In the Elite League U15 playoff third-place match, our team faced UTA Arad in Chiajna. Fogarasi Zoltán’s side suffered a 1–5 defeat and finished the championship in fourth place.
In the Elite League U15 playoff third-place match, our team faced UTA Arad in Chiajna. Fogarasi Zoltán’s side suffered a 1–5 defeat and finished the championship in fourth place.
The match did not begin in a way that suggested such a large margin by the final whistle. During the first 27 minutes we not only held our own against the strong Arad side, but controlled the game in an organized manner, both defensively and offensively. Few clear chances were created in this period, with play mostly taking place in midfield, and only one or two long-range attempts from the opposition posing danger.
In the 27th minute, however, an unfortunate own goal broke our momentum, and within five minutes we conceded two more goals. The three quick strikes were largely the result of concentration lapses and left us trailing heavily at halftime.
We returned for the second half determined to reduce the deficit through disciplined play. Our efforts paid off quickly: in the 55th minute, Orbán Hunor converted a rightly awarded penalty. After pulling one back, we remained on the attack, but five minutes later UTA scored again, effectively ending our comeback hopes. The Arad side added another goal late on to set the final score at 1–5.
Head coach Fogarasi Zoltán evaluated both the match and the entire season:
– Based on the overall picture of the game, I consider the difference exaggerated, but that does not matter, because this is what will appear in the records and statistics, so I do not want to make excuses. Those who were here saw it; those who were not here will not believe me anyway. Nevertheless, the team deserves huge congratulations, because 48 teams started the U15 championship, and besides winning the regular season, we finished second in the playoff. We lost the third-place match, but overall our season has been very positive. This fourth place exceeded all expectations; only those who expected more can be disappointed. We are not disappointed. We are a bit sad about how it ended, but looking at the bigger picture, we can be proud.
Evaluating the year, we began an interesting season last July 7, as not everyone from the previous U14 generation continued at U15, and several new players joined. It was essentially a new squad, and during preparation we saw a core beginning to form that could achieve even better results. From match to match we played more decisively, the boys learned more tactical elements and improved technically. This led to finishing first in the regular season.
The playoff stage was a challenge in almost every match. We had a five-match unbeaten run that lifted us to second place, which we maintained until the final four matches. Through our results and especially through our style of play, dominance and tactical execution, we proved this team has great potential. We also demonstrated this in the Romanian U15 Cup, reaching the semifinals without losing in regular time. Out of seven matches, we won six and lost one on penalties.
We must also mention our participation in three international tournaments, finishing second twice and winning the first Isa Gábor Memorial. The season is not yet over, as next week we will participate in the II. Bálnás József International Memorial Tournament, where we aim to represent the Academy with strong results.
Overall, it has been a very successful year. The players improved significantly, were open to work and highly committed. Despite squad changes, a core group is forming that we can rely on at U16 level as well. Training attendance exceeded 95%. We played 52 matches in total, 33 official, and remained unbeaten in 28. We scored 85 goals and conceded 37, keeping 11 clean sheets. These are significant numbers.
I am very proud that the players learned defensive principles they now apply almost automatically. The goal for the future is for individual talents to subordinate themselves even more to team play. This year provides a solid foundation to return even stronger in summer preparation. I am convinced this generation will bring many more successes to the club and the academy, and that several players may reach the national teams.
I would like to thank the staff for their work, the Academy and the club for their trust, and the players and staff for their confidence in me. It is good to belong to this community. I hope this work continues and that we can be just as successful in the future – said the head coach.
Elite League U15, Third-Place Match
FK Csíkszereda–UTA Arad 1–5 (0–3).
Scorer: Orbán Hunor (55’ – penalty).
Referees: Rasteanu Liviu, Nuță Ionuț Emanuel, Negură Alexandru Marian.
FK Csíkszereda: Bâlbăe Róbert – Szabó Ákos, Keresztes Ákos, Forró Patrik, Kiss Hunor, Jánoska Máthé Krisztián Levente, Deák Kristóf, Lukács Bence Balázs, Orbán Hunor, Matei Darius Cornel, Jánosi Zsolt. Substitutes: Șeitan-Pataki Dávid, Murgui Mario Nicolas, Debrenti Milán, Imbre Mihály, Kósa Áron. Head coach: Fogarasi Zoltán.
László Orbán