Another Clean Sheet for FSL's Best Defense

Match Report: Zagreb v Paris MD6

By: Drew Peacock

Relegation survival hopefuls, Nomades de Paris traveled to Croatia to face title contenders Zagreb NK. The visitors opted to make a change, back to the 4-4-2 formation to put more pressure on the opposing defense. Zagreb made no changes to their shape, but Neagu was given the opportunity to start this match, rather than coming on at half-time. Would he get get his first goal of the season? No. The visitors started the game well, holding a much higher possession and field tilt through the first quarter of the match. They were unable to convert either of those into chances on goal. They finished the half without registering a shot and spent the rest of the first period unable to get out of their own half. Alternatively, Zagreb would create many chances in the half, including several long shots from the team's goal scoring leader, Jethro. He forced saves from Paris' keeper Humphree Klock on three occasions in the half. A big chance missed from Henry Kamel came in the 21' minute as Neagu played him in behind the defense for a header. He aimed it low and Klock was able to push it over the crossbar to keep the scores level. Just before the half time whistle, Zagreb's captain Scooter McGavin was booked for simulation after embellishing the contact made by Kyle Pappa. Despite the teams being allowed to play an additional 5 minutes, the whistle did eventually come; 0-0 at the break. Zagreb would take off a defender for a midfielder to try and push to take the lead. In the 54' Kamel had another chance, this time he was able to turn and shoot, but his shot went wide of the goal. Kamel was able to recover from that and set up Jethro to give the hosts the lead in the 63' minute. Both Kamel and Jehro were one-on-one with the Paris center backs and Kamel's excellent hold up play set up Jethro to fire a shot past Klock; Zagreb lead 1-0. Neagu would try to set up Kamel again, sending him through on goal. This time, Kamel was able to beat the keeper, but failed to get the shot on target a third time. Visibly frustrated, there was only one thing to do. Captain Scooter substituted Neagu off, ending any chance he would have to score his first goal this season, in favor of in form Roman Alvarez. The move would pay off as Jethro returned the favor to Kamel, setting him up for a lovely goal from just outside the penalty area, giving Zagreb a two goal lead. In a late attempt to get something from the match, Paris through bodies forward. In doing so, they registered their first shot of the game, in the 89' minute, forcing a great one-handed save from Zagreb's GK, Owen Majmunovic. The last touch of the game would be a sliding, volleyed shot from Freulerista that looked to be heading out of the stadium. A disappointing performance from the Parisians, who have yet to win a match this season. With all three points, Zagreb keeps pace with the top contenders in the league this season. This would also be their league high fourth clean sheet in six matches.