U23 League

Javier Amilcar Díaz
Spectators: 152 (Terracing: 114, Seating: 35, VIP seats: 3) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Severo Eron kicked off to start the match. 3 minutes into the match, Inter Miami CF's goal looked a bit too open when Wes Lieckens came free, but Marcos Chuan reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 4th minute of the match Sporting de Gijón got a corner. Inter Miami CF's goalie ran out to the linesman to protest the call, but the linesman resolutely pointed his flag at the cornerflag. Mario Zanabria ran over to the corner to take the kick. Silvestre Lizar kicked well hit freekick during the 6th minute of the match. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Mario Zanabria in the 13th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Marcos Chuan prevented the ball from getting in the gole. In the 16th minute, Elpidio Bixintxo hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Wes Lieckens in the 20th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Marcos Chuan prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Melchor Rosio sent away a hard shot on goal in the 21st minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. In the 27th minute, Wes Lieckens made a precise shot to the right of Marcos Chuan. Inter Miami CF's defense was at fault, and the scoreboard reflected the new score, 0-2. Marcos Chuan showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Wes Lieckens, who was totally free with the ball in the 31st minute. Teo Barea in the 34thth minute had a little luck and got a chance for a shot in front of the goal. Without hesitation aimed to the right of Sergio Romero, who managed to lunge to the right direction and made a save. Benito Bermudez charged in rather forcefully in the 36th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Benito Bermudez the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. Marcos Chuan showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Mario Zanabria in the 39th minute of the match. Elpidio Bixintxo kicked well hit freekick during the 40th minute of the match. The supporters of Inter Miami CF booed when Sporting de Gijón was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 44 match minutes in a wonderful position. Wes Lieckens didn't get a good kick on the ball. Marcos Chuan made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Wes Lieckens in the 47th minute of play. The Inter Miami CF players were disheartened as they walked off the pitch after the first half. Sporting de Gijón were winning 0-2.

Sporting de Gijón made a substitution. Pascual Tipi replaced Mario Zanabria. The wind increased when Elpidio Bixintxo made the kick off in the second half. Braulio Cilio's late challenge caught a Sporting de Gijón's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Braulio Cilio helped the player get up and apologised. In the 54th match minute, Inter Miami CF was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Braulio Cilio to maneuver through the defense. 56 minutes into the game, Wes Lieckens cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 0-3. Marcos Chuan was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. Sporting de Gijón's Elpidio Bixintxo was standing unmarked in front of the goal when he, in the 60th play minute, got the ball and easily drilled it into the goal. In the 64th minute, Sporting de Gijón's Elpidio Bixintxo ran free of his marker and smoothly shot the ball into the goal behind Marcos Chuan. Marcos Chuan yelled at his defense, as they had left him out to dry. 0-5. Elpidio Bixintxo hit a great freekick 70 minutes into the match. In the 72nd minute, Celestino Bastian hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. 76 minutes into the match, Inter Miami CF's goal looked a bit too open when Elpidio Bixintxo came free, but Marcos Chuan reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. 81 minutes into the match, Elpidio Bixintxo dribbled the ball past the defender and swiftly kicked the ball to the left of Marcos Chuan, 1-6. 84 minutes into the game, Inter Miami CF's Celestino Bastian nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. Sergio Romero made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 2-6. After some fancy dribbling in the 93rd minute, Pascual Tipi managed to get in a good position for a shot. Sporting de Gijón's supporters rose to their feet, but Pascual Tipi was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Marcos Chuan breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. The Sporting de Gijón supporters could be heard counting down the last seconds of the match. They errupted in celebration when the whistle blew, knowing Sporting de Gijón would go home with victory in their luggage after a match that easily could have ended differently.