Western United had some precious cargo in the luggage on the way back from Hong Kong after lifting the Shield trophy at the HKFC Soccer Sevens tournament at the weekend.
The two-day tournament brought incredible drama and quality for the group of Green and Black youngsters, led by Academy Director Anthony Frost and Under 17’s Head Coach Matthew Conversano.
Silencing the home support, Western United defeated Hong Kong FC on Sunday to lift the trophy and end the tournament on a superb high note.
The Shield Final was a cagey affair, though both sides had chances until Anthony Didulica was fouled in the box and United was awarded a penalty with a minute remaining.
Didulica dusted himself off and coolly slotted the spot kick down the middle of the goal before Tobias Servin followed in a long clearance on the goal line right on the final whistle as Hong Kong FC had thrown everyone forward, including their goalkeeper, in search of an equaliser.
That capped off a sensational tournament and a stellar experience for Western United across the weekend.
Western United breezes through HKFC Soccer Sevens group stage
Didulica finished the tournament just as he had started it, blasting United’s first goal into the roof of the net six minutes into the opening game against HKFC Captain’s Select on Saturday.
Harry Casci added a second just after half-time to secure a 2-0 win before Mark Leonard slotted the only goal of the following match as United defeated Macau FA.
Western United’s path to the knockout stages was already secured before a defeat to Premier League giant and record HKFC Soccer Sevens champions Aston Villa in the final group game, setting up a quarter-final match-up against Yokohama F. Marinos.
Incredible drama in quarter-final clash
United went behind less than a minute in but responded immediately as Luka Coveny’s header across goal was turned in for an own goal.
The young team showed its determination to come from behind again as Didulica scored with two minutes remaining to send the game to extra time.
The competition format sees a four-minute, golden goal extra-time period played with four-versus-four, rather than the seven-versus-seven throughout the tournament.
Frost opted to use James York as a makeshift goalkeeper to allow him to play with his feet and create an overload in the outfield, but it was actually a spectacular save that any goalkeeper would be proud of that highlighted the additional period.
Leonard had a big chance at the end but the game ultimately went to penalties, and York couldn’t maintain his heroics as the Yokohama goalkeeper saved his kick superbly. The Japanese outfit remained perfect from the spot, winning the best-of-three shootout to advance.
Commanding Western United win and Shield Final
The journey didn’t end there, though, as United met Larne FC from Northern Ireland with silverware still in sight.
Despite Leonard scoring within 30 seconds, United had to be resolute in defence and patient in attack as Larne hit back quickly.
A brilliant goal line clearance from York led to Casci putting Western back in front on the stroke of half-time before the side clinched the win in the second half as Leonard converted a penalty that he had won himself and Coveny scored his first goal of the tournament.
The Shield Final beckoned and Western got the job done, celebrating at the final whistle and lifting the trophy into the Hong Kong evening sky.
Speaking on the tournament, Frost said it was a valuable experience for each player and an honour for the Club to be a part of.
“It was a fantastic weekend in Hong Kong. I’m extremely proud of the players and the staff for our competitiveness, sportsmanship and ultimately our success in lifting the Shield trophy,” he said.
“It’s a gruelling weekend with lots of matches in hot conditions, but the players were brilliant and committed themselves to each moment.
“The talent on the pitch and opportunity to be part of the broader festivities off the pitch was a great privilege for the Club, and we look forward to hopefully having the chance to return in the future.”
