体坛英语新闻：Santos starts Sao Paulo state championship with 4-1 win

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Despite playing without star striker Neymar, Santos FC won on the road 4-1 against Linense in the opening match of the 2011 Sao Paulo state championship on Saturday.

Neymar is currently playing with the under-20 Brazilian national team in hopes of qualifying the team for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, along with teammates Alex Sandro, Danilo and Alan Patrick.

Santos scored their first goal in the eighth minute when Ze Eduardo lofted the ball to Maikon Leite who then headed it into the back of the home team's net.

In the 33rd minute, Ze Eduardo dribbled through the defense and effortlessly placed the ball over a diving keeper Paulo Musse and into the open goal. Just before half time, the team added to their lead in the 41st minute when Keirrison was tackled in front of the net, resulting in a penalty kick. The athlete fired it past a helpless Musse.

Santos began the second half committing a foul when Keirrison collided with Fausto in front of the Santos net. Awarded a penalty kick, Fausto took the shot but was unable to convert as keeper Rafael deflected the ball in the 52nd minute. Santos scored their last goal of the match in the 66th minute when Maikon Leite invaded the goalie box, slamming the ball past Musse into the lower left side of the net.

Linense scored their only goal in the 86th minute by Fausto's powerful shot.

Santos will host Mirassol in the second round of the state tournament on Jan. 19. On the same date, Linense will travel to face Santo Andre. Enditem