Congratulations to the MCC U17 boys soccer team who beat Naas Community College 5-0 in the FAI Schools Midlands Region League. The lads had a slow start to their winning campaign drawing 2-2 with Celbridge Community School who equalised in the last minute due to a mix up between our defender and keeper. That harsh blow was a lesson well learned for the lads as after that draw they won all their 4 games en route to the final.
The lads were in a confident mood from the word go and started the game with all out attack. A few wasted chances had the boys feeling uneasy. Sammi Clarke was the first to go to close but painstakingly put the ball wide when put through one on one with a slick pass from captain Luke McDonald. Clarke atoned for his narrow miss when a few minutes later he set up McDonald with a glorious pass after beating two defenders. McDonald used all the power he could muster with a cracking shot on the edge of the box which the Naas keeper could do nothing to stop due to its sheer ferocity.
The first half was an even affair with Naas creating some solid chances but brilliant defending from the ever consistent defender throughout the campaign Harry McCahey kept them at bay with an important block as the Naas player was played in on goal.
A rejuvenated Maynooth came out in the second half with a pure determination to win the final. Man of the match on the day Conor Lynam who was up and down the wing all day like a yoyo started the early attacks. Despite a number of missed chances, Maynooth finally went 2-0 up when keeper Ryan Comeau played a beautfiul ball from his box all the way to Sammi Clarke who showed patience to head the ball past the Naas keeper.
As the confidence grew Maynooth were nearly caught out but Sean O' Sullivan and Kamill Sztyler at centre back ensured that they marshalled the back line to keep the clean sheet.
The ever energetic Daragh Ó'Fionnagáin scored a brilliant third individual goal when he came in from the right wing and despite being tackled by two defenders showed exquisite determination to rifle the ball across the goal and into the net. Maynooth wanted more and star striker for the campaign Adam Ryan was unlucky to not get on the score sheet when the Naas keeper pulled off a strong save. Ryan who did not stop running all game was desperate to get his name on the score sheet but it was captain Luke McDonald who scored an excellent fourth goal after Lewis McKeon aka "The Terminator" broke down an attack in midfield and started the counter attack.
Maynooths subs played an important role in the game too. David Byrne was forced off injured after only one minute which was a huge shame as David was so influential in previous rounds. David's contribution cannot be forgotten. David's replacement Charlie Barrett brought energy throughout and he gave the right back for Naas a torrid time. Eoghan Creighton replaced Charlie when he went off injured and Eoghan ensured that any Naas attack was cut out. Eoghan's fresh energy allowed Conor Lynam to pass him down the line a few times to feed the ball across.Resulting from one of these attacks was a free kick which Clarke took. A fast swinging ball in resulted in substitute Finn O'Regan hitting a sweet volley past the Naas keeper to make it 5-0.
Callum O' Reilly showed true grit when he came on and showed why Maynooth were deserved winners. Not resting on his laurels he broke down an attack but was harshly adjudged to have fouled. Such determination epitomised Maynooth's refusal to concede a goal. Ethan McLoughlin who no doubt will be one of the stars of the U17 team next year showed plenty of skill when he came on and reminded the fans of a young Robbie Keane with some cheeky touches.
A number of lads did not play today but they drove the other lads throughout the campaign and will play important roles as they now progress in the Leinster Championship. A big shout out to Liam Curley, Tadhg MacAmhlaidh, Louie Martin, P.J. McFadden, Killian Farrell and James Jones.
Manager Mr. Larkin just about managed to hold back tears on this momentous win. Well done to all!