UNITED BLOWN AWAY BY SUPER NOVA
07 / 07 / 2016
Progress/Super Nova 
A poor first half performance from United sees them drop points against Progress/Super Nova
Date published: 07/07/2016 - 15:07
Progress/Super Nova 3-0 Riga United FC
Manager Mo Awada was clearly furious after the
defeat on Wednesday night, as he saw his team capitulate the first
half and lose the game 3-0. He said: "I'm very upset and
frustrated. It's not often I publicly criticize the players
but today was a total "off day" and they know it. The 1st
half was the worse we have played all season and we can't allow
teams a three-zero head start before we start playing. The
2nd half was better but the game was over by then."
Riga United were looking to extend their lead over Progress and
Monarhs in the table, to put them in a good position, halfway into
the the season. However, the problem which United have come up
against all too many times this year plagued them again: Slow start
in the first half.
In a reverse situation to last year, when they often conceded in
the second half, the problem seems to be in the first half and this
was the case again. In this game they seemed lost at points.
Progress’s first goal could be argued as an offside but the
defence switched off and it was 1-0. United gave away two
more penalties for Progress to create a comfortable lead and second
half at home.
In the second half, Riga United made three drastic changes,
including the goalkeeper. This seem to work as United found their
rhythm again. They kept the ball more and pressed better.
They created a few chances also and perhaps should have
‘snatched’ one or two goals from them.
It wasn’t to be though and all-in-all Progress/Super Nova were the
better team and deserved the win. Awada acknowledging this fact:
“Fair play to [Progress/]Super Nova, they are a young team
full of energy and we simply couldn't keep up with them. It was
very clear to see on the field; they train almost every day and
have resources of young talent we can only dream of. That's
the difference and the level we need to aim for.”.