A North York derby at Rustic's home field, and it had everything. Rustic led 3–1 at the break, helped by a first-half penalty. Excel Pro NY came out for the second half a different team and hauled it back to 4–4.
Derby days are never simple, and this U12 meeting with Rustic delivered everything the fixture promised: goals, pressure, and a second-half comeback that showed exactly what this Excel Pro NY squad is made of.
Rustic came out sharp and made the early running. A penalty awarded in their favour helped set the tone, and by the halftime whistle the hosts held a 3–1 lead. Excel Pro NY kept working and got one back before the break, but the deficit was real and the message in the changing room was clear — the game was still there to be taken.
Whatever was said at halftime worked. Excel Pro NY came out with an entirely different energy — pressing higher, winning second balls, and refusing to let Rustic settle. Goal by goal the gap closed, and the boys hauled themselves level to finish the match 4–4.
Both sides pushed hard in the closing stages, and the pressure told on everyone. Neither team could find a winner, and a share of the points was a fair reflection of a genuinely tough, end-to-end contest.
Going down 3–1 in a derby against a rival like Rustic tests a young team's character. Coming back from it says more about this group than any comfortable win would have. Full credit to the players for the fight, the discipline, and the belief they showed in the second half — and to Rustic for a hard, competitive game.
Final score: Excel Pro NY 4 – 4 Rustic