In the final playoff game of the pool, Mumbai Strikers (MS) faced off against West Zone United (WZU) who they had to beat. WZU had beaten Mumbai Port Trust 5-0 earlier in the playoff stages which meant they were equal on points with MS but ahead by a +2 goal difference.
WZU took an early first half lead due to a defensive lapse. Ball played over the defense landed in between the defender and the keeper, which the WZU forward smartly lobbed in to an empty net. The confusion left the goalkeeper Leon Menezes in no man’s land. MS fought back with 2 back to back goals by Ravish Dsouza. Ravish scored a solid header and a penalty. Momentum swayed towards MS and they had taken control of the game. WZU came out with aggression in the second half and saw more of the ball. MS got way too defensive for their own comfort and were finding it difficult to clear the lines and get numbers in attack. It looked like the pressure of the big games was too intense to handle and eventually MS succumbed to it. Left back Rayan Thomas misjudged an aerial ball which the WZU forward trapped well before launching a right footed volley from the right D-top to the far post bracket leaving no chance for the MS goal keeper. There seemed no end to the joy in the WZU camp while MS promotion dreams were fading away by the minute. MS managed one final chance when Ravish found himself running towards the goal with just the keeper to beat. The WZU defense however managed to sprint back and force Ravish into hitting a weak left footed shot which the keeper easily collected. The final whistle blew shortly after that and with that ended MS’s chances of promotion and Super division football for next season. MS were heartbroken as they went out on goal difference.
Looking back at the season, overall it was a constructive season for MS. Youngsters like Rayan Thomas, Karan Punjwani & Akshay Saraf made their debuts and individually had a very progressive season. Ravish Dsouza topped the goal scoring charts with 19 goals in 8 games. Akshay Devadiga made a comeback after a long injury layoff and also got on the scoring sheet. With the passion, vision and commitment to sports and its development, Mumbai Strikers Sports Club can expect good and successful times ahead. As far as next season is concerned, the preparations have already begun and MS will come out even stronger and will settle for nothing other than the title.