Sydney Benfica FC – 11 Boys State Champions

Sydney Benfica FC 11 Boys entered these State Titles knowing that amongst 8 of the 9 players they had successfully won this age group for the past four years. Expectations were high although complacency was a real danger.
Their opening match none more evident as a 3 nil lead evaporated to a young and energetic Western Raiders side Final score 3 all.  Whilst the team showed glimpses of magic, their first day could be classed as a little less impressive.
Sunday morning arrived with a top of the table clash between Benfica and Sydney University. The added curve ball that if Benfica lost, the young Western Raiders side could snatch the vital second spot. In stark contrast to the previous days performance, Benfica charged from the onset and ran out winners 7-0. They remained undefeated and qualified first.
Their semifinal match was against Premier League outfit, Hawkesbury Commodores. Benfica?s coach demanded intensity and patience from his players and that is exactly what he got as they ran out 6-0 winners and earnt a spot in the final. Their opposition would once again be Sydney University.
Although they had previously beaten Sydney University, it was known that this would give Uni the extra motivation coming into the final. The boys started where they had left off previously and dominated the match running out 9-1 winners.
The boys played some unbelievable futsal over the weekend and were without doubt deserved winners.
Squad ? James McNicol (GK), Michael Trajkovski ?, Dimitri Krideras, Petros Xenos, Steve Kuzmanovski, Michael Houdek, Daniel Bavcangiovski, Justin Lazarevski, Stephen Athanaseris