throughout the entire match.
Another group of players that must be mentioned are the girls on the bench- Linda, Mia, Hedy, Kelly, Anyo, Vicky, and Jocelyn. Due to the intensity of this week’s match, the coach did not make changes to the players to maintain consistency on the pitch. Yet, the girls continued to cheer for the team throughout the entire match and provided unwavering support for their teammates. This type of support is absolutely critical to a competitive match like this. The team’s cheers from the sidelines boosted Juve’s overall morale and gave the players on the pitch motivation to keep pushing. Huge thank you to the girls, as well as all the other supporters who cheered for the team from the sidelines! This win wouldn’t have been the same without you.
The Juventus Elite Girls have truly proven their potential to fight for the title of Champions. This weekend, the team will play against SH United F.C. in another important match. Great job girls, you deserve the win. Forza Juve!
