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| Playoff pain but we go again |
The Carioca's Super League Division 4 campaign ended in dramatic fashion this week as the Rio side celebrated an unlikely second place finish secured on the final day of the season, before a narrow defeat in their Playoff Final on Thursday saw their promotion hopes extinguished.
The Brazilians had spent just one week of the season inside the top two heading into the final round of fixtures but knew that a win could see them leapfrog promotion rivals Ellesmere Panthers with just two points separating the sides.
A dominant 5-0 win against already-relegated Recovering Alcoholics saw WillB's side produce their all-time best home performance to take the Playoff spot for a chance to gain back-to-back promotions and a place in Division 3 for the first time in the club's history.
A tough Playoff Final draw pitched the Carioca against Division 4h title challengers Liverpool Effsii with JoeJosen's side labelled firm favourites after an outstanding season saw them score 29 goals while spending the majority of the campaign at the top of their division.
A predictable pattern of play emerged with Liverpool dominating possession looking for a breakthrough and the Brazilians set-up in a well organised defensive shape waiting for opportunities to counter-attack.
A diving header in the first half from prolific striker Jacinto Valença put Liverpool in front, and although the Carioca fought back in the second half with Henry Belmont hitting the post, they couldn't find an equaliser to force extra time.
"I can't fault the players at all this season, they've given everything from the first round right up to the Playoff Final," Maracanã boss WillB said after the game.
"And they've given the fans some great moments back in Division 4 after such a long time in the lower leagues. To make it into the top two like that on the final day of the season, and then battle hard against such a quality team in the Playoff, we can't be too disappointed to miss out on promotion this time. It gives us real confidence and experience moving into next season, and the belief we can go one step further."
Founded in April 2009, the Carioca are yet to reach Division 3, with the Season 67 campaign being just their second in Division 4.
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