MFL Super Division Play-offs     Mumbai FC U-19 v Mahindra United U-19   Match Report by Shailesh Karkera In the end, it took a run of five straight victories in the post season play-offs for Mumbai FC U-19 to surpass the all-conquering Mahindra United U-19 and be crowned the champions of the 2008-09 MFL Super Division. Sam Cruz’s instinctive goal early in the second half capped a remarkable comeback by Mumbai FC as United tasted defeat for the first time all season in the title deciding play-off encounter at the St. Xavier’s Ground in Parel. Early Goal Mahindra United were first off the blocks with a flurry of chances in the opening minutes of the tie. Knowing that this was a must-win game for them to be crowned champions, the boys showed great ambition in attack and went straight for the jugular. A well threaded pass by Royston D’Souza into the penalty area was met by forward Shilton Dsouza, whose outfoot strike left the Mumbai FC keeper helpless as the ball rolled into the bottom corner and gave Mahindra United a dream start to the game. Goal! 1-0 to the jeepmen! United almost doubled their lead minutes later after a momentary lapse by the Mumbai FC defence saw striker Varin Mehta on a one-on-one with the keeper, Neeraj Sharma. With the odds stacked heavily against him, Niraj did well to keep out the striker’s thundering attempt with a great save, denying United’s second as scores of Mumbai FC fans cheered in the packed stands. The game followed a familiar pattern as previous clashes involving the U-19 teams this season – Two touch football, fast breaks, end-to-end attacks and loads of energy. Mumbai FC counter The game had gone past the half hour mark when Mumbai FC had their first genuine attempt on goal. Midfielder John Coutinho showed great agility inside the penalty area – pouncing on a loose ball at full stretch – to squeeze in a shot that went inches wide of the near post. At the stroke of half time, Mumbai FC clawed their way back into the game after a moment of brilliance by Captain Manuel D’Souza, who fabricated the equalizer. Displaying flawless technique, the midfielder unleashed an unstoppable half-volley off a corner inside a crowded penalty area. Keeper Yatish Shetty had no chance as the ball rocketed into the far post much to the deafening sounds of the screaming Mumbai FC fans. Goal! 1-1. Game on! Continued on page 2