BTS U11s at the Hong Kong Soccer 7s
On Sunday 24th May, the reigning Asia Youth Cup champions, Brasil Top Skills Under 11 team began their search for further glory at the 2015 Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament held at Hong Kong Football Club.
Under cloudy skies BTS took on Tai Tam Tigers I in their first game knowing that this could be the most important game of the group stage. In a tense, evenly matched game, BTS ran out winners by a single goal scored by Kazuki.
With the confidence given from their first game BTS proceeded to demolish KCC in their second game, running out 4-0 winners with every player in the squad playing their part. The goalscorers were Kazuki, Sharv, Ryo, Jayden
Game three and BTS knew that a win here would almost certainly mean qualification for the Cup quarter-finals. Playing against home team HKFC II BTS produced a wonderful performance to keep their progress to the finals firmly on track. BTS ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Ryo and Ian.
In their final group game, BTS were up against Southern, another solid all round squad performance saw the team notch up another 4 goals without reply and some new names getting amongst the goals. Scorers were Sharv(2), Kazuki, Khrish
At the end of the group stage BTS were runaway winners. Played 4, Won 4, Goals scored 11, Goal against 0, Points 12.
In their quarter final BTS came up against their most dangerous opponents APSS I, a team that had soundly beaten BTS only a few weeks previously. BTS survived much pressure and had Nikki in goal tho thank for two fabulous saves but neither team could break the deadlock in regulation time and so it went to penalties. All three BTS penalties were very assuredly put away into the back of the net. With an APSS strike sailing over the bar, BTS were into the semi-finals 3-2 on penalties. Successful takers were Ryo, Ian and Sharv
Time for the semi-final and APSS II were the opponents, maybe BTS were thinking that after winning against their first team APSS II would be an easier game but that illusion was totally shattered as APSS went into a 2-0 lead with only a few minutes remaining. However, the team kept their resolve and belief and came back to level the game with a goal from Kazuki and a very late equalizer from Ian.
Penalties again!
BTS once more found the back of the net with all three of their penalties whilst an APSS attempt went past the post for another 3-2 success on penalties. Takers were Ryo, Ian and Sharv.
This means that in Sunday’s final BTS will be up against Kitchee. The team do not need reminding of events from a year ago when they were very unfortunate to be on the end of a 1-0 defeat in the semi-final. This year BTS are stronger and have the belief that they can win.
BTS are only 12 minutes away from putting to rest the ghosts from last year. 12 minutes of 100% effort and concentration and BTS could be celebrating a second major trophy of the season.
For more details see the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens site: http://www.hksoccersevens.com/bts-kitchee-apss-and-hosts-hkfc-among-junior-cup-and-plate-finalists/
Squad: Ryo, Nikki, Shun, Kawai, Khrish, Ian, Tomoki, Wataru, Sharv, Jayden, Kazuki
by Alex Czarnobaj
HK Soccer 7s
HK Soccer 7s
HK Soccer 7s
HK Soccer 7s – U12s
