MASO CUP WRAP

29 Jan 2018 by Andrew Bozinovski

MASO CUP DAY 1-
Broadmeadow Magic FC kicked off the 2018 Maso Cup with a solid 3-0 victory over Keilor Wolves S.C.. Cody Carrol opened the scoring for Magic after finding some space between the Wolves defenders finishing well to give the keeper no chance. John Majurovski would soon double Magic’s lead, pouncing on a fumbled shot to expertly curl the ball into an empty net. Magic would go to the break two goals to nil up. The second half started much like the first, wave after wave of Magic speedy attacks went unpunished from some unpolished execution. Kale Bradbery would seal the victory, beating the offside trap, he streamed away from the half line with only the advancing keeper to beat and cooly curled the ball into the bottom corner. Job done, Magic 3 points and a clean sheet. In other results Altona Magic Soccer Club would go down, one goal to nil versus a spirited and resilient Queanbeyan City FC. With the conclusion of Day 1 of the Maso Cup, in Group 2; Broadmeadow Magic lead the group with 3 points (3 GD), Queanbeyan are second, also on 3 points (1GD), Altona are third with 0 points (-1 GD), and Keilor fourth 0 points (-3 GD).

MASO CUP DAY 2- Wowsers!!! The heat was turned up at Paisley Park today as Broadmeadow Magic FC contested the final group stage matches.

GAME 1- Magic Vs Queanbeyan City FC
First game for the day and the boys came out firing, well Cody Carrol to be exact. Opening the scoring for Magic, a fine free kick from the edge of the 18 Cody curled it accurately low towards the back stick leaving the keeper no chance. Cody would double Magic’s lead, this time prefering the front stick to beat the keeper from a free kick from a similar positon. Cody would get his hatrick in the first half; Kale Bradbery would do some fine work out wide and high sucking the Queanbeyan defense from their central positions. Kale would find Johnny Maj at the penalty spot, but Johnny unselfishly squared the ball back for an on-rushing Cody to curl expertly into the net. Half time, Magic 3, Queanbeyan 0.
After the break the game slowed, many substitutions woukd ensue. Charlie Cox’s introduction would bear fruit as he comverted for Magic’s fourth, hitting the roof of the net. Charlie would be instrumental in Magic’s fifth; after dribling 3 players in tight quarters, he would square to a set Justin Broadley. Justin would break the hearts of the City defense with a deft clip over the top to perfectly meet an advancing Jonty Busch for his first Magic goal. Full time Magic 5-0 winners.

GAME 2- Magic Vs Altona Magic Soccer Club
The “Battle of the Magic’s”. The game was tentative to start, lacking fluency and turn overs from both sides. Altona would find the polish first, some nice lead up play allowed Altona to break the deadlock. The game had few chances from this first half goal, and Broadmeadow would use the interchange to mange the game knowing a loss of no greater than 3 would still guarantee first place in the group. Full time Magic 0 Magic 1. Magic the clear winners!

GROUP STAGE RESULT- Broadmeadow Magic Group 2 Winners! Altona MAgic 2nd, Queanbeyan 3rd, Keilor Wolves 4th.

MASO CUP DAY 3 WRAP- (Yeah, a bit late, but we have a good excuse)-
Day Three of the Maso Cup saw us travel to Sydenham Park Soccer Club’s Keilor Lodge Reserve for final day fixtures, and it was gearing up to be an absolute blast furnace of a day.

GAME 1- Quarter Final 1- Broadmeadow Magic FC Versus Sydenham Park.
The game started quite slow and the strong northerly hair dryer wasn’t assisting the quality of the football, with Magic and Sydenham struggling to create many clear cut chances. Sydenham would hit the net first with a slick move down the right, but the player who tapped in at back stick was adjudged to be offside and the goal didn’t stand. That was about the best chance of the match and the score was locked at 0-0 at full time. Straight to penalties.
Pen 1 Kale’s is saved by the keeper, Sydenham convert. 0-1
Pen 2 Hooley strikes it sweet, Sydenham hit the post. 1-1
Pen 3 Johnny Maj goes straight down the middle, Sydenham Score. 2-2
Pen 4 Taku smashes it into the bottom left, Sydenham Score. 3-3
Penalty 5 Cody makes no mistake, Bitzy guesses right and saves Sydenham’s pen. 4-3. MAGIC THROUGH TO SEMI FINAL!!!

GAME 2- Semi Final 2- Broadmeadow Magic versus Preston Lions Football Club. With the game played on Sydenham’s northern, the wind was now blowing across the park and not giving either team any advantage, this was going to be a good match. Magic started brightly, with Kale and James terrorising the Preston flanks. We would go ahead on the back of such an attack, with Jutty screaming in the centre he challenged a cross, only for the keeper to make better connection with his head and the ball popped out to Maj who was waiting behind, to head into the empty net. Magic go 1 up. Soon after the goal, Preston would be reduced to 10 men after a horrific challenge from behind on Hooley leaving the ref no choice. Fortunately, Hooley wasn’t hurt too bad and could continue. Magic would kill the game off, a strong burst down the line by Dowsey would allow Kale to latch on and curl a shot into the back stick. Magic 2-0 the victors. MAGIC THROUGH TOP THE GRAND FINAL!!!

GAME 3- Grand Final- Broadmeadow Magic versus Rockdale City Suns Football Club – Ilinden.
For what would be the toughest conditions of the day, two teams went to battle in 40 degree heat, a feat in itself which is to be commended. The final to be played as 30 minute halves would be adjusted to four 15 minute quarters, one club from Newcastle versus the reigning champions for the past 3 Maso Cup’s.
The game started at a high intensity, with the Magic boys not overawed by the occasion seeming to catch a second wind catching the Rockdale team by surprise. We would go ahead early in the first quarter with Magic’s pace high and wide catching the Rockdale defence sleeping as Kale streamed in behind, his shot was parried onto the post by Covic and the ball fell back to Kale who made no mistake with the rebound. A minute later we would be in again, some nice lead up play through the middle resulted in a penalty box scramble. Maj was “Johnny on the spot” to smash home into an empty net. Kale would get his brace soon after, bursting down the flank again, he would cut onto his left, once again curling a hard low shot leaving Covic no chance. End of first quarter, Magic 3, Rockdale 0.
The second quarter continued the high intensity with both teams creating chances, both keepers were hard at work. The heat was beaming down relentlessly and a very youthful Magic squad went to the HT break 3-0 in the lead, sending the travelling supporters into an oro on the sideline.
The third quarter saw Rockdale start to take the ascendancy with their experience and fitness starting to show cracks in the Magic defence. Magic was dealt a blow soon after the restart when midfielder Wade “The Rash” Southall was ankle clipped from behind, he fell awkwardly jarring his knee, and was stretchered from the field. We wish him a speedy recovery. Rockdale will pull one back shortly after, as Luke Chill attempted to clear a cross ball unfortunately deflected off his trailing hand as he was lunging, a very tough call, and Rockdale converted from the spot. End of the third quarter Magic still lead 3-1. The disabling heat took two victims as keeper Bitzy and Jezza couldn’t take part in the final quarter puting in an amazing shift.
The final quarter started much like third as Rockdale pushed and pushed for an equaliser. Magic’s centre pairing of Tommy Beecham and Captain Luke Virgili were immense, deputising keeper Alex Boz made some smart saves to deny Rockdale’s constant crosses into the box. With Rockdale committing so many bodies forward we would manage a few break-away’s but keeper Covic made many fine saves, we would be denied a fourth. It was truly end to end stuff. Rockdale would make the final 5 minutes interesting as a cross into the box was fumbled, falling fortunately to a Rockdale player who made no mistake from close range. Squeaky bum time. Magic would prevail, absolutely exhausted, we survived a late onslaught from the tournament favourites to become MASO CUP CHAMPIONS 2018!!!

On behalf of the club, congratulations to the players and coaching staff for securing this honour. For the honour is truly yours, the resilience, determination and character shown over this weekend is truly to be commended and a credit to you all. You are all SUPER MAGICIANS!!! Everyone chipped in and went above and beyond. Special mention to the managers; Ged and Dave, and committee for everything behind the scenes to ensure the players had the best preparations and organisation in the oppressive and crippling heat. Thank you to the supporters who travelled and were able to share in the victory pitch side. Thank you to Jetstar Australia for the congratulatory shout out on the plane PA as we approached Newcastle, Australia.

On behalf of the club we would like to take this opportunity to thank our opponents over the long weekend; Queanbeyan City FC, Altona Magic Soccer Club, Keilor Wolves S.C., Sydenham Park Soccer Club, Preston Lions Football Club and Rockdale City Suns Football Club – Ilinden for the sportsmanship and competition displayed. As with any Maso Cup, football is the winner, throw in a few kebab rolls and Biser Balkanski on full volume and you have a winner.

Finally, on behalf of the club, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the tournament hosts Altona Magic Soccer Club and Sydenham Park on hosting a fantastic spectacle.

GO MAGIC!!!

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