TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Siolim-Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association edged past Pilerne Sports Club 1-0 in the finals of 8th Reira Cup Soccer tournament organized by Saligao Sporting Club at Saligao ground, Saturday.
After a barren first session, the all-important goal came in the 47th minute through Claudio Rodrigues’ spot-kick. The teams started of in earnest but found it hard to get into a rhythm due to the uneven playing surface. Siolim-Sodiem’s Ryan had the first opportunity to score in the fourth minute but the striker’s rasping effort narrowly missed the mark.
Subsequently, Pilerne created their first threat at the rival goal but Joelif Simoes’s well-measured free-kick sailed inches over. The ball was mostly restricted in the midfield but as the match progressed, Ryan found himself in an ideal position but was left frustrated by rival custodian Kurpesh Bandekar, who effected a close range save.
Post resumption, the game settled into a familiar pattern until a moment of madness by Pilerne center-back Ryan Pereira, who foolishly handled an aerial ball in the danger zone, prompting referee Dharma to award a penalty. Claudio stepped up and made no mistake, firing the all-important goal of the evening.
Siolim-Sodiem were awarded a cash prize of Rs 35,000 alongwith the winner’s trophy while Pilerene SC had to be content with Rs 25,000 and the runners-up trophy.
Inidividual prizes were awarded to Best Goalkeeper Kurpesh, Best Defender Claudio, Best Midfielder Romeo (Siolim-Sodiem, Best Forward Ryan (Siolim-Sodiem) and Most Promising Player Johan Fernandes (Pilerne SC).
Chief guest, Dr Rufino Monteiro, chairman of Goa Football Development Council gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour, Daryl Pereira, MD of Reira Group of companies, director, Mario Xavier, GP Captain Peter D’Souza (Retd), Eknath Oraskar, Saligao sarpanch and Tony Remedios, president of Saligao Sporting Club.
Hubert D’Costa, 3rd Lusofonia Game’s gold medalist in shot-put was also felicitated alongwith his sister and Goa’s National diving sensation Genevieve D’Costa.
