While Flamengo's professional soccer team is fighting for its fourth consecutive Rio de Janeiro State Championship title, the youth team is in a very different situation. Three-time champions in 2005, 2006, and 2007, the young Flamengo talents haven't won a title in two years (they failed to win in 2008 and 2009), and so they take the field this Sunday at 14:45 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium with extra motivation against Duque de Caxias. They want to start their journey back to the top of Rio de Janeiro's soccer league on the right foot.

\

Coach Armênio Moura will field the following starting lineup this Sunday: Marcelo Carné, Alex, Lucas Galdino, Michel Pereira, and Jorbison; Luis Antônio, João Vitor, Saba, and Dieguinho; Juninho and Diego Maurício. A team ready to win. Despite their youth, Moura's players are already experienced and have always shown great potential. The coach knows that results fell a little short of expectations last season, but he assures: this wasn't due to a lack of work. And, eventually, this effort will be rewarded.

\

"We're working hard and seeing this possibility mature. We reached the semifinals of the Carioca last year, the quarterfinals of the OPG and the Brazilian Championship, and now we've been eliminated on penalties... We're going to work hard to win this title. The Carioca is a long championship, which allows for better utilization of the squad, and I believe we have a good chance," he noted.

\

Three players were relegated from the senior squad to face Duque de Caxias: goalkeeper Marcelo, full-back Jorbison, and midfielder Saba. Jorbison, who has been part of coach Andrade's squad since the middle of last year, reveals that all the players of age to compete in the junior squad don't mind helping their teammates from the youth teams.

\

"Of course, no one is upset; on the contrary, everyone enjoys playing. We want to win titles at the youth level too, and whenever possible, I'll try to help my teammates win," he said.