Star WR Diego Oliveira Shines, Helps Juventude Top Chacais in Brazil’s Gaúcho Championship

Juventude got its second straight victory. Photo Alvaro Gauciniski

Last Sunday, Brazilian American football club Juventude FA visited Chacais at SESI Stadium, in Santa Cruz do Sul, in a qualifying match for the Gaúcho Championship semifinal.

The team from Caxias do Sul beat their rivals in overtime 24 to 17. The result ensures white and green squad in the final of the state championship.

In their first participation in a Gaúcho Championship competition, Juventude reaches its first final in history.

Juventude opened the scoring with a touchdown by wide receiver Diego Oliveira, who received pass from quarterback Thiago Pacheco. The kicker Matheus Ely hit the extra point. Juventude then expanded their lead with a field goal made by Ely.

In the second quarter the defenses of both teams held the offenses to no points.

In the back of halftime, Chacais tried to reassert control of the match. The kicker Diego Goulart added a field goal, then came the fullback Diego Gassen with a TD to tie the duel. Goulart made the extra point.

In the last quarter, the Chacais ‘matilha gaúcha‘ (gaúcho coyotes in English) pulled ahead scoring a touchdown by on a run by quarterback Aramins. Goulart kept 100% success in the extra point. However, Juventude leveled the game before full time with another touchdown by Diego Oliveira.

In overtime, Juventude scored on their first drive with on reverse run by Oliveira. Chacais had a chance to tie, but the excessive flags prevented the Santa Cruz do Sul from pulling even.

Win the win in Santa Cruz do Sul, Juventude awaits the winner of the other semifinal between Porto Alegre Pumpkins and São José Bulls, that duel on this Saturday 18th at Sports Complex of PUCRS, in Porto Alegre.

The final is scheduled for May 10th, with the command of field yet to be defined by Gaúcho Federation of American Football.

Highlights – Juventude FA v. Chacais