Next Generation Mumbai Cup: Manchester United, Chelsea pick up wins

10 goals were scored across the three games on Monday.

Manchester United's youngsters dominated proceedings against FC Goa in the inaugural game of the PL-ISL Next Generation Mumbai Cup 2020 here at the Reliance Corporate Park Football Ground, Navi Mumbai today. Manchester United FC Under14s won the game by an imposing 4-0 margin. FC Goa put up a brave show but Manchester United’s players emerged as clear winners with their exciting brand of football saw them taking a three-goal lead at the end of the first half itself. A brace from Tomas Jones followed a spectacular strike from Jack Lee Moorhouse in the opening quarter of an hour itself. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Despite being on the receiving end, Goa’s goalkeeper, Micky Dias particularly stood out with some superlative saves. Bryson Pereira played through the attacking left flank for the young Gaurs and seemed to make some good moves in patches. Midfielder Mervin Fernandes and Salgeo Dias who operated further up had impressive outings too. Goa specifically grew into the game in the second half as they showed greater composure whilst dealing with the ball and also defending close in their own box. There was not much goal-threat presented by both the teams as the match progressed but there was definitely a lot of entertaining action going around, especially with a few of the Goa players taking on their United counterparts with some quick runs. However, second-half substitute Haseeb Ogunneye scored in the dying embers of the game to complete United’s quartet of goals. Result: Manchester United FC [Tomas Jones 6’,13’, Jack Lee Moorhouse 15’, Haseeb Ogunneye 50’] beat FC Goa: 4-0. Chelsea trounce RFYS Young Champs In a highly entertaining encounter of the PL-ISL Next Generation Cup Mumbai 2020, the Chelsea youth brigade scripted an impressive 3-1 victory against the Reliance Foundation Young Champs outfit at the Reliance Corporate Park Football Ground, Navi Mumbai, today. The final score line however, did not suggest the competitiveness of the match as youngsters from both sides showed hunger and commitment to outwit their opponents. [embed]https://youtu.be/p3vIBJ9KNjU[/embed]

Next Gen Mumbai Cup Highlights: Chelsea FC Vs Reliance Young Champs

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] The Reliance Foundation Young Champs began the match in fine style with an early goal in the 6th minute through some brilliance by Silajit Santra. While the young Blues made it difficult for the RFYC boys, especially with a strong back-line, Silajit trapped a superb aerial ball, cut inside his marker on the right and slotted it into the top corner of the net. The Reliance Foundation Young Champs continued to press the Chelsea defence but could not manage to extend their lead through the remainder of the opening 25 minutes. Come the second half, the Chelsea boys came out with added intent to put pressure on the RFYC youngsters. The hosts tried to keep them at bay but could not hold on for long as only a few minutes into the second half, the Blues’ skipper, Chinonso Chibueze scored a brilliant equalizer when he capitalized on a loose ball inside the box. Thereafter, the Blues stamped their authority and shortly doubled their tally when a flowing move found Reiss Alexander-Denny as he tucked the ball seamlessly past RFYC goalkeeper Malhar Mohol. In the 46th minute, Chelsea scored the knockout blow when Jack Phillips raced past the opposition defence to pounce on a through ball and clear an easy finish to find the back of the net. Result: Chelsea FC [Chinonso Chibueze 30, Reiss Alexander-Denny 35’, Jack Phillips 46’] beat Reliance Foundation Young Champs [Silajit Santra 6’]: 3-1 Bengaluru FC hold Southampton Day One of the PL-ISL Next Generation Mumbai Cup 2020 culminated with Bengaluru FC’s 1-1 draw against Southampton FC Under 14s here at the Reliance Corporate Park Football Ground, Navi Mumbai today. The Blue Colts cancelled out the English side’s opener in the first half followed by some hard-fought football on display by both teams. The kids from Bengaluru seemed to relish the prospect of coming up against the ‘Young Saints’. They pegged Southampton FC youngsters back for a considerable period of time in the early phases of the game. Lalhminchhuanaga, the energetic midfielder had a vital role to play in it. [embed]https://youtu.be/YkfEbS1O100[/embed]

Next Gen Mumbai Cup Highlights: Southampton FC Vs Bengaluru FC

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="RELATED NEWS | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Overall, Bengaluru’s players were relentless with their work-rate, chasing the opponent hard whenever they lost the ball. Left-back Ashik Adhikari put in crunching challenges and he followed suit with some timely tackles that garnered roaring applause from the audience. Yet, Southampton midfielder Joseph required one loose opportunity to curl the ball into the back of the net from nearly 25-yards away to hand his side the lead. Merely four minutes later though, Bengaluru struck back as Monirul Molla leapt the highest and clawed his team’s way back into this game. The sheer enthusiasm and concentration demonstrated by the Bengaluru boys was laudable. They hardly provided Southampton’s young guns any clear, concise chances to double their lead. Rajanbir Singh led the backline with authority as he regularly carried the ball forward whenever an opportunity arose. Result: Bengaluru FC [Monirul Molla 22’] drew Southampton FC [Joseph Andrews 18’]: 1-1