Soccer: Moshiko crowned champs after 5-1 win

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
soccer ball 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
soccer ball 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Moshiko was crowned the champion of the Moshiko Soccer League, clinching the title in a thrilling 5-1 triumph over defending champion U.K.I. on Saturday.
From the kickoff the game was quick and tight with both teams refusing to give any ground in the opening exchanges. Moshiko, though, took advantage of U.K.I.’s deep play as Noam Shwartz burst through, unleashing a fierce drive into the bottom left corner.
Cheski Steinhart brilliantly commanded the Moshiko troops as they constantly closed down U.K.I. while Amichai Benami broke up any U.K.I. attack. Moshiko’s pressure caused U.K.I. to make defensive errors which saw Michael Chalamish punish it with a powerful strike and Yoram Touitou’s superb finish give Moshiko a 3-0 lead.
Not giving up, U.K.I. pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time, the skillful Yeshaya Pearlman feeding Yanki Baddiel to smash home.
After the break U.K.I. stepped up a gear and were almost immediatelyrewarded as Pearlman hit the post, but Moshiko began to dominate asShwartz scored again, putting the game out of U.K.I.’s reach.
Encouraged by the large crowd, U.K.I. kept on fighting, but the Moshikodefense of Reiner and Sofer showed great resilience while Yigal Touitoufinally got on the score sheet late on, giving Moshiko their welldeserved victory.
Brunch Bagels Shaul Tam was awarded Golden Boot with an impressive 17goals and Moshiko’s Noam Shwartz received player of the season for hiscombative midfield displays and being the engine behind his team’sincredible season.