Team Herald
[email protected]
NAGOA: FC Goa continued their dominant form in the Goa Professional League with a confident 3-0 victory over Cortalim Villagers SWSC at the Nagoa Panchayat ground, on Saturday.
Goals from Sitroy Carvalho, Jovial Dias and Asher Franz Rodrigues secured a comfortable win for the Young Gaurs, who controlled the tempo from start to finish with precision and purpose.
Right from kickoff, FC Goa set the tone with their crisp passing and relentless pressing. In the 4th minute, Sangam Shetye attempted to break forward but was tripped by Cortalim Villagers SWSC’s Airen Fernandes, earning the home side’s first yellow card and handing FC Goa a free-kick in a promising position. The early exchanges saw FC Goa dominate possession while Cortalim Villagers SWSC sat deep struggling to gain control in midfield.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute. Malsawmtluanga delivered a curling corner into a crowded penalty area, where Sitroy Carvalho rose above his marker to power a header into the net, giving FC Goa a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal reflected the visitors’ attacking intensity and sharp movement, as they continued to pin Cortalim Villagers SWSC inside their own half.
Cortalim Villagers SWSC tried to respond through quick counters but found FC Goa’s backline alert and well-organised. In the 42nd minute Sangam Shetye picked up a yellow card following a collision with Delmon Rebello, further denting Cortalim Villagers SWSC’s rhythm. The Young Gaurs remained in control as the first half ended with them firmly in the lead.
After the restart, FC Goa immediately doubled their advantage in the 47th minute. Another set-piece proved decisive a corner delivery was initially fumbled by the goalkeeper and Jovial Dias was quickest to react firing the rebound home from close range to make it 2-0.
Moments later, Shawn Fernandes nearly added a third when he slipped through the defence but saw his attempt go inches wide of the post.
Cortalim Villagers SWSC pushed forward in search of a response but lacked composure in the final third. Their growing frustration began to show as Richie Vaz was booked in the 61st minute for a rash challenge on Jovial. 10 minutes later Sidney Lucas hauled down an FC Goa player near the edge of the box, conceding a dangerous free-kick.
The moment of brilliance came in the 73rd minute. From the resulting free-kick, Asher Franz Rodrigues stepped up and curled a stunning strike over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the Cortalim Villagers SWSC goalkeeper helpless. The goal all but sealed the victory showcasing FC Goa’s confidence and technical edge.
Cortalim Villagers SWSC’s woes continued in the 76th minute when Anish Gadar was shown a yellow card for pushing Asher Rodrigues in frustration. From there, FC Goa comfortably managed the closing stages maintaining possession and controlling the tempo until the final whistle.
