Sale’s littlest soccer players braved the cold on Saturday, with Sale United Under 11 and 13 White and Green teams taking the field in Round 7 of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.
Despite that, for many on the field, shirts were hanging by knees, and socks slipped at almost every step; young players showcased their talents to such an extent suggesting Sale United may be harbouring the best of Gippsland’s next generation of football players.
The Under 11s were first to kick-off at Baldwin Reserve, with Sale’s White and Green teams facing Churchill’s Rams.
Smiles and laughter echoed across the grounds as the youngsters enjoyed their Saturday morning soccer and, of course, the oranges at halftime.
The Under 11 games are non-competitive, meaning no scores are recorded, emphasising community and connection through physical activity while supporting the development of hand-eye coordination, dexterity, balance and teamwork.
Sale United Under 13s White and Green teams took the field next, with shirts slightly better fitting than their younger club mates.
The Under 13 Greens were up against Traralgon City Blacks.
The youngsters from Traralgon put their best foot forward, but it just wasn’t enough to beat the Sale United.
Kai Giuliani was first to score in the game’s fourth minute.
Jack McGrath, who is just one goal behind the competition’s top goal scorer with a total of 10, scored the game’s next goal at 18 minutes, furthering Sale’s lead 2-0.
Before the break, Sale’s Kai Giuliani scored his second goal of the match, seeing Sale take a 3-0 lead.
Indio Haran scored Sale United’s fourth goal at 41 minutes, followed by a second goal from McGrath at 48 minutes to extend the Green’s lead 5-1.
McGrath earned himself a hat-trick at 51 minutes.
With one minute left on the clock, Xavier Plant scored the final goal for Sale, making for a 7-1 victory.
On the opposite side of the grounds, Sale United White was up against Churchill United Soccer Club.
Scoring her first goal of the season, Vida Yanez put Sale in the lead 15 minutes into the game.
After an equaliser from Churchill, Josh Buswell was quick to put Sale back in the lead, 2-1.
Buswell was required to put the Swans back in the lead again, and did so with another goal.
After the break, Sale United White and Churchill United returned to the field, both teams clawing for a win.
With three minutes left on the clock, Churchill led 5-3 until Sale’s Jonathan Sulyman made a break, sights locked on goals.
Sulyman scored his first goal of the season, closing the away team’s lead 4-5.
It was a close and high-scoring game, but as the whistle blew, Churchill escaped with the victory.
Are you or your children interested in playing soccer?
Sale United welcomes all players at all skill levels and boasts a friendly, supportive environment to learn, grow, socialise and stay active.
For more information about becoming a part of the Sale United community, find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saleunite
