U-19: Mateusz Stanek scores five goals and secures an important victory against Pogoń Szczecin

On Saturday morning, the Wisła U-19 team faced Pogoń Szczecin in the 22nd round of the Central Junior League. The team, led by coach Karol Nędza, defeated their opponents 5-2, with Mateusz Stanek scoring all the goals for the White Star.

The match between Pogoń and Wisła was certainly not lacking in excitement. Plenty of goals were scored, but the first one had to wait until the 30th minute. Wisła's attack in the penalty area was illegally stopped, and the referee pointed to the goalkeeper. Mateusz Stanek stepped up to open the scoring. However, the Kraków side's lead was short-lived, as just a few minutes later, the Port team were awarded a penalty, which they also converted. Just before the final whistle, the opposition again created a penalty, and Stanek capitalized on the opportunity to double the lead, beating the home goalkeeper. Wisła were able to head into the break in better spirits.

Stanek times five

Less than five minutes after the teams returned to the pitch, we had another goal. The referee was forced to award a penalty for the fourth time, again in favor of the White Star. Stanek was once again the set piece taker, and he beat the Portowcy goalkeeper for the third time, completing his hat-trick. As it later turned out, this wasn't the last word from the striker, coach Karol Nędza's team. Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Kraków team launched another attack. In a quick attack, they brought the ball into the opponents' penalty area, which Stanek eventually intercepted and extended his team's lead with a neat shot under the crossbar.

The Port team then launched an attack, spotting a chance on the left wing. One of their opponents crossed into the penalty area, and his partner headed a shot past Wiktor Sierda at the far post. The White Star responded within minutes. The interception was played high to defender Stanek, who came from behind, who lobbed the Szczecin goalkeeper, who had just come out of the net. It was the Wisła striker's fifth goal. Wiktor Benedyktowicz also had chances in the match, but unfortunately failed to find the net in a one-on-one situation, and Yehor Khromykh, who tried his luck from distance, failed to find the back of the net. Coach Karol Nędza's men ultimately prevailed 5-2, securing a valuable three points.

"The start of the match against Pogoń was reminiscent of the one against Legia. The boys faced their opponents with courage and great commitment, but the difference is that we managed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to us, in this case after the penalty shootout. We certainly weren't the dominant side throughout the match, but we had our very good moments that ended in goals. Pogoń also created their chances, playing very well. However, we played wisely in low defense, so that we could later effectively threaten our opponents with counterattacks. I think we were simply more focused in this match. Ultimately, we took the three points, mainly thanks to great team commitment and determination. The boys performed exemplarily in their respective positions, which we focused on during training and briefings. Huge respect to them for what they showed in Szczecin," said team coach Karol Nędza after the match.

The CLJ U-19 team will host Górnik Zabrze in their next home match. The match is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at 12:00 noon.

Pogoń Szczecin U-19 – Wisła Kraków U-19 2:5 (1:2)

Goals for Wisła: 5x Stanek

Wisła Kraków U-19: Wiktor Sierda (RB) – Maciej Pachel (90' Adam Klimczyk), Maciej Jania (71' Michał Prochwicz), Radosław Skała (C), Marcin Górkiewicz – Maciej Kuziemka (46' Yehor Khromykh), Bartłomiej Sowa, Karol Dziedzic (90' Radosław Wójcicki), Tomasz Dusik (67' Dawid Gap) – Wiktor Benedyktowicz (80' Borys Płotka), Mateusz Stanek (75' Hugo Woyna-Orlewicz)

Substitutes' bench: Jakub Kowalski (BR), Maksym Tsymbaliuk