MAPUSA: Estevan Mendes struck the all-important goal in the 69th minute as Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim stunned Vasco Sports Club, in Goa Football Association’s Goa Professional League, round four football match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Friday.
Cavelossim jumped to the top spot with nine points while their opponents are in the sixth position with four points.
Vasco played short and sharp but could not score even after creating several chances in the first session where they dominated the proceedings. Young midfielder Quan Gomes was a treat to watch as he sprayed intelligent passes all over. Upfront, Jerose Oliveira and his striking partner Aniston Fernandes kept the rival defence busy while Jaison Dias sent in dangerous crosses from the right. The medio had the first chance to score but ballooned over. Soon, Aniston shot straight into Cavelossim keeper Ram Sroop after Jerose did the spadework.
At the other end, Cavelossim tried hard to make an impression but left frustrated by Vasco centre-back Amar Haldankar and his defence.
The second half started slowly and gradually Cavelossim exerted pressure with a couple of corners. The deadlock was finally broken in the 69th minute after Vasco defender Agnelo Barretto lost the ball to James. The striker quickly moved forward and set up Estevan, who kept his calm and finished with a deft placement past Vasco custodian Harpreet Singh, 1-0.
The Black and Whites tried hard to equalize. Substitute striker Agnelo D’Souza even tried to win a penalty for his team in the final minutes but was eventually booked for simulation by match referee Sainath.
