Quarter-Finals: Vienna Kontinental 2-0 Athens Kerberos
Athens meet their expectations, and are knocked out by the Austrians
Written by: Saad Maan, Forta Evening News
Athens Kerberos debut season in S2 is arguably the best a newly promoted club has ever done in FSL. However, since then it has only got worse. Following a points' deduction as well as a mass exodus, including former captain Jethro, they look like a shell of their former selves. This is in contrast to their quarter-final opposition, Vienna Kontinental. After being the laughingstock of FSL in their debut season, their fortunes would turn around. With the development of young players such as Bradley Keetch as Siefad Rahman, and the additions of Moritz Hoffmann and Max Jaxon, they have become the favourites of every competition. As the old faces the new, expectations, just like the stakes, were high.
From the get go, you could sense that there was a gulf in quality between the two sides. Vienna applied tons of pressure and had the momentum on their side, and as a result they would take the lead through veteran Matheus dos Reis following a parried shot from Moritz Hoffmann. Against a side like Vienna, going down early isn't a winning concept. Their resilience and organised take on defending has made them one of the league's best defensive teams, whilst still retaining their powerful attack.
Despite their best efforts, Athens simply lacked the quality to compete with Vienna on the pitch. As time went on, frustration grew, and Athens midfielder Emero Laden lashed out at Bradley Keetch in the 77th minute with a knee-crunching tackle. As a result, the Virgin Islands midfielder had to undergo treatment.
In the 90th minute of play, Gavin Boyd - famous for being Mungo Scruyazelv's father, sent Moritz Hoffmann through on goal with a lofted pass from the left channel. The German, showing no mercy, rifles a volley into the roof of the net, sending the home crowd into raptures.
With a decisive 2-0 victory over Athens, Vienna is through to the semi-finals of the tournament, which has so far eluded them. The extent of Keetch's lingering injury is unknown. It is expected that he starts from the bench in Vienna's upcoming semi-final clash against Norden FK.
📸 *Matheus dos Reis scores the opener for Vienna Kontinental*
