Young Leeds side reach Plate semi-finals on Soccer Sevens debut

Leeds United’s first appearance at the HKFC Soccer Sevens ended in the Plate semi-finals after a promising campaign from a youthful Under-18 squad.

The Young Whites began their Group B campaign with a 2–0 victory over Singapore Football Club, with Sam Alker scoring both goals.

Alker was on target again against Hong Kong Football Club, but Leeds suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat. A 3–0 loss to eventual champions Brighton & Hove Albion in their final group fixture left Leeds third in the standings and sent them into the Plate competition.

Rob Etherington’s side responded positively in the quarter-final, coming from behind to defeat Hong Kong Rangers 3–2. Alker scored twice, while Freddie Lane added the other goal in a closely contested match.

Leeds’ campaign ended in the semi-finals against HKFC Captain’s Select. The teams were level at the end of regulation time before the hosts secured a 2–1 victory with a golden goal in extra time.

Despite missing out on the Plate final, the tournament provided valuable international experience for one of the youngest squads in the competition, with Alker finishing as Leeds’ standout performer.

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Leeds United results

Group stage
Singapore Football Club 0–2 Leeds United
Leeds United 1–2 Hong Kong Football Club
Leeds United 0–3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Plate quarter-final
BC Rangers 2–3 Leeds United

Plate semi-final
HKFC Captain’s Select 2–1 Leeds United (after extra time)

Tournament record: Played 5, Won 2, Lost 3
Goals scored: 7
Goals conceded: 9
Final position: Plate semi-finalists