After more than a month of match delays and suspensions, Juventus Academy Shanghai's U14 returned to the pitch to play their sixth SYFL league match. Despite the team's willingness to restart on a bang, the game ended in a disappointing draw for the Bianconeri.
The weather conditions on Saturday posed a huge challenge for the players. The pitch was flooded from the morning's heavy rain, resulting in an almost unplayable situation where it became very difficult to control the ball. The first half ended in a goalless draw- both teams relied on long kicks toward the other's half and were unable to play simple on the ground. Juve did better in the second half, trying to control more and push the opponents. With most of the possession and the ball always in the opponent's half, Alvaro's far shot gave the Bianconeri the lead.
As the team continued to pressure, Juve forced many fouls from the opponents and an opposing player was sent off. It seemed like the team would hold on to the 1-0 scoreline to get a win, but suffered in the last minutes. Despite goalkeeper Keke making two great saves, the opponents were awarded a penalty at the last minute and draw.
This is a difficult result to accept but should become a source of extra motivation for the team. The players fought hard and tried their best, but we did not show our full potential. Let's get back to consistent training and keep fighting, good luck next week, Forza Juve!
