Saligao United edge out Siolim

MERCES, JAN 20
Saligao United got the better of highly rated FC Siolim 4-2 via the tie-breaker to enter the finals of All-Goa Romeo memorial football tournament, at Santa Cruz ground, on Thursday.
In a fast paced encounter that saw play change ends rapidly, it was FC Siolim which got better chances, but their forwards were unable to take advantage.
First, Raghu Shirodkar combined well with Anthony Fernandes to pierce the Saligao defence but Anthony after being fed beautifully by Raghu inside the penalty area, somehow failed to find the target from close range.
Then, Anthony again was the culprit as he failed to connect Mayur Toraskar’s cross in a Saligao goalmouth.
Crossing over, both the teams maintained the same tempo and this time Saligao had better opportunities, but the story of missed chances continued.
Saligao’s Trevor Dias used his dribbling ability to great effect to get past a couple of Siolim defenders, but his final shot at the goal was too feeble to trouble the Siolim custodian. And then, Abhijit Govenkar, after dispossessing a Siolim defender hastily sent his shot straight into the hands of the Siolim keeper.
At the other end, Vinay Pednekar had a golden opportunity to give Siolim the lead but his grounder failed to trouble the Calangute goalie.
In the tie-breaker, Saligao emerged triumphant.
Saligao United will now meet the winners of the other semi-finals between DBO, Fatorda and Maina SC, Curtorim.
Referee Joao Pereira flashed the yellow card to James Soares and Mahesh Rane of Saligao United.