Host Swan Hill scored the opening goal just two minutes into the game and led 4-0 at half-time, before adding another nine goals in the second half.
The clash was always going to be a difficult one for the Border Raiders, coming up against the powerhouse side in the Bendigo Amatuer Soccer League’s division two in Swan Hill.
And despite the scoreline, it was still a valiant performance from the Raiders.
Moama Echuca had just 11 players on the day, going the whole game without any substitutions.
Of those 11 players, three were playing their first game of the season — Jose Dos Santos filled in as goalkeeper, while under-16s Jye Dos Santos and Matthew Whyte filled in for the senior side, too.
It was Whyte’s first senior game for the Border Raiders and Jye’s second appearance for the senior side.
Down back, Rishabh Kothari was great for the Border Raiders, excelling in a new role in defence.
Normally an attacking winger, Kothari played right-back for the Raiders and was rock solid all game, making a number of crucial tackles and showing tremendous courage.
Up forward, Patricio Rodriguez came inches away from scoring Moama Echuca’s first goal of the season.
A great pass split the Swan Hill defence and Rodriguez was through on goal, only to have his shot kept out by a diving fingertip save from the Swan Hill goalkeeper.
Rodriguez and Andrea Romano both had great games in the midfield, creating some dangerous moves going forward and working hard against a strong Swan Hill midfield.
There is still optimism among the Raiders’ playing group, with injuries and COVID-19 meaning the side has been unable to have its full squad available each week.
At the junior level, Moama Echuca’s under-12 Border Raiders had a 9-0 win over Golden City, their fourth win of the season. The club’s other under-12 side, the Border Vikings, had a 2-1 win against FC Eaglehawk.
Moama Echuca’s under-16s were also in action, falling to Swan Hill 7-1.
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