São Paulo youth defender targets unbeaten run in U15 final | OneFootball

The young defender from São Paulo's youth team, Lucas Cruz, is eagerly anticipating the first quarter-final match of the Paulista Under-15 Championship against Bragantino, which takes place this Saturday (25th) at 9 am (Brasília time) at the rival's training center in Atibaia.

A starter in 15 matches this season, the Cotia defender approaches the match buoyed by an unbeaten streak and consistent performance throughout the year.

"We are very focused and confident for this knockout stage. We know the strength of the opponent, but we also trust in our work and the preparation we've had throughout the season. I want to continue helping the team achieve our goals and maintain this personal unbeaten record," said the São Paulo player.

With 12 wins, three draws, and no losses as a starter, Lucas is one of the key players of the tricolor team, which has accumulated 18 wins, five draws, and only one loss in the 24 games of the state campaign. The defender has also worn the captain's armband.

Recognized for his technical skill and precision in passing, the defender carries traits developed during his time playing as a midfielder in the club's previous categories.

"Playing in midfield helped me a lot with ball distribution and reading plays. São Paulo values this style of play, and I strive to improve with each training session to continue earning the coaching staff's trust," Cruz emphasized.

Champion of the Paulista Under-14 in 2024 and winner of the Tokyo International Youth Football also in the same category, held in Japan, Lucas has been accumulating significant achievements since the beginning of his journey in the tricolor youth teams. Now, the full focus is on the state quarter-finals.

"The decisive moment has arrived. It's when every detail makes a difference. We will give our best to secure the qualification and represent São Paulo well," the young player concluded.

The return match between São Paulo and Bragantino is scheduled for November 1st, at 9 am, at the Marcelo Portugal Gouveia Stadium in Cotia.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.