3 min read
3rd Sep 2023
Real Sociedad 2 (Elcano Estremo 4, Acosta Legorburu 37) Wolves 0
Wolves under-17s were beaten by Real Sociedad in their opening game of the International Youth Cup in South Korea.
A goal in each half by Markel Elcano Estremo and Damian Acosta Legorburu ensured the points went the way of the Spanish outfit.
Despite a promising start by Wolves, it was Sociedad who took the lead inside the opening four minutes courtesy of Elcano Estremo. The attacker was played in by Aguirre Basurco and had the composure in front of goal to slot beyond George Hardy to open the scoring.
Richard Walker’s side had their moments in the first 35 minutes but were unable to create any clear-cut chances in front of goal at Asiad Stadium.
Instead, it was Real Sociedad who conjured up another opportunity on the stroke of half-time as Ibai Cabo Beristain got on the end of the cross, but could only divert over the top of the crossbar.
Half-time | Real Sociedad 1-0 Wolves
Minkyu Ji was introduced for the second half, with Walker opting to make a change down the right flank, as Conor McLeod made way.
However, it was another early goal into the half that doubled the advantage for Sociedad as a cross into the box was met by the head of Acosta Legorburu who placed his header into the back of the net.
Wolves responded by introducing Josh Nyakudya, and the winger proved a danger from the outset out wide. He almost made an instant impact as he tricked his way around his opponent and got to the byline twice, just squeezing an effort the wrong side of the post on the second occasion.
The Old Gold were in control for much of the second period, but it was the clinical edge of the Spaniards that saw them into a two-goal lead, and some additional savviness on and off the ball to boot.
For all their dominance, Wolves were only able to create one more clear-cut opening, as Fabian Salmon was fed by Nyakudya, but the striker’s effort was held by goalkeeper Javier Jimenez Jimenez who dived low to his left.
Full-time | Real Sociedad 2-0 Wolves
NEXT UP
Wolves have less than 24 hours to recover, as they face their second Group B test against FC Seoul on Monday – kick-off is at 9am UK time.
Supporters can watch the game live on the K League Youth YouTube channel HERE
TEAMS
Real Sociedad | Jimenez Jimenez, Ugalde Dunabetia, Calderon Balda, Sanchez Ugarte, Elcano Estremo, Aguirre Basurco, Kubo, Acosta Legorburu, Larralde, Madina Arriola, Beristain.
Subs | Igarburen Arrizabalaga, Froilan Rodriguez, Portu Uribeecheverri, Goni, Cortajarena, Chavez Manso.
Wolves | Hardy, Okoduwa, Carson, Clarke (White 63), Diomande (Ruddock 41), Bradbury, Salmon (Gidaree 70+3), Edozie (Ayman 66), Plank (Nyakudya 45), Rawlings, C. McLeod (Ji 36).
Subs not used | Kibrya.
