Red Dawn Rising: Capital Football NPL 2018 - The Complete Review

RED DAWN RISING The Full Story of the 2018 Capital Football National Premier League

By Russ Gibbs (Commentator: Fox Sports & BarTV Sports)

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CONTENTS 3 4 5 7 12 30 44 60 82 106 125 128 131 138 139 144 153 160 161 165

Acknowledgments Editorial Foreword by Steve Forshaw March April May June July August September NPL Players of the Year WNPL Players of the Year NPL Results NPL Golden Boot NPL Goals by Team Results at a Glance WNPL Results WNPL Golden Boot WNPL Goals by Team Results at a Glance

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS There are several people who have made the writing of this book possible. I’ve attempted to thank as many as I can think of below starting with, of course, David Jordan at Capital Football and Josh and Brendan at BarTV without whom there would have been no live matches on which to commentate and, therefore, no written review of the 2018 NPL and WNPL seasons. This extends to the FFA who invited me to commentate on the NPL Finals Series fixture. Thanks to all for allowing me the chance to shout about football but especially to DJ who was at most, if not all, of the games in this book that I attended and who was a regular sounding-board via coffee and our road-trip to Griffith and a never to be forgotten coffee stop at Barellan.

Throughout the season I was joined in the commentary box by a lot of people who I’d like to acknowledge for giving up their time to provide some expert analysis of the games, adding to our commentary and vision with their own unique touches. Most of all, of course, my regular offsider, Steve Forshaw, who has supplied the Foreword to this book. Steve has been known to me for a long time now and brought me on board as his Assistant Coach for the unforgettable Tuggeranong United FFA Cup run in the inaugural season of that competition. His knowledge of the local game made for a great sidekick to bounce off and I look forward to working with him again, although there’s some work to be done on his off-air jokes.

Thanks also to Frank Cachia, Dean Ugrinic, Tony Oliveira, Mitch Stevens, Liam Warren (in Griffith) and Angelo Konstantinou for providing co-commentary on NPL games and to Grace Maher, my mostly regular offsider, Heather Garriock, Annica Schoo, Elle Weston, Ann Mayo and Michael Aldred for co-commentary on the WNPL and for Lawrence Atkin who provided the superb photographs that brighten up this volume.

Making my job so much easier, by providing team news the day before, formations and inside information on their squad, tactics and injuries are all the Head Coaches and Team Managers of the NPL and WNPL clubs mentioned in this book. Your trust to supply me with teams and your confidence in me to keep matters between us confidential is much appreciated. I hope I have repaid that trust and look forward to furthering our relationship throughout the 2019 season and beyond.

Finally, I’d like to thank my wife Alana Freeman-Gibbs, my daughter Lorelei Gibbs and my future child, aka Gumnut (due November 2018) for their support of my endeavours and for Daddy disappearing for a few hours on the weekend to fulfil what is a real hobby of mine. Your support of my sporting career behind the microphone and behind the Media Manager’s desks is, and always, will be appreciated more than you can know.

Russ Gibbs Canberra, ACT October 2018 3

EDITORIAL by RUSS GIBBS The 2018 National Premier League (NPL) and Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) proved to be unpredictably predictable, if you’ll excuse what is likely an oxymoron. That’s because whilst we got the two Grand Finals we probably expected at the start of the campaign, Canberra FC v Canberra Olympic in the Men’s and Belconnen United v Canberra FC in the Women’s, how we reached that stage was far from straightforward.

There were plenty of upsets along the way as the men’s competition saw the reemergence of Tuggeranong United as a force, culminating in their first finals appearance for fifteen years. A reinvigorated Canberra Olympic in the Women’s competition, replete with former W-League players, added an extra dimension to the WNPL and there was the exciting sight of the Riverina Rhinos finally putting together some positive results and proving that, with the right guidance and a little bit of luck, they could push for finals football in 2019.

Indeed, there was enough for every club in both competitions to suggest that improvements can be made next year with the likelihood that movements between teams, and the added possibility of promotion and relegation from a newly formed NPL2 competition, adding to the lustre of the local game. The post-season announcement of the addition of Wagga City to the WNPL adds a further dimension to that league, although it will take a monumental effort to uproot the perennial title holders Belconnen United in this writer’s opinion.

For me personally, the 2018 season has been a real eye-opener. I’d commentated on matches before for local football, and even done some work for SBS on Futsal, the FFA and other outlets, but this season I was able to commentate on matches week-in, week-out, hopefully all the while honing my craft and allowing me a fantastic opportunity in the summer months of commentating on W-League matches for Fox Sports.

The idea of this book is to review the season gone past, mainly through the eyes of the matches that I commentated on for BarTV, who do an incredible job nationwide to promote grassroots sport. It contains a month by month, week by week, look at both the NPL and WNPL and provides a statistical record of the season via complete results, scorers, goal lists and tables. By its nature, and the fact that my day job with the Plus500 Brumbies Super Rugby team, meant that some weeks I didn’t commentate on matches due to unavailability. There, I have summarised the action as best I can.

This is one person’s look back at the season just gone. I apologise if there are any errors or inaccuracies, they are my own. I hope you enjoy the read, and the memories it brings back, and look forward to seeing you all again next season from the commentary box!

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FOREWORD by STEVE FORSHAW The 2018 season proved to be one of the most interesting competitions seen in the local area for several years. From the very first game predictions that history would repeat as the major players again would dominate proved to be significantly wide of the mark. Ultimately, Canberra FC would gather all the honours but their journey toward success, and the unpredictable nature of each game in each round proved to be exciting, thrilling and replete with the tension and suspense the local game so desperately needed.

This book will take you on a journey that began with the Monaro Panthers defeating perennial power house Canberra Olympic in game one, only to fade as the season progressed and ultimately finish at the foot of the table. You will see a couple of the pre-season favourites in Gungahlin United and their northern neighbours Belconnen Blue Devils have good moments but then, perhaps surprisingly for some, miss the end of season final series. We will visit the re-emergence of Canberra FC as a powerful local force after a few seasons in the football wilderness. Their superiority though was challenged all the way by Canberra Olympic culminating in a post-season championship decider followed by two epic encounters between both those sides as the League Champions were decided on a balmy the evening at Deakin Stadium. Three games in four weeks between these gargantuan opponents, and each at full throttle.

Tigers FC too bounced back from a relatively poor 2017 and justifiably kept a September appointment.

Perhaps of most satisfaction was the emergence of the two southern Canberra representatives, Tuggeranong United and Woden-Weston FC as serious contenders for honours. Tuggies made the finals for the first time in fifteen years and, at last, the sleeping southern giant had come to life. Their local rivals too may have occupied a higher finishing spot if not for some unfortunate administrative errors that cost them points. It would be churlish indeed not to make separate reference to our guests from Griffith in New South Wales. Playing in only their second season in the Capital Football NPL they proved to be stubborn opponents, pleasing on the eye and in Artur Rattel provided one of the three best players in the league (Thomas James and Nicolas Villafane being the others).

Each round, and each game within each round, produced moments of magic, areas of immeasurable tension, shocks and wonderful individual talent. We lost coaches along the way as clubs desperately sought answers to unsolvable problems. We lost players the calibre of Robbie Cattanach through injury, but who are those players whose magic stood out this year? It is quite a subjective issue but indulge me for a moment as I offer you some food for thought. Top of the tree, for me, must be Thomas (TJ) James. Fast, skilful, sometimes moody, but clinical in front of goal as his 26 strikes attest. The Englishman, on these performances, would not be out of place at a higher level and his double in the Grand Final proved to be matchwinners.

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Following closely behind, and in the opinion of many equally as devastating in possession, Tigers FC playmaker and match winner Nicolas Villafane showed abundant South American flair as he led the southern NSW side back to finals games. His contribution to the season should not be underestimated, as his movement and dexterity on and off the ball made him a potent and exciting forward whose dead-ball prowess easily matched his ability in free play. The Rhinos’ Artur Rattel came saw and almost conquered Canberra football. Neat and tidy on the ball, industrious off it and an eye for goal. What a player! Of course, there were the regular contributors who maintained a level of consistency that the neutral observers admired, and team mates greatly appreciate. Chief among those might include Daniel Colbertaldo from Canberra Olympic; Matt Grbesa at Canberra FC; and Jack Green at Gungahlin United. There are many more who have made a significant contribution, but I will leave it to you to form your own list!

Again, we saw a local team compete in national competitions as Canberra FC took on Broadmeadow Magic in the FFA Cup and Adelaide’s Campbelltown City in the end of season NPL Finals challenge. They lost both but showed that football in the capital is not that far off the pace. Perhaps it is off the pitch that some major steps forward have been made. Canberra has made a strong bid for inclusion in an expanded Hyundai A-League and is represented at the council of clubs as a push toward a national second division develops apace. Perhaps, even more immediately significant, is the return of BarTV as a broadcaster for another season. One should not under estimate the excitement television exposure generates for the local playing cohort. A continued presence in 2019 is looked forward to with some relish.

Last, but not least, to all who contributed this year – the referees, the administrators, the club volunteers, physios and medical staff. You make it all worthwhile. Thank you and enjoy this trip down memory lane. You have earned it.

Steve Forshaw Belconnen United FC (Assistant) Head Coach & BarTV Co-Commentator September 2018

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MARCH Competition: Charity Shield Date: Friday 16 March 2018 Result: Canberra Olympic 3 (Popovich 24’, Habtemariam 35’, 88’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Crkovski 42’) Venue: Melrose High School Referee: Bruno Kehl Assistants: Adam Powers, Owen Goldrick, Alex Twomey (4th) Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine Report: The Capital Football National Premier League season began with the now traditional Charity Shield, although reports from both sides were that the organisation of the affair left a little to be desired. That may well explain the choice of venue for what is supposed to be a showpiece to kick off the campaign. Melrose High School has many merits as a scholastic institution, and its synthetic surface runs true, but the rest of the facilities are somewhat primitive, including commentating from the back of a bleacher in amongst the crowd. I’m not adverse to such locations however as it does bring some atmosphere into the call.

As for the game, the build-up centred around the new signings for each team. Whilst Frank Cachia and Canberra Olympic were fairly settled, bar the obvious hindrance of losing top scorer Stephen Domenici in the off-season to Wollongong, the recruitment of midfield maestro Roko Strika looked to have been inspired. The signing of young Nick Faust, a wide player adept at either midfield or defence on the flank, also looked a good one. For Tuggeranong, it was a whole new ball game. Mitch Stevens had been appointed Head Coach in place of Sean Murphy, who had done a terrific job with an under-rated United outfit in 2017. Stevens, a bright and articulate coach, had recruited well in the off-season and brought some interesting names into the mix.

Striker Daniel Crkovski had shown he knows where the net is with a multiple goal season for Woden-Weston in 2017 and he would be joined by Tom Pagett in a frontline that looked full of running. Shane Murray had been drafted into midfield and his partnership with Jono Turek, feeding the pace and skills of Andrew Slavich and Aisosa Ihegie looked promising.

The game began at fast pace with both teams testing each other out early on although genuine opportunities were at a premium. The turning point in the first-half was an unfortunate injury to young Tuggeranong defender Marlon Thompson, drafted into 7

the line-up at late notice. Jumping for a loose ball, Thompson landed awkwardly and was forced off the field meaning Stevens had to reshuffle his defence bringing Pagett from a striking position into the back four. Barely had the change been made when Olympic went in front. A slick one-two allowed Jeremy Habtemariam space on the left flank and with Regan Walsh drawn out of position, Habtemariam sent over a terrific cross which Nik Popovich, making his first Olympic start, met on the volley to steer past Rory Larkin in the United goal. If a lack of concentration cost Tuggeranong on that occasion, the pitch and some poor decision making, cost them further eleven minutes later. Strika lifted a ball into the danger area but Pagett allowed it to bounce on the artificial surface and the ball drifted over his head where Habtemariam was in space to control and lash a finish past Larkin.

Tuggeranong hit back before half-time with a breakaway goal of their own. Murray, who had been quote hereto won a tackle in midfield and raced away, weighting a perfect pass into the path of Crkovski who hammered a shot past Konstantinou at his near post and into the roof of the net. At 2-1 at the break it was anyone’s game.

Unfortunately, some pre-season jitters began to kick in and some late challenges led to a mini-ruck in the centre of the park, albeit of the handbags variety. There was a moment of farce late on as a goal-kick from Olympic failed to leave the penalty area and Nathen Megic was robbed by Ihegie who was then grappled to the turf by the defender when clear on goal. Initially it appeared a penalty had been awarded but, after consultation with his Assistant, the referee re-awarded the goal-kick, the correct call despite protestations from the Tuggeranong faithful. The game was decided in controversial fashion with two minutes left on the clock. Tuggeranong were pressing the Olympic goal and a huge handball shout against Daniel Colbertaldo went unrewarded, the ball striking the midfielder on the arm inside the box. Olympic weren’t for hesitating and a rapid break upfield saw Habtemariam glide effortlessly towards the penalty area, cut inside and place a terrific finish past Larkin into the corner to send the trophy to Olympic.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: The Women’s National Premier League for 2018 got underway with a re-match of the Grand Final of 2017 in which a last-gasp Grace Gill equaliser had sent the match to extra-time and Canberra FC to a penalty shoot-out win over Belconnen United based on the goalkeeping heroics of ex-Canberra United Westfield W-League stopper Chantel Jones. This match was a complete reversal 8

however as the Blue Devils cruised to a win. Madelyn Whittall put Belconnen ahead in the first-half before Bronte Pyke and a Gemma Murphy goal made it three. Michaela Day’s stoppage time free-kick was the icing on the cake as the Blue Devils ran out 4-0 winners. Three further fixtures took place the following day as Canberra Olympic began their season with a 5-3 win over the Canberra United Academy in a free-flowing match at Hawker Enclosed. Grace Maher was the goal heroine with hat-trick for Olympic, aided and abetted by strikes from Emma Guo and Grace Basser-Silk. Laura Hughes struck twice for the Academy with Karly Roestbakken adding the other with the youngsters proving a real handful and likely to cause many a problem during 2018.

At Kambah, Woden-Weston FC defeated the home team, Tuggeranong United, by two goals to nil with both strikes coming in the first-half. Loretta Raap gave the Wanderers a 36th minute lead with Cassia McGlashan adding a second in stoppage time. A Mia Giorgi goal wasn’t enough at the Riverside Stadium as Monaro Panthers began their season with a 1-2 home loss to Gungahlin United. Ashlyn Garrity and Erika Pennyfield found the net for the Gunners.

Competition: NPL Round 1 Date: Saturday 24 March 2018 Result: Belconnen United 1 (Barac 16’) Gungahlin United 0 Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Gareth Biggs Assistants: Delfina Dimoski, Hamish Driver-Rae Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine Report: The men’s National Premier League season began for me where the 2017 season had ended, at McKellar Park, and like the 2017 Grand Final, Belconnen United came away victorious. There was no trophy up for grabs this weekend when Gungahlin United provided the opposition, but it would have been a satisfactory start for new Blue Devils boss Leo Mazis. Mazis had taken over the hot-seat from Dean Ugrinic, who’s last act as coach of Belconnen had been to oversee their dramatic 2-1 Grand Final victory over Canberra Olympic, a game in which midfielder Nick Dahl headed home the decisive goal. Ugrinic had been a major part of the Canberra football scene for years and his cerebral understanding of the game would be missed.

On a personal level, I had enjoyed many years working with Dean, particularly as Media Manager of the Canberra Rockets representative team and always found him to be a willing and knowledgeable exponent of the game. Mazis had inherited a decent looking squad and sprinkled some new stardust with the signing of centre9

forward Daniel Barac. Barac had been a threat in front of goal for Olympic and Tigers FC in the past and was brought in to supplement the goal-threat provided by 2017 Golden Boot winner Jason Ugrinic. Barac lined up in the middle of a front three that also included a return to NPL action for Marty Raines, a hard-working runner. Dahl would play a part in the centre of midfield with Finn Jurak a solid presence in between the posts. Gungahlin meanwhile, under Head Coach Marcial Munoz, fielded a very young-looking side with several ex-FFA Centre of Excellence graduates. At the back, James Fletcher would be a willing runner down the flank with Lachlan Griffiths slotting in at centre-back alongside the elegant Jack Green. Ben Obst was the other former FFA player and he would enjoy a good match, perhaps even being the Gunners’ best on field.

Gungahlin also lined up 4-3-3 and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the following ninety minutes, but it was the Blues Devils though who looked the more incisive. Barac could have scored twice, wasting good chances when well-placed, before he showed his poaching instincts to nab what was to be the only goal of the match in the sixteenth minute. The striker reacted sharpest to a miss-hit shot from Ugrinic to poke home from close range. Gungahlin had shed-loads of ball in the opening half, Griffiths was gifted acres of time in possession but looking as if he was unsure what to do with it, a possible tactic from Belconnen that paid dividends.

Griffiths did launch a couple of excellent balls in the opening half, but the Belconnen defence was alert to the pace of Michael Rinaudo and the guile of Jason O’Dwyer and Misko Naumoski.

Obst looked the most likely way back into the match for the visiting team, his penetrating runs into Belconnen territory causing panic in the back-tracking hosts rear-guard, but, more often than not, the final pass went astray. The young midfielder eventually ran out of steam and was replaced by the experienced Liam Walsh, the substitute going close with an ambitious effort.

Munoz introduced Tom Krklec and Mikey Katsoulis into the fray to find an equaliser but, despite the best efforts of Katsoulis who looked lively, the Blue Devils held firm. On balance it was probably a fair result, Jason Denham in goal for Gungahlin was definitely the busier of the two ‘keepers and made some stunning saves in the opening half, but there was enough from Gungahlin to promise of better things to come.

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Elsewhere in the NPL: A remarkable contest took place in Griffith as Tuggeranong United made a perfect start to the season as they managed to claim a 3-2 win over the Riverina Rhinos despite playing most of the second-half with only ten players.

Defender Marco Gayer was dismissed having received a brace of yellow cards from the match officials, much to the consternation of Mitch Stevens and his Tuggeranong support staff. However, young substitute Eddie Coggan was to have the final say with the match-winning goal three minutes from full-time when the Rhinos had also been reduced to ten. Earlier, Tom Pagett had fired United ahead after a quarter of an hour only for the home team to respond with two fine goals of their own, both claimed by Roy Catanzariti. Jono Turek pulled the ten-men level with twenty minutes to play before Coggan stepped up to win it. On Sunday afternoon Woden-Weston FC served early notice that they may well be a team to keep an eye on as they defeated Tigers FC in a seven-goal thriller in Cooma. Martin Deng gave the Wanderers a 6th minute lead and they extended that before the break with Blaise Vlazlovski making it 0-2. When Michael Adams added a third twelve minutes into the second-half, the match appeared done and dusted. Tigers pulled one back through Mark Shields only for Olaide Yinka-Kehinde to restore the three-goal cushion. Late goals from Alex Oloriegbe and Jared Tonini ensured a nervous finish but Wanderers held on.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Belconnen United made it two wins from two at the top of the Women’s NPL as they brushed aside Monaro Panthers at the Riverside Stadium winning 5-0. Three goals in eight minutes did for the competitive Panthers as Madelyn Whittall struck twice, either side of a goal from Jessie Williams. Williams added her second just past the hour mark and a second stoppage time goal in as many weeks from Michaela Day completed the scoring. One goal was enough for Canberra FC to claim their first win of the season, but they left it late as Christina Grauer-Kompos struck with a minute to spare to give FC a narrow 1-0 win over Gungahlin United. The Canberra United Academy proved too strong for Tuggeranong United despite Adrianna Ilheo giving the visiting side the lead at Hawker Football Centre. Emma Illijoski levelled in the 26th minute and second-half goals from Karly Roestbakken and Hayley Taylor-Young confirmed the Academy’s 3-1 win. Woden-Weston’s proposed home match with Canberra Olympic, set for Melrose High School, was postponed.

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APRIL Competition: WNPL Round 3 Date: Saturday 7 April 2018 Result: Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra Olympic 5 (Guo 1’, Maher 16’, 67’, Field 37’, Ryan 74’) Venue: Kambah 2 Referee: Nia Southwell Assistants: Lara Smith, Jackson Tippett Co-Commentator: Ann Mayo Weather: Sunny Report: The first Women’s National Premier League commentary of the season for myself saw me behind the microphone at the salubrious surroundings of Kambah 2, joined by former Westfield W-League player, and coach of the Tuggeranong United Women’s Reserve Grade, Ann Mayo for Tuggeranong United’s home match against Canberra Olympic. Chris Coleman had filled the hot-seat for the opening WNPL match of 2018, Belconnen United’s 4-0 success over Canberra FC at McKellar Park, with Canberra Olympic beginning their campaign the same weekend by defeating Canberra United Academy 5-3 in a high scoring match.

Tuggeranong meanwhile had been beaten 0-2 at home by Woden-Weston FC. This was likely to be the first, and last, time that we could call a match in Canberra in short-sleeves before the finals series later in the year and the weather was quite warm for the time of year. Olympic had recruited with a vengeance in the close season under new Head Coach Eddie Senatore and he had based his side around a core set of players with Canberra United Westfield W-League experience. Rebecca Kiting played a holding role at centre-back, with a brief to join in when the team was on the front foot, with a midfield ahead of her that included Grace Field, Sally Rojahn and the outstanding Grace Maher. With Alexia Forner growing into the competition, and some express pace out wide from Grace Basser-Silk and Lily Dawson, it looked a decent outfit.

Tuggeranong, by contrast, lacked nearly any experience with their oldest player being 22-year-old Rhiannon Daisley in the middle of the park. They weren’t without talent themselves though and Michael Aldred was hoping his young charges would be able to assert their authority on the contest. It didn’t work out like that for United and the game was merely twenty seconds old when Dawson blazed a trail down the left flank, leaving the defence floundering, to square for centre-forward Emma Guo who finished inside the six-yard box. There was more to come within a quarter of an hour as Maher 12

found the net from range, finding Cristina Exposito off her line to score a belter.

Forner nearly repeated the feat when she struck the woodwork from distance and United were reeling when Field collected a return pass on the edge of the box, ghosted past a challenge and finished across the ‘keeper into the bottom corner. By this stage it was apparent where the points were headed as Tuggeranong, apart from a sporadic couple of half-breaks, had rarely threatened. Their midfield battled gamely with the diminutive Beth Williams a real trojan, tracking back, tackling and making a general nuisance of herself throughout the ninety minutes. Zoe Terry impressed at centre-back for Tuggeranong but the home team rarely threatened Eleni Haridemos in the Olympic goal who was unemployed for large swathes of the encounter.

Olympic grabbed a fourth in the 67th minute when the classy Maher netted her second of the afternoon and they duly wrapped up the points with a fifth goal sixteen minutes from time. It had been quite the day for striker Vanessa Ryan as the forward had scored all four of her team’s goals in the 4-0 success over Tuggeranong at Reserve Grade level in the match immediately prior to this one.

Summoned from the bench for Guo, Ryan broke clear to score at the second attempt, to take her day’s tally to a nap-hand. On a positive note for the home team, United welcomed back Sonja Sheedy into First Grade action with the slight midfielder returning to the fray after being out for almost two years with a shoulder injury that required a complete reconstruction. And there was similar tale in the middle as referee Nia Southwell made a welcome return to action having not refereed a match in quite some time.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: There were three further Women’s NPL fixtures on the Sunday with title favourites Belconnen United being forced to work extremely hard before coming out on the right side of a five-goal classic at McKellar Park. Michaela Day gave the Blue Devils the lead before Cassia McGlashlan equalised just two minutes later. Gemma Murphy restored the home team’s advantage before the interval, but Alex McKenzie dragged Woden-Weston FC back onto level terms seven minutes after the resumption of play. It took a goal from Jasmine Maguire with twenty-five minutes to go to seal the points. In other matches the Canberra United Academy led Gungahlin United 4-0 through goals from Laura Hughes, Karly Roestbakken and Aofie Colvill shortly after the break, before a brace from Erika Pennyfield gave the Gunners some respectability in a 4-2 loss, whilst Lily Bardsley 13

scored twice in Canberra FC’s 5-0 away win at Monaro Panthers. Diarna Genovesi, Grace Gill and Rachael Goldstein completed a convincing win at the Riverside Stadium.

Competition: NPL Round 2 Date: Sunday 8 April 2018 Result: Tuggeranong United 4 (Ihegie 37’, Jadric 64’, Crkovski 74’, Pagett 81’) Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 21’ (pen), 90+2’, Oloriegbe 32’) Venue: Greenway Enclosed Referee: Alex Twomey Assistants: Harry Shield, Kevin Santo Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Sunny Report: Greenway Enclosed provided the venue for the second NPL match of the season that we covered for BarTV Sports and the Southside multi-purpose arena brought back memories of last season and a Saturday night fixture in the freezing cold that was enlivened by a stunning free-kick from Tuggeranong’s Chilean import Fernando Jorquera. United had been unable to re-sign the South American for the 2018 campaign which meant that the Capital Football preview piece extolling the virtues of the wonder goal and wondering if Fernando could repeat the trick were somewhat wide of the mark! To be fair, if he had repeated it, they would have been replaying it for years. Santiago to Greenway? Some shot that! If Tuggeranong were without their South American import, Tigers FC were about to put theirs on display for the first time in 2018.

Nicolas Villafane came to the competition with some pedigree. A former Boca Juniors youth player in his Argentinean homeland, he had played at senior level for the powerhouse club, Villafane had been journeying around the lower leagues of Europe plying his trade in Cyprus, Italy and Greece. An attacking midfielder, Tigers FC Head Coach Gaby Wilk was hoping that Villafane would provide that missing link for the Cooma club. With a front trio of Mark Shields, Alex Oloriegbe and Nikolas Kalfas there looked to be plenty of goals in the team. If there was a weakness on paper it appeared to be in the defence with the back four of Michael Gurney, Jared Tonini, Nicholas Zakoski and Tony Spaseski relatively inexperienced at this level. Mitch Stevens meanwhile, on the back of the opening day win over the Rhinos, had kept faith with the 4-4-2 led up front by the target of Tom Pagett and the elusiveness of Daniel Crkovski. The back four of Mitch Steenbergen, Cameron Doherty, Regan Walsh and Matt King would need to be on their toes to protect Rory Larkin in between the posts.

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Early on it was evident that Villafane would have a huge influence. His touch was sublime and his movement balletic as he ghosted across the rugged Greenway turf cajoling his colleagues into some intricate football. Jeremias Ibarra was causing problems on the right wing with his pace and power and he won the Tigers a spot-kick in the 21st minute, Steenbergen having a tug at the jersey before felling the wide midfielder inside the area. Villafane took responsibility and leathered the penalty past Larkin into the ‘keepers’ bottom left-hand corner. Tigers were in the mood now and they scored an exquisite second in the 33rd minute. Oloriegbe gathered a pass on the left-side and cut infield, exchanging passes with Kalfas to clinically angle a finish past the advancing Larkin and double the lead. United were second best in most aspects and needed a spark to bring them back into the match. They got it eight minutes before half-time as Aisosa Ihegie danced across the top of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful blast that Jakob Cole couldn’t keep out.

It was a crucial goal at a critical time giving Tuggeranong belief to take into the break.

The second-half was a different story as Tuggeranong started to win the arm wrestle in midfield. Stevens’ introduction of Josip Jadric was a vital masterstroke and it was the former Canberra FC wide-man who reacted quickest when Cole parried a shot to slip around the prostrate goalkeeper and slot into the empty net. Suddenly, Tuggeranong was on the front foot and Crkovski, relatively quiet up until this point, cracked them ahead when he collected a loose ball in the area and steadied himself to drive a low shot into the net. Ihegie was causing the Tigers full-backs grief and his pace created the fourth goal, luring Cole from his line and cutting the ball back for the unmarked Pagett who had the simplest of tasks to sidefoot into the unguarded goal.

There was still time for more drama. Three minutes of stoppage time had elapsed when the Tigers put together a slick and stylish passing move with Kalfas finding Villafane who thrashed home an arrow of a shot to give the visitors a glimmer of hope. The clock beat the fast-finishing Cooma team though and United found themselves two-from-two and in second place after two rounds.

Elsewhere in the NPL: It was a round of shocks in the local competition as three sides who may not have been favoured to prevail in their respective fixtures all claimed a notable scalp. Perhaps the most surprising was at Woden Park on Friday evening as the Panthers defeated Canberra Olympic 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Sam Smith.

Smith took advantage of an uncharacteristic error from veteran Olympic ‘keeper 15

Angelo Konstantinou to keep the ball in play, after the stopper had decided to shield it out, and run across the six-yard box to score. The Panthers then embarked on a defensive effort to deny Olympic any real chances although the league champions saw an effort cleared off the line and were denied what looked an obvious penalty when Tom McLachlan was upended in the area. The visitors were lucky to end with a full complement after English import Darryl Hall was cautioned for a contretemps with Olympic defender Nick Bobolas when he may well have seen red. Panthers dug in though and came away with the points. The following day the Rhinos made their way into the winners’ circle for the first time in 2018 when they recorded a 2-1 home win over Gungahlin United. George Pavese gave the Rhinos the lead only for Jason O’Dwyer to equalise before the half-time break. Samuel Scarfone netted the Riverina winner midway through the second stanza. In the only other match played this weekend Woden-Weston FC registered a second win of the season as they scored four again, this time seeing off Belconnen United 4-2. Daniel Barac had given the Blue Devils the lead in the 20th minute only for goals from Elie Darwich and Michael Adams to have the Wanderers in front. Barac levelled on the cusp of half-time to send the teams into the sheds all-square. An early second-half goal from Olaide Yinka-Kehinde, barely a minute into the second-half, restored the Woden-Weston lead and the same player sealed the points with his third of the season with seventeen minutes to go.

Competition: NPL Round 3 Date: Friday 13 April 2018 Fixture: Woden-Weston FC 2 (Mendah 54’, Juach 65’) Canberra Olympic 3 (John 45+2’, Habtemariam 58’, Cattanach 87’) Venue: Melrose High School Referee: Alex Twomey Assistants: Alex McConachie, Thomas Gellatly Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Cold & Drizzling Report: This was my first view of the new project that Rey Castro, Head Coach of the Wanderers, had instilled over at Woden-Weston FC and I was looking forward to seeing what this exciting group had to offer. Wins over Tigers FC and Belconnen United has hinted that this was a team that had a fair bit about it, but Canberra Olympic was always likely to be a litmus test of their abilities. Nothing is ever won in football after only three rounds of play and, whilst is was presumptive to perhaps be saying that the Wanderers would be making a long overdue Finals challenge, it was a refreshing change to see them at the top of the table. The basis of this was the immense pace and quality amongst their front six. Indeed, it was evident throughout the encounter 16

by the excitement engendered amongst their supporters and on the bench whenever the play broke down and a counter-attack was on the cards, that many within the Woden-Weston set-up believed the same thing. For the match with Olympic at Melrose High School, yes, we were back on the synthetic and braving the elements, Castro selected Martin Deng alongside Deng Aleer Deng in the middle with Michael Adams ahead, in the number ten role and at the pointy end of the midfield triangle.

The skilful Olaide Yinka-Kehinde, he of the Capital League Golden Boot when with ANU FC, was flanked by the direct running power of Phakedi Mendah and Bul Juach. The wind fairly howled through the Woden Valley prior to kick-off making conditions for the under-13 match between the clubs very difficult and the rain lashed down as well.

Thankfully, for all concerned, this abetted in the twenty minutes or so before the teams were ready to begin the match. There was major team news coming out of the Olympic camp in the hour leading into the game when it emerged that regular ‘keeper, Futsalroo international shot-stopper Angelo Konstantinou, has pulled out of the starting line-up having tweaked his hamstring during the day. Mason Interlandi was drafted into the starting team for his first-grade debut. With midfielder Daniel Colbertaldo also out injured, and Nikolas Popovich gone long-term after pulling up lame in the 7th minute of the defeat to Monaro Panthers in Round 2, the last thing Olympic boss Frank Cachia needed was any further injuries, especially before their midweek FFA Cup match against Tigers FC. Unfortunately, Cachia’s best-laid plans were run asunder inside the opening forty-five minutes as he was forced to send on all three substitutes due to injuries. Nick Bobolas was the first to pull-up with what appeared to be a hamstring strain, replaced by Michael Reeve which precipitated Nick Faust moving into defence. Playmaker Roko Strika was next to depart, caught with a late challenge in the centre-circle that looked painful, and proved to be when it was confirmed post-match that he would miss several weeks with ligament damage. Incredibly, Tim Bobolas was also forced off before the half-time break, Bernard Rene slotting into defence with Faust moving back out wide. Whether this was the surface playing havoc or just plain bad luck, either way Olympic was struggling. They barely threatened Willem Lejeune, the tall and composed Wanderers ‘keeper in the opening half until, two minutes into first-half stoppage time, Olympic took the lead. Jeremy Habtemariam clipped a ball into the middle which was just behind Michael John. The forward adjusted brilliantly though to collect the ball, spin, and despatch a bullet strike beyond the despairing dive of Lejeune.

Woden’s response in the second-half was excellent, some driving, direct football causing issues in the Olympic defence and the Wanderers drew level in the 54 th minute. Mendah cut inside a half-hearted challenge from Tom McLachlan and clattered a shot high into the roof of the net inside Interlandi’s near post. A stunning finish and no more than Woden-Weston FC deserved. Olympic know how to ride out a challenge though and they restored their lead when Habtemariam, who had scored twice on this ground in the Charity Shield, thumped the blue-shirts into the lead barely 17

six minutes later. Old Woden-Weston may have crumbled but this team has a core of self-belief that was evident throughout and they drew level again in the 64th minute.

Michael Adams curled an outstanding pass in behind the Olympic defenders where Juach met it, getting to the bouncing ball ahead of Interlandi, to nudge it into the open goal. Half-chances came and went, and the officiating was lenient throughout with several players from both teams lucky not to receive a caution. One decision the man in the middle got spot-on was to issue only a yellow when Deng raced onto a through ball and was upended just outside the box by Interlandi. With the player heading away from goal it looked the right call. A draw seemed inevitable but Olympic have made a habit of winning over the last few seasons and, when they needed a big-name player to step up, they found one.

Robbie Cattanach drifted into a pocket of space at the near post, being found by a clipped cross from Oliver Wiederkehr, to flick a header across Lejeune and into the far corner. A genuine match-winner from a genuine match-winner.

Elsewhere in the NPL: Tuggeranong United remained unbeaten and top of the table as they stunned Belconnen United to win 2-0 at McKellar Park on a cold and wet Saturday evening. Goals in either half from strikers Daniel Crkovski and Aisosa Ihegie, the latter scoring against his former club and generally running havoc, secured another notable win. Ihegie struck the woodwork as well in a man of the match display that left United’s fans in dreamland about their team’s perfect start. On Sunday, Canberra FC finally got their season underway with a competent and confident display at the Riverside Stadium. After a disappointing season in 2017 a new-look FC were too good for Monaro and went in front through Julian Borgna just before the half-time whistle. Unfortunately, Borgna went off with what appeared to be a serious injury, later confirmed that the exciting talent would be sidelined for what was likely to be several weeks. New signing Michael Taurasi added a second two minutes into the second-half and Thomas James rattled in the game-sealing third five minutes later as FC started with a win and a clean-sheet. Controversially, Tigers FC cancelled their match with Gungahlin United scheduled for Nijong Oval with both sides happy to rearrange the match. With Tigers FC preparing for a midweek FFA Cup match with Canberra Olympic, the cancellation meant they had a ten-day break heading into the match to play an Olympic side who had played on the Friday and would follow up the Wednesday cup-tie with another Friday fixture, this time against Belconnen United at Woden Park.

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Competition: WNPL Round 4 Date: Sunday 15 April Result: Canberra Olympic 1 (Maher 48’) Belconnen United 3 (Day 22’, Murphy 63’, 88’) Venue: O’Connor Enclosed Referee: Carlina Mullett Assistants: Peter Knight, Carla Martin Co-Commentator: Elle Weston Weather: Overcast Report: A highly anticipated battle between two of the teams that were likely to be at the pointy end of the league table come the end of the season took place at O’Connor Enclosed on an overcast afternoon under slate grey skies. Canberra had been buffeted and soaked the day before, strong winds and ample rain causing the playing surface to be spongy ahead of kick-off. This was my second Canberra Olympic match of the season in the Women’s NPL having commentated on their 5-0 victory over Tuggeranong United a week earlier, and a mighty fine side they appeared to be. Unsurprisingly, Head Coach Eddie Senatore was forced into making one change from the team that beat Tuggeranong at Kambah, drafting in Vanessa Ryan, who had bagged five goals in two games that weekend, for Emma Guo who was unavailable. Olympic would line-up again in a 3-4-3 formation although there had been speculation beforehand that they may revert to a 4-3-3, Senatore resisting the urge to tinkle with the set-up.

Belconnen United, under the leadership of Antoni Jagarinec, were forced into two changes from the team that was originally released to me on the Thursday afternoon with striker Jessie Williams ruled out through injury and Gemma Murphy coming into the side in the number nine role. With Ellie Raymond also unavailable, Jessie Rasschaert (nee Pritchard) was moved into central defence alongside Karen Clarke with Katie Woodman brought into a midfield trio that would also include Michaela Day and Nicole Jalocha. Amongst the substitutes was Jordan Beaton, formerly Buchanan, who had married her childhood sweetheart, the now retired Blue Devils midfielder Taylor Beaton, in the summer. I was joined in the snug commentary booth at the picturesque O’Connor Enclosed by Belconnen United under-17 Head Coach Elle Weston for what was to be an enjoyable ninety minutes of football. Belconnen looked the livelier of the two teams in the opening exchanges, pressing hard in midfield to deny Grace Field, Sally Rojahn and Grace Maher the space to play their interchanging one-touch football that caused Tuggeranong so many issues.

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Jasmine Maguire and Madelyn Whittall were willing runners in the channels but, for the main part, were held in check by the Olympic back three of Celina Vecchi, the dependable Victoria Jamieson and Rebecca Kiting. At the other end, Ryan was having a frustrating time of it against the experience of Clark and Rasschaert with wingers Grace Basser-Silk and Lily Dawson, both sparkling seven days ago, cutting rather forlorn figures out wide. It was little surprise therefore when Belconnen took the lead midway through the half. Olympic was penalised outside the area, to the top left of the penalty area and Day punished them, sending a swerving free-kick over the hands of Eleni Haridemos in goal, the ‘keeper just lacking the height to push it over the bar.

The rest of the half was non-eventful and turned into a midfield battle with honours even, but Belconnen led at the interval. Olympic needed to find a better response in the second-half and they did just that, drawing level in the same way they had fallen behind just three minutes after the resumption. Lauren Keir, otherwise exceptional in defence, was penalised for a soft looking challenge some thirty metres from goal, a position not too dissimilar to where Day struck from.

Maher lined up the dead-ball and crunched a curling effort over the head of Nat Lacey in the Blue Devils goal to bring the home side level. That was the midfielders sixth goal in three matches at the start of the campaign. Olympic began to control some of the match and Maher tried an ambitious effort from distance that tested Lacey. Dawson was beginning to show her trickery on the right flank and Belconnen were being pushed back. It was the Blue Devils that struck next however, and at a crucial juncture.

A raking ball from the back from Rasschaert in the 63rd minute freed Murphy in behind the Olympic defence and the forward took a touch before diverting a low shot past the advancing Haridemos and into the net. That left Olympic looking for a second equaliser, but Belconnen were standing firm and they sealed the match with two minutes remaining. Day found a pocket of space on the top of the penalty area and fizzed a low shot at goal that was too hot for Haridemos to handle and Murphy, lurking like any ace predator should, pounced on the loose ball to bag her second of the match from close range.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Laura Hughes continued her excellent start to the season by slamming home a hat-trick in Canberra United Academy’s 7-1 win over Monaro Panthers at Hawker Football Centre in the only match played on the Saturday. Hughes moved onto seven goals for the season with the treble in what turned out to be a straightforward win for the Academy. The Panthers had certainly poked the bear 20

early, the visitors taking the lead inside the opening minute through Zoe Szeremet, but thereafter it was all Academy as Karly Roestbakken, Isabella Barac and a brace from Aofie Colvill added to Hughes’ goals. Whilst Olympic were meeting Belconnen at O’Connor, Canberra FC were bust despatching Woden-Weston FC to the tune of 5-0 at Deakin Stadium. Two goals in the opening quarter of an hour from Jamie Berkeley and Lily Bardsley had the hosts in firm command and Bardlsey and Diarna Genovesi added to the tally before the break. Grace Gill netted the fifth with ten minutes to play after a match better second-half from the Wanderers. The match between Gungahlin United and Tuggeranong United was cancelled after the officials deemed the Gungahlin Enclosed surface to be unplayable.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP The Capital Football NPL clubs joined the FFA Cup during the midweek between these rounds with five of the capital’s top teams meeting on Wednesday 18 April. Two allNPL clashes headlined the action as Canberra Olympic met Tigers FC at Woden Park whilst Tuggeranong United welcomed southside rivals Woden-Weston FC to Greenway Enclosed. There was also potential for an upset at Deakin Stadium where Canberra FC would lock horns with perennial Capital League title challengers, and a former Premier League outfit, in ANU FC. And it was the University club that almost provided the story of the evening as they more than matched their illustrious opponents, forcing the match into extra-time before being defeated. Andrew Manley had given the students a surprise 38th minute lead but normal service appeared resumed when Michael Taurasi and Matt Grbesa scored either side of half time. Tim Lopez quickly drew ANU FC level just past the hour mark and neither side could force a winner in normal time. Faced with an extra half-hour both sides were looking tired, Canberra FC having already lost forward Kofi Danning to injury earlier in the match.

The favourites eventually forced the breakthrough as Ryan Keir scored with six minutes remaining and, as ANU FC pushed for another equaliser, they were caught on the break and the rapid Ivan Pavlak secured a 4-2 Canberra FC win. There was further cup drama down at Greenway under the floodlights as Woden-Weston FC struck late twice to stun Tuggeranong United. A non-descript match appeared destined for the extra half-hour until the hosts struck with six minutes to go as striker Daniel Crkovski found a way through. That looked set to be that, but the Wanderers had other ideas and Martin Deng forced home the leveller with three minutes to play. Both teams looked to have settled for extra time when, from another set-piece in the final seconds of the third minute of injury time, Wanderers Blaise Vlazlovski netted the match-winner to spark scenes of jubilation for the Wanderers fans. The clash of two of the divisions giants at Woden Park meanwhile saw Tigers FC slump to another defeat as Canberra Olympic ousted them from the Cup with a 1-0 win. Robbie Cattanach grabbed the sole goal of the contest six minutes into the second-half but, despite Tigers FC fixing their defensive woes that had seen eight goals conceded in their opening two NPL matches, they were unable to break down the Olympic defence and Frank Cachia’s team moved on into the Quarter Finals.

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Competition: NPL Round 4 Date: Saturday 21 April 2018 Result: Monaro Panthers 0 Riverina Rhinos 3 (Rattel 53’, 56’, Pavese 81’) Venue: Riverside Stadium Referee: Gareth Biggs Assistants: Lauren Hargrave, Blake Baldwin Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Overcast, but fine Report: The Riverina Rhinos were impressive winners in this NPL match played at the Riverside Stadium on an unseasonably warm afternoon. Midfielder Artur Rattel was the stand-out for the Griffith side, bossing the game from the middle of the park and scoring twice to help his team to victory. Considering that the game was played on a field which was, to say the least, unsatisfactory, the Rhinos attempts to play some cohesive football on the deck was to be admired. The Panthers, who had been beaten by the same 0-3 score-line at this venue a week earlier has shifted to a more attacking focus in the week with Head Coach Zoran Glavinic picking a front four that looked mobile and offered pace out wide.

Burak Kocak was the man tasked with holding up the play and he did that competently well but, aside from some fine foraging runs from Sam Smith on the flank, the Panthers rarely threatened to break through and their best moments in front of goal were reserved for some ambitious shots from Robbie Deeley from distance and a couple of late headed opportunities for defender Daryll Hall, sent forward to cause a nuisance factor to the Rhinos impressive defence marshalled by Ally Macleod. The Rhinos, who had travelled a total of 98 hours in a coach in meeting their fixture requirements for the 2017 NPL season, had suffered an unfortunate breakdown on their way to the match. Fortunately for all concerned, the bus was only just around the corner from the ground when it stuttered to a stop, so the impact on the squad’s preparations was minimal. Rhinos main man, Gabriel Abdala, had settled on a 3-6-1 formation which, in practice, morphed into more of a 3-2-4-1 with holding midfielder Andrew Vitucci dropping into a more central defensive role, and the team switching to four at the back, on the rare occasions that the Panthers were able to attack. With Rhinos skipper Joe Preece, alongside Vitucci, providing a solid shield for the defence, the creative midfield talents of Rattel and George Pavese flourished.

Nathan Battocchio, on the left flank, and Samuel Scarfone on the right proved wiling runners all afternoon giving Panthers full-backs Ed McCarthy and Anton Hoshovsky a 22

torrid time. Rhinos dominated the first-half in terms of possession and chance creation and were unfortunate to go in at the break at 0-0. Their eighteen-year-old goalkeeper, Lachlan Curran, was barely tested and, when he was, he passed with flying colours. Indeed, the Rhinos should have been at least a goal up at half-time having wasted two great chances. Pavese, freed one-on-one, could only scuff a shot straight at Mitch Weeden in the Panthers goal, whilst Preece should have done much better when racing clear, the midfielder not even testing the goalkeeper as he dragged his shot wide of the far post. The loss of Vitucci in the 37th minute to injury could have hurt the Riverina boys but his replacement, Adam Leeson, slotted into a defensive role with Darren Bailey moving into midfield. The Rhinos eventually got the goal their performance merited eight minutes into the second-half. Battocchio was heavily involved, his rasping drive too hot for Weeden to handle, the Panthers shotstopper spilling the ball into the path of the grateful Rattel who gleefully gobbled up the loose ball. The classy midfielder netted a second four minutes later after a defensive blunder from Geordie import Hall. The big defender let a ball roll onto him rather than attacking it and clearing and Rattel read his intentions, robbing him thirty metres from goal, advancing clear before calmly rounding Weeden and slotting into the empty net. That was a killer blow for the Panthers who never really recovered from the concession of that second goal.

Their cause was not helped by the dismissal of central defender Stefan Todoroski for a second yellow card offence with sixteen minutes to play, the defender catching an attacking Rhino and breaking up an attack leaving the referee, Gareth Biggs, with no alternative but to issue the second yellow card and send him off. It got worse for the home support with nine minutes left as the Rhinos bagged a third. A chipped pass over the flat Panthers defence left Pavese in on goal and, unlike his effort in the first stanza, this time he made no mistake, guiding the bouncing ball over a rather hesitant Weeden and into the back of the gaping goal. This was the first time I had seen the Rhinos play in their two seasons in the NPL and they were a credit to their coaching staff. They played a neat brand of football that caused Monaro many problems on the day and would possibly give some of the other sides in the competition a real push. The negative aspect of the day was the state of the Riverside playing surface. Off the field the club were outstanding, their hospitality and the way they look after their Corporate Sponsors top notch. But the pitch was a disaster, not at all conducive to top-flight Premier League football 23

in Canberra. This being a council-owned pitch means that the Panthers are hamstrung in what they can do to the field, they’ve been battling for a better pitch for quite some time now. Let’s hope they finally succeed as it will be to the betterment of their squad, and the competition when they do.

Elsewhere in the NPL: The problems continued to mount for Peter Mazis over at Belconnen United as the Blues Devils slumped to a third successive defeat. After starting the season in promising fashion, Belconnen had stumbled in recent weeks and their losing run extended to three as Canberra Olympic defeated them, probably more comfortably, than the final score of 3-2 suggested. Michael John had given the home side the lead in the eleventh minute only for the Blue Devils to peg them back, equalling in first-half stoppage time via Jason Ugrinic. The Woden Park crowd, on a Friday evening, had barely regained their places at the commencement of the secondhalf when Olympic went back in front as Oliver Wiederkehr restored their lead.

Domenic Giampaolo added a third under seven minutes later as Olympic began to look dominant. To their credit, Belconnen kept battling and Daniel Barac continued his good start to life at the club with a late goal, but Olympic held on thereafter. Following the Monaro versus Riverina game on the Saturday, there were two more matches that took place on Sunday after and Canberra FC made it two from two for the Deakin side as they defeated Gungahlin United 3-1 at Deakin Stadium. Ben Obst gave the Gunners an early lead, netting in the seventh minute, only for a double strike from Thomas James to put FC into a half-time lead. Defender Jordan Lamb secured the points with the third goal six minutes from the end. But it was Tuggeranong United who would end Round 4 top of the pile, claiming their fourth win from four outings, an incredible start for Head Coach Mitch Stevens. United avenged their midweek FFA Cup exit at the hands of Woden-Weston FC with a competent 2-0 win over the same opponents at Greenway and secured the Southside Cup in the process. An own goal from WodenWeston centre-back Adam De Franceschi just before the break gave Tuggeranong the lead and new signing Mate Barisic, transferred into the club from Belconnen United, made sure of the victory when he doubled the lead in the 66th minute. The only sour note for Tuggeranong was the news in the week that well-liked defender Cameron Doherty would be out for the season, the injury he suffered late in the NPL fixture with Tigers FC being much worse than initially feared. Ironically, Doherty’s absence opened the door for Stevens to sign Barisic and the youngster made an immediate impact.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: The Women’s competition continued apace with Brent Ford jumping onto the commentary duties for the match of the round, also at the Riverside Stadium, as Monaro Panthers welcomed Woden-Weston FC. The Woden youngsters had been playing well in the lead-up to this one and had too much firepower for an even younger Panthers team, winning the clash 3-0. It was a deserved success for the Wanderers who had to wait until the second-half to make their dominance count.

Cassia McGlashan, who had been enjoying a fine start to the season, was entrusted with a penalty in the 52nd minute and made no mistake in firing her team ahead.

Shaquille Chong added the second goal sixteen minutes later and the result was 24

sealed when McGlashan bagged her second of the afternoon with four minutes remaining. In the second match, played on Sunday 22 April, Gungahlin United sprang something of a surprise as they defeated Canberra Olympic 4-2. Freyja Jacobsen was the star of the show for the Gunners, claiming a hat-trick to add to a goal scored by the increasingly prolific Erika Pennyfield. Jacobsen’s first two goals had put Gungahlin 2-0 ahead before Vanessa Ryan pulled one back for the visiting team. Jacobsen restored the two-goal cushion in completing her treble and, when Pennyfield made it four, the damage was done. Ryan’s second with seventeen minutes to play threatened a comeback, but it never really looked like materialising. Belconnen United had kept their lead at the top of the table the day before with a routine 3-0 win over Tuggeranong United at McKellar. A brace from Madelyn Whittall established a 2-0 lead for the Blue Devils by the 65th minute mark and Jessie Williams concluded the scoring with eighteen minutes to play. In the most exciting match of the round a lastminute goal from Brigitte Wright gave Canberra FC a 3-2 win over the Canberra United Academy at Hawker Football Centre. Two goals in the opening nineteen minutes, converted by Chantel Jones and Diarna Genovesi, had FC 2-0 ahead before a double from Aoife Colvill, the second of which arrived in the 82nd minute, brought the Academy level. Wright struck though with seconds remaining to secure what may prove to be a vital three points.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP Attention turned once again to Cup matters in midweek with four further FFA Cup encounters set to take place, three on the Tuesday evening, and a rare Wednesday afternoon match on ANZAC Day for the Monaro Panthers who travelled to Riverina to play the Rhinos. NPL side Gungahlin United were the most relieved of the two Premier League sides in action on the Tuesday night as they squeezed past Queanbeyan City at the Riverside Stadium. An early goal from Ben Obst and a second from Jacob Ayuel, just three minutes into the second-half hinted at a serene progress for Marcial Munoz and his team but a later David McCarron penalty, eight minutes from full-time, ensured a nervy finish for the higher-ranked Gunners. There were less problems for Belconnen United who eased their way past UC Pumas at McKellar Park. Adrian Macor opened the scoring in the fifth minute and when leading scorer Daniel Barac made it two just a couple of minutes later, the Pumas were already chasing the match. Barac added his second, and his team’s third, just past the half-hour to effectively kill the contest stone dead before the interval. Second-half goals from Sam Whithear and Marty Raines finished off the plucky Pumas with Samuel Habtemariam striking the woodwork as the Blues Devils won at a canter. Down at Greenway Enclosed there was a lower league clash between O’Connor Knights and Woden Valley and it was the Knights that were to join the NPL clubs in the last-eight draw as they obliterated Woden 9-0. A Brandon Hawker first-half double had the Knights comfortable before the break and then the wheels well and truly fell off the Woden wagon. Four goals in nine minutes put the tie well and truly to bed with Corey Rukavina scoring twice, either side of a strike by Danny Krajacic. Aldi Cummins made it game over at 6-0. Late 25

goals from Hawker, completing a hat-trick, Krajacic, with his second, and Adam Rogic saw out a one-sided encounter. ANZAC Day proved memorable for Monaro Panthers who recovered from their weekend mauling by the Riverina Rhinos to overturn that result at the Riverside Stadium and progress into the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup with a narrow one-goal success. Sam Smith, who had looked the most menacing Panthers attacker in the league loss to the Rhinos, proved the difference between the sides, the speedster netting the only goal of the game with five minutes to play. It was Smith’s second of the season having bagged the winner in the season opener against Canberra Olympic.

Competition: NPL Round 5 Date: Sunday 29 April 2018 Result: Tuggeranong United 1 (Barisic 16’) Canberra Olympic 3 (Colbertaldo 17’, John 78’, Cattanach 90+2’) Venue: Greenway Enclosed Referee: Bruno Kehl Assistants: Delfina Dimoski, Lashan Perera Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Sporadic heavy rain with intermittent thunder and lightning Report: It was back to Greenway for Round 5 of the NPL as Tuggeranong United versus Canberra Olympic was our featured match. The last time we had been at the venue had been for the visit of Tigers FC and the weather on that day, shortsleeves and the sun beating down, was a complete contrast to that we received this time around! The clouds emptied moments before kick-off with sporadic heavy rain making the top-soil dewy and slick whilst a crash of thunder and flash of lightning greeted the beginning of the broadcast. When this fixture was pencilled in at the beginning of the season, no-one but the hardy few would have suggested Tuggeranong United would go into the game unbeaten and top of the pile. Indeed, even the most ardent of United supporters would have thought that scenario unlikely.

Heading into this fixture United Head Coach Mitch Stevens was forced to reshuffle his pack slightly with striker Tom Pagett unavailable.

The selection of Mate Barisic, who had scored on his Tuggeranong debut, hinted that the team, which was nominally lined up as a 4-4-2, would revert to a 4-5-1 in defensive situations. Not that Stevens would be complaining, especially considering the ill-fortune his opposite number, Frank Cachia, had suffered to date. Nick Bobolas, Roko Strika and Nikolas Popovich were all still absent from the Olympic team-sheet handed into the match referee, Bruno Kehl, before kick-off. The light at the end of the 26

tunnel however saw a return to action for midfielder Daniel Colbertaldo – the vital cog in the Olympic machine. Tim Bobolas, who had limped out of the match against Woden-Weston FC at Melrose High School, was back on the bench, named amongst the substitutes. Incredibly for Cachia, when he got one back, he lost another as striker Domenic Giampaolo was forced out of the match early on, appearing to strain a hamstring when accelerating onto his own touch. His replacement was Michael John who was to have a big say in the outcome. The early stages of the match were a cat and mouse affair with United goalkeeper Rory Larkin the busier of the two stoppers, repelling drives from Robbie Cattanach and Jeremy Habtemariam whilst, at the other end, Angelo Konstantinou, was rarely troubled. That was all to change in the seventeenth minute as the home team, riding high on confidence, took the lead.

Aisosa Ihegie created it, dispossessing Cattanach in midfield and advancing into the heart of Olympic territory. He then freed Barisic, who had made an arcing run in behind the Olympic defence, with a perfectly weighted pass and the youngster flicked a fine finish beyond the diving Konstantinou with the outside of the right boot and into the far corner of the net. It’s an oft-used cliché that teams are at their most vulnerable when they have just scored but it’s often proven right and, once again, it was so at Greenway Enclosed. Tuggeranong’s lead lasted barely ninety seconds, but it was less to do with a lapse in concentration, rather a quite simply outstanding goal.

Colbertaldo collected a square pass thirty-five metres out and lashed an unstoppable drive high past Larkin and into the top corner for a breathtaking strike. With the rain continuing to fall, the sides entered the changing rooms all-square at 1-1. There was a question early in the second-half about which side had the depth to perhaps go on and win the match and both teams would, by the end of the ninety minutes, introduce fresh legs into the fray.

Tuggeranong sent on hard-running striker Eddie Coggan and defender Mitch Steenbergen for Josip Jadric and Matt King respectively, whilst Olympic replaced Michael Reeve with Tim Bobolas and gave a late run to young striker Ali Sarwan, he came on for Oliver Wiederkehr. By that stage Olympic had taken the lead.

With twelve minutes to play, John, revelling in a more central role, got in behind the square United defence and finished adroitly past Larkin to the delight of the Olympic travelling support. United’s chances were, in the main, restricted to efforts from distance with Nathen Megic at the heart of the three-man Olympic defence putting in an immense shift 27

and rightly going home with the man of the match award. Olympic meanwhile went home with all three points. They confirmed that beyond all doubt in stoppage time as Cattanach found a pocket of space, cut infield and hammered a low shot out of the reach of Larkin to make it 3-1. The final score may have been a touch harsh on Tuggeranong, but no-one would quibble that Olympic were deserved winners. For United, it was hardly the end of the world. They would end the Round still top of the table and knowing that how they recovered from a first league loss of the season was the most important thing.

Elsewhere in the NPL: Canberra FC looked in ominous form as they won their third match from three to boast the only 100% record in the men’s top flight. They were made to work excessively hard for the points at Deakin Stadium however by a Riverina Rhinos side that were in the match for large parts and will count themselves unfortunate to have succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. The dismissal of Rhinos’ striker Luke Santolin in the 75th minute was the turning points as Canberra FC made their numerical superiority tell. Kofi Danning, recovered from a hamstring tweak suffered in the midweek FFA Cup win over ANU FC, opened the scoring eight minutes after Santolin departed and, with Rhinos looking for an equaliser, Thomas James put the game out of reach with a stoppage time second. Down in Cooma, Tigers FC won the Masita Mayors Cup with a 3-0 win over Monaro Panthers at Njjong Oval to ease some of the pressure on Gaby Wilk. Wilk’s side had not enjoyed the best of starts to 2019, dumped out of the cup in midweek to compound their woes. But it was plain sailing in this one once Nikos Kalfas had converted a 20th minute penalty. Alex Oloriegbe doubled the lead just five minutes later and the Panthers were left chasing the game.

They tried hard to get back into it, but their cutting edge was again blunt, and the Tigers sealed the points late in the second-half with a first goal of the season for Tony Maddafari. The honours were shared at Woden Park as Woden-Weston FC and Gungahlin United played out a 1-1 draw. Jack Green had put the Gunners in front in the 33rd minute but Woden-Weston FC striker Olaide Yinka-Kehinde drew his side back onto level terms with a goal twelve minutes from the end of the match.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Belconnen United were the featured match on BarTV Sports on Saturday evening, a game I was unable to commentate on due to my commitments with Super Rugby. By all accounts it was a highly entertaining match and the Blues Devils nicked it via a Jessie Rasschaert goal in the 64th minute. That victory kept Belconnen top of the table, although they were being chased by last season’s Grand Final winners Canberra FC. The Deakin-side had a comfortable win themselves, returning from Kambah with a 5-0 success over Tuggeranong United. Four-up in twenty minutes, FC were clear winners and looking like title challengers. Grace Gill opened the scoring in the 5th minute and Rachael Goldstein added a second less than sixty seconds later. Chantel Jones bagged the third on eighteen minutes with Goldstein getting her second two minutes later. A fifth goal, netted by Jamie Berkeley three minutes into the second-half, completed the scoring. There was a huge surprise over at O’Connor Enclosed as Monaro Panthers recorded their first victory of the 2018 season by defeating Canberra Olympic 3-2. Minus the effective Grace Maher, who had 28

surgery on a compartment syndrome injury that would keep her out for months, the Panthers sensed a chance. It was an incredible day for Zoe Szeremet who, fresh off six goals in an 11-0 Reserve Grade win for the Panthers, claimed a hat-trick in firsts!

Szeremet put the Panthers ahead midway through the first-half only for Rebecca Kiting, in a more advanced midfield role this week, to equalise for Olympic two minutes before the break. Szeremet restored Monaro’s lead in the 55 th minute but a goal from Sally Rojahn with six minutes to go appeared to have rescued a point for the home side. Szeremet had other ideas however and scored the winner in stoppage time. There was a ninetieth minute goal at Woden Park as well, as Woden-Weston FC levelled their match with Gungahlin United with virtually the last kick of the game.

Cassia McGlashan netted her fifth of the season to cancel out a Charlotte Lynch goal that had given the Gunners the lead.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK WODEN-WESTON POINTS DEDUCTION During the week Capital Football issued a short terse statement at the base of the preview piece ahead of the weekend fixtures. The statement read: ‘Woden-Weston's Round 1 win over Tigers FC was overturned in a competition ruling. The team had an incorrect PPS Sheet and visa player issues; however, this has now been rectified and no other results are affected.’ At a stroke Woden-Weston’s 4-3 victory at Nijong Oval against Tigers FC was annulled and awarded as a 3-0 win for the home side. A disappointing outcome for all concerned and one which took a bit of the gloss off Woden-Weston’s excellent start to the competition.

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MAY SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP May began with the Final last-sixteen clash of the FFA Cup with two State League teams aiming to join the NPL clubs that had already booked a Quarter Final place. It was State League 3 Gungahlin Juventus who would be marching on to create their own story but taking into consideration the make-up of the Juventus team, few in the know were surprised. It was a team that would not have looked out of place in the top flight of the NPL back in the early part of the new Millennium with the talents of former Canberra Olympic stars Elia Salloum, Eliot Zwangobani, Toplica Popovich and Trent Flanigan, alongside ex-Blue Devils front-man Danny Macor lining up with former Canberra FC defender Jon Ison and midfield maestro Alex Castro. Ex-Juventus Premier League ‘keeper Tony Giannasca was in between the posts and the evergreen Steven Bryant, once of Birmingham City, also featured. This motley crew may have lost its pace, but the nous and quality were still evident, and they had too much for Burns FC at Woden Park. Two goals in a minute from Ison and Flanigan had Juventus on the march and, even given a Burns FC response, they were too strong. Ison added a second before the interval and Salloum made it four with twenty-three minutes to play to secure progress. We awaited the Quarter Final draw with much anticipation.

Competition: WNPL Round 7 Date: Saturday 5 May 2018 Result: Belconnen United 2 (Jalocha 5’, Murphy 12’) Gungahlin United 0 Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Angela Gray Assistants: Aisha Strutt, Karla Martin Co-Commentator: Michael Aldred Weather: Cold Report: Saturday had dawned bright and sunny but anyone who has been a Canberra resident for a while, or indeed has visited McKellar Park for a match, would know that once that sun goes down at this time of year then the temperature plummets. That was exactly what happened prior to this Women’s NPL match between Belconnen United and Gungahlin United played at 5.15pm. The Blue Devils were a point clear at the top going into the match and faced a Gungahlin side, sitting fourth but eleven points worse off, who would be without their leading scorer Erika Pennyfield due to unavailability. That meant a slight juggling of his 30

deck for Head Coach Diego Iglesias who went with a 4-3-3 formation which, was more of a 4-5-1 as the pattern of the match was set early on. If we were to say that Belconnen dominated both possession and territory it would probably still be doing the home side a disservice. From the kick-off it was evident that the Blue Devils were in complete control with Gunners’ lone forward, Freyja Jacobsen, cutting a forlorn and lonely figure up top, unable to gather possession and influence proceedings. It took the home side just five minutes to break the deadlock, midfielder Nicole Jalocha timing her run to perfection to bundle a corner over the line from close range, and when striker Gemma Murphy turned a volley home seven minutes later, her shot squirming under the body of Kailey Tonini, the points were destined to remain at McKellar with the home team. Belconnen goalkeeper Nat Lacey was unemployed throughout the ninety minutes, barely having a touch of the ball whilst her opposite number, Tonini, had to react sharply to palm a shot onto the crossbar to deny Belconnen a third. After that the match was a bit of a non-event.

For all their domination Belconnen didn’t create many clear-cut openings with their front-runners, Madelyn Whittall and Ellie Raymond, making some excellent runs but unable to trouble the Gungahlin defence. That Gungahlin back-four, after their initial set-back, looked impressive. Out wide Ashlyn Garrity and Alex Paterson were solid and gave not an inch, whilst the centre back pairing of Ruby Gambale and Maddy Percival were outstanding. Percival was a colossal presence, reading the game well, intercepting any penetrating through-balls, thumping into tackles and generally holding firm. To myself, and my co-commentator, Tuggeranong United Women’s Head Coach Michael Aldred, it appeared as if Gungahlin had just suffered from a lack of belief in those opening salvos.

They were facing a side who had been the preeminent force in the Women’s game in Canberra for several years now and, initially, they looked like they believed the hype. Timid in the tackle and standing off players in possession, perhaps showing just a little too much respect. That changed as the game progressed, to the extent that they looked lively in the final twenty minutes. By then, however, the game was done, and Belconnen had secured another, thoroughly well deserved, three points.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Aoife Colvill stole the show over at Woden Park as the Canberra United Academy striker netted five times in her team’s 8-2 victory over Woden-Weston FC. Colvill’s nap hand brought her to ten goals already this season and 31

underlined the huge potential the speedy attacker has. Woden-Weston had led the match through an Anna Vandenbroucke goal but three goals in eight minutes from Colvill had the Academy 3-1 up by half-time. Sarah Morgan, Hayley Taylor-Young and Karly Roestbakken added to the tally with Colvill grabbing two more in a one-sided second-half. A late goal from Lotta Raap for the home team was little more than scant consolation. Michael Aldred, who had joined me in commentary the night before at McKellar Park, saw his team remain rooted to the foot of the table after they were beaten 3-1 by Monaro Panthers at the Riverside Stadium. Darby Whitely had given the Panthers the lead in the seventh minute, only for Adrianna Ilheo to equalise for Tuggeranong just three minutes later. Zoe Szeremet, who had scored nine across two grades the week before, put the Panthers back in front fourteen minutes later and a first of the season for Jasmine Zabel, in the 65th minute, secured all three points in the second-half. Over at O’Connor Enclosed, Canberra Olympic were finding life without Grace Maher difficult as they fell to a 0-3 home loss to Canberra FC. Grace Gill gave FC the lead early on and two goals in sixty seconds from Rachael Goldstein confirmed the result midway through the first-half. The impending arrival of former Canberra United and Tuggeranong striker Meg McLaughlin into the Olympic ranks couldn’t come soon enough for the O’Connor side who were hoping her firepower would spark their season back into life.

Competition: NPL Round 6 Date: Sunday 6 May 2018 Result: Canberra FC 7 (Subasic 13’, James 20’ 55’, 79’, Danning 77’, Keir 86’, 89’) Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 11’, 38’) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Bruno Kehl Assistants: Alex McConachie, Ira Dudley Co-Commentator: Mitch Stevens Weather: Sunny Report: Deakin Stadium is a terrific football venue. This was our first visit with the BarTV cameras and the sun was shining for it. It was a funny day weather wise. Hot in the sunshine but relatively cool in the shade, particularly over in the uncovered commentary position opposite the changing rooms and main grandstand section of the ground. Canberra FC, under new leadership in the shape of Head Coach Paul Macor, had begun the season in good form. Three wins from three and only one goal conceded suggested they were getting it right at both ends of the pitch. Luckily for all involved as, if there ever was a demanding football club, Canberra FC was it. Groomed on decades of success, and the most successive side in Canberra football, the last two seasons of 32

relative mediocrity would not have sat well with the FC hierarchy. For the visit of Tigers FC, Macor opted for the 4-4-2 formation that had proved itself in the opening matches of the campaign. With Michael Taurasi and Kofi Danning leading the line that meant a wider role for the energetic Thomas James, given a licence to roam in attack but expected to put a shift in when retreating. The strength of the FC line-up was clear when you studied the bench. Goalkeeper Sam Brown, rotated with Jordan Thurtell during the NPL season with Thurtell starting this match, defenders Ross Costanzo and Jordan Lamb, the latter able to provide width in midfield as well, the speedy winger Ivan Pavlak and defensive midfield enforcer Ryan Keir, back in contention for selection after missing twelve months through injury.

Tigers main man, Gaby Wilk, opted for a 4-3-3 with Jeremias Ibarra, Alex Oloriegbe and Nikos Kalfas the front three, Mark Shields needing to be content with a place on the bench. The threat from Tigers though would come from Nicolas Villafane, the Argentinean who had impressed us on his debut against Tuggeranong United. Tigers lost that match 4-3 and would end up beaten in this once as well, a ruthless Canberra FC taking advantage of playing what amounted to a whole half of football against ten men to win 7-2. That was due to the dismissal of Tigers central defender Osman Fofonah, sent off for a studs-up challenge on Ian Graham in midfield that was out of character for the player, but left referee Bruno Kehl with no alternative but to apply the ultimate sanction. At that stage the game was delicately poised at 2-2. Villafane had given Tigers the lead, accepting a pass into his stride and sliding the ball past Thurtell and into the far corner. The home side responded immediately when a Thomas James free-kick was flicked on by a heel from Graham and swept past former FC goalkeeper Jakob Cole by central defender Daniel Subasic. James netted the first of what would be a treble for the English forward when he rolled the ball into the empty net in the 20th minute after exceptional approach work from Danning, and FC almost added a third when a James free-kick clattered back of the post with Cole stranded, Matthew Waters volleying a tricky rebound effort off the crossbar.

Tigers levelled the match heading into the interval with a second from Villafane. The import swung a free-kick towards goal with the trajectory fooling Thurtell who, backpedalling, could not prevent the ball crossing the line, Tigers awarded the goal after Assistant Referee Ira Dudley confirmed the whole of the ball had crossed. Fofonah’s sending off, three minutes into the second-half, swung the momentum completely in Canberra FC’s path and they were to take full advantage. James converted his second of the afternoon in the 56th minute, much in the same manner as the first after Danning had taunted and tormented the Tigers FC defence, and Danning got his reward for a superb display applying the finishing touch to another sweeping Canberra FC move with quarter of an hour to play. When James completed a hat-trick, setting himself to leather a volley past Cole three minutes after Danning’s strike, the game was done at 5-2. There was still time for more and a cameo from Keir that suggested he would be a welcome inclusion into the squad this season after the disappointment of missing the whole of 2017.

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Keir beautifully placed a cut-back from Waters into the bottom corner with five minutes to play, clipping the ball past the beleaguered Tigers defence and into the net with the minimum of fuss and, two minutes later, he got another. The midfielder loped forward to meet a looping cross with a header that gave Cole no chance and nestled into the net for 7-2. Incredibly, Keir should have had a three-minute hat-trick but, unmarked six yards from goal, he somehow headed wide the easiest of his three opportunities. Not that it mattered. FC had done the job and looked back to their ruthless and clinical best. James was a revelation in the wide position, causing havoc in attack and putting in a tremendous defensive effort, the latter of which had surprised myself and Tuggeranong United Head Mitch Stevens in the commentary box. For Tigers, young substitute Nik Zakoski looked full of energy and fight and could well force his way into the starting X1. The defensive frailties we identified earlier in the season were there for all to see, even given the circumstances playing with a numerical disadvantage. There’s no doubt that there’s talent in that Tigers back-line, Osman Daramy, Michael Kita, Fofonah and Tony Spaseski are all fine footballers. But something just wasn’t clicking for them and Wilk was tasked with finding a solution before they headed to Griffith to meet the Riverina Rhinos in Round 7.

Elsewhere in the NPL: It was tough on Coach Mitch Stevens to come behind the microphone for his BarTV debut after his side had slipped to a second defeat of the season to relinquish top spot in the NPL on Saturday afternoon. Playing at the Australian Institute of Sport, incidentally kicking off at the same time as the Canberra Raiders in the NRL barely metres away at GIO Stadium, Tuggeranong were beaten by Gungahlin United. The result was a first win of the season for the Gunners who inflicted a second loss in succession on Tuggeranong. After recording four wins from four to start the season, Tuggeranong took the lead in the fifteenth minute when Aisosa Ihegie streaked away to tuck home a sweet strike and everything in the Tuggeranong garden looked rosy. The lead only lasted a couple of minutes though as Antoni Timotheou thwacked home the equalising goal two minutes later. The midfielder blasted home a second just before half-time and, when Michael Rinaudo made it three in the 66th minute, the game was over. Just to make that secure, Tomas Krklec made it 4-1 a couple of minutes after Rinaudo’s goal. A stoppage time strike from Marco Gayer gave Tuggies a reward for their final fifteen minutes of domination, but Gunners had done more than enough by that stage and claimed a welcome victory. With Tuggeranong slipping up, Canberra Olympic had the chance to head the 34

table, at least for 24-hours ahead of Canberra FC’s match with Tigers FC, if they defeated Riverina Rhinos at O’Connor Enclosed. They managed just that to go top of the pile for the first time in 2018 but they were made to work extremely hard by the visitors from Griffith. In a ding-dong affair Tim Bobolas gave the home side the lead in the 36th minute, but any Olympic hopes of going into the break ahead diminished just before the interval when Darren Bailey rifled the Rhinos level from the penalty spot.

Michael John, in a rich vein of goal scoring form, restored the lead for Olympic just past the sixty-minute mark only for the Rhinos to draw level again for a second time.

Artur Rattel did the honours on that occasion. Rhinos seemed to be heading home with a tangible reward and yet, as many have been before, they were sucker-punched by the old stager, Robbie Cattanach. The attacking midfielder popped up with three minutes to play to grab the winner, a stoppage time effort from Jeremy Habtemariam conforming the 4-2 success. The match ended in acrimony for the Rhinos with both Bailey and Jacob Donadel sent off late-on, the fourth and fifth Rhinos dismissals of the season. Over at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday afternoon Belconnen United emerged victorious from a tense encounter with Monaro Panthers, winning the clash with a solitary goal in the 81st minute. Youngster Lucas Mauragis did the damage with nine minutes remaining for the visiting Blue Devils who recorded a second win of the season.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP Capital Football announced their match-ups for the FFA Cup Quarter Finals during the week and there were four exciting matches drawn from the hat. The headline clash was the game between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic scheduled for Deakin Stadium, a mouth-watering battle between the top two sides in the NPL and one that was sure to be worth a watch. The other intriguing tie saw Gungahlin United of the NPL draw Gungahlin Juventus of State League 3. Marcial Munoz’ young charges would meet the old bucks of Juventus in the ultimate cup showdown. Would the apprentices overcome the masters or was their life in the old legs for one more time? Woden-Weston and Tuggeranong United were still at loggerheads over their last-sixteen clash which, as we shall shortly see, would see the Wanderers ejected from the competition for fielding an ineligible player. United were paired with Monaro Panthers in the draw. Finally, there as a chance for an upset as Capital League O’Connor Knights drew NPL Belconnen United and, with the Blue Devils struggling for form, the Knights could sense blood. Elsewhere, there was further drama in the Woden-Weston FC player-points fiasco with their matches against 35

Belconnen United and Canberra Olympic dragged into question. After a lengthy appeal and counter-appeal process it emerged that the Wanderers were guilty once more and both matches, a 4-2 win and 2-3 defeat, were awarded to the opposition on a 0-3 basis. Perhaps hardest done by were Olympic who had been the only one of the teams Woden played in this period to actually win the match, but at the cost of injuries to three key players. Gallingly for Woden-Weston, their FFA Cup match with Tuggeranong United, won dramatically at the death with a stoppage time goal, was also found to be a victim of the same remit and Tuggeranong were duly awarded a forfeit victory and a place in the last-eight of the cup against Monaro Panthers.

Competition: WNPL Round 8 Date: Sunday 13 May 2018 Result: Canberra Olympic 2 (Rojahn 9’, Basser-Silk 36’) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Conroy 70’) Venue: O’Connor Enclosed Referee: Nathan Shakespeare Assistants: Lawrence Morris, Oscar Enright Co-Commentator: Grace Maher Weather: Fine Report: It was back to the cosy confines of the commentary box at O’Connor Enclosed this week and I was joined by injured Canberra Olympic midfielder, and Canberra United Westfield W-League star, Grace Maher who, on debut behind the microphone, proved a natural adding some telling and concise comments on her own team and the opposition. For this match, Olympic met a fastimproving Woden-Weston FC who had featured on BarTV a few weeks earlier against Monaro Panthers, a match I was unable to call. By all accounts they looked to have a tidy and effective team and they would prove that by the end of this ninety minutes.

In Maher’s absence, Olympic had raided the transfer market and persuaded former Canberra United, Tuggeranong United and Monaro Panthers forward Meg McLaughlin out of a self-imposed sabbatical and back into NPL action. The striker would line up in the middle of an attacking triumvirate that also included Emma Guo and Grace BasserSilk. Olympic were missing central defender, and captain, Rebecca Kiting as well as Maher, with Kiting on holiday and not back in time to make the matchday squad.

Woden-Weston, under the stewardship of Diego Elmoudawar, included some fine talents in his team and played the in-form partnership of Cassia McGlashan and Anna Vandenbroucke up front with a clear plan to utilise their pace and dexterity against a make-shift Olympic defence. Olympic coach Eddie Senatore chose to partner Celina Vecchi alongside Sandra Hill in the centre of defence in Kiting’s absence, and picked 36

Victoria Jamieson, who would captain the team, and Lily Dawson at full-backs. Dawson had played that position under assistant Tom Crossley at the National Schoolgirls Championship so was no stranger to the defensive duties it entailed despite being seen on BarTV as a winger in the matches we had covered against the United’s of Belconnen and Tuggeranong. It was the left full-back Jamieson who was targeted in the opening stages of the match as the Wanderers clipped pass after pass into that channel with Vandenbroucke causing much nuisance with some direct running and sheer pace. That battle was intriguing to watch and ended, at the final whistle, with honours about even after the Olympic skipper had recovered from an early chastening experience.

After an opening ten minutes that the Wanderers had slightly edged, the home side went in front from an unexpected source. Sally Rojahn doesn’t get too many goals and she probably hasn’t scored as many as sweetly struck as the one that flashed past Woden-Weston FC goalkeeper Harriett Gee in the ninth minute. Fourteen-year-old Alexia Forner made it with a lung-bursting chase down the left flank, winning the ball which found its way to Rojahn at the top of the area. Head over the ball, the midfielder crashed a right-foot drive that was still rising as it blasted into the roof of the net past the startled Gee. With both sides trading tentative blows after that, it was Olympic who went 2-0 up nine minutes before half-time. Again, Forner was heavily involved, this time on the opposite wing, drilling a low cross into the danger zone that Gee could only parry away from goal where a lurking Basser-Silk was on hand to sweep over the prostrate stopper and into the goal. There was no real further incident in the opening half, an even forty-five minutes that had seen Elmoudawar forced to replace midfielder Alison Corujo with the combative Sarah Crittenden due to an early injury.

The second-half began as almost a mirror-image of the first as Woden-Weston forced Olympic into turning over possession on a consistent basis, and yet being unable to force the home goalkeeper Gabby O’Brien into too much action. The Wanderers did pull a goal back to give us a tasty final twenty-minute spell though, as substitute defender Kath Conroy took aim with an ambitious effort from fully thirty metres out. O’Brien had it covered all the way and was suitably mortified as she took her eye off the ball at the crucial moment, fumbling it behind her and into the open net.

Such is the life of a goalkeeper where their errors are often, and 37

sometimes unfairly, crucial. O’Brien made amends later with a couple of routine catches to get the one that found its way past her out of her system and Olympic held on to win. What of McLaughlin on her return? Well, the touch was a little rusty as might be expected, but her movement was excellent and with one fizzing left-foot shot that screamed just over the bar in the second stanza proved she still had an eye for goal. There was sure to be a few goals next to her name once the final calculations had been tallied in September.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Belconnen United made it eight wins from eight games as they turned aside the challenge of Tuggeranong United at Kambah 2. The Blue Devils, top of the table, were always favourites to defeat the side propping up the WNPL and the result would not have surprised anyone, however, the young Tuggeranong team showed much heart and courage in the 0-3 loss making the visitors work for the points. Madelyn Whittall gave Belconnen the lead in the 36th minute, the Blue Devils finally breaking down the stubborn United resistance, but the game was not made safe until two goals in the space of sixty seconds in the second-half finished it off.

Jessie Williams added the second Belconnen goal and Whittall nabbed her second moments later. Canberra FC remained second on the ladder after they recorded a 4-0 win over the improving Monaro Panthers at Deakin Stadium. There were two goals in each half in that one with Sophia Evans and Grace Gill netting before the interval to send Canberra FC in 2-0 ahead at the break. Chantel Jones made it three just after the restart and Jamie Berkeley added the fourth with 68 minutes played. Twenty-four hours earlier Canberra United Academy had confirmed their hold on third place, briefly moving up to second, when they scored a 3-1 win over Gungahlin United. Firsthalf goals from Isabella Barac and Aofie Colvill, the latter with her eleventh of the campaign, put the Academy two-up before Freyja Jacobsen pulled one back for the Gunners. Barac completed her brace, and the scoring, in the 57th minute to wrap up the victory.

Elsewhere in the NPL: There as an absolute goal-fest in the NPL on the Saturday with twenty goals netted in the three matches played, a tally that wasn’t added to on the Sunday as Gungahlin United was forced to postpone its fixture with Canberra Olympic, scheduled for Gungahlin Enclosed, due to an unplayable surface. It was remarkable that the match was even mooted for that venue after the WNPL game between Gungahlin and Tuggeranong on 15 April had already been cancelled for the same reason – the pitch in the meantime having got, if anything, much worse. The matches played the day earlier were teeming with drama. The goals started to flow in the first of the trio of games played as early as the fifth minute as Woden Park. Phakedi Mandah gave Woden-Weston FC the advantage with what proved to be the only goal of the opening half. Martin Deng added the second, three minutes into the secondhalf, before the Panthers began their comeback. Sam Smith reduced the arrears in the 55th minute and Borak Kocak equalised just five minutes later. Olaide Yinka-Kehinde restored the Wanderers lead with thirteen minutes to go, but it was short-lived as just four minutes later Ed McCarthy drew Monaro level. Incredibly, Bul Juach slotted a penalty two minutes after the third Panthers’ goal to seemingly win the game for 38

Woden-Weston FC, but we weren’t done yet and, in stoppage time, Michael Piccolo rammed home a fourth for the Panthers to conclude an epic 4-4 draw. There were loads of goals in Griffith as well but, much to the disappointment of the locals, they all went the way of a rampant Tigers FC who bounced back from their 7-2 licking by Canberra FC to hand out a hammering of their own, drubbing the Riverina Rhinos 7-0 on their own patch. Mark Shields, recalled to the starting team in the absence of the injured Alex Oloriegbe, started the rout in the eighth minute and Dom Colucciello added the second midway through the half. The floodgates opened after the break as Nicolas Villafane, Nikos Kalfas, Shields again, Jared Tonini and substitute Kyle Ormeno all found the target to delight Tigers’ Head Coach Gaby Wilk. The live match on BarTV, which I was unable to commentate on due to working for the Brumbies in our Super Rugby match against the Rebels at GIO Stadium on the same evening, was Belconnen United and Canberra FC. Brent Ford called the action in partnership with Steve Forshaw and anyone who tuned in, or was at the venue, would have seen one of the great NPL goals as Thomas James, found by a cross-field ball from Ryan Keir, unleashed a first-time volley from the edge of the penalty box that leathered past the started Finn Jurak in the Blue Devils goal for an outstanding strike. By then Belconnen were already in all sorts of trouble. Matthew Waters and Jordan Lamb had netted first-half goals, but the key moment was the dismissal of Belconnen forward Daniel Barac, given two yellow cards within minutes of each other. From then on there was always likely to be only one winner and James struck twice in the second-half with defender Marko Vrkic icing the cake with a fifth to confirm a 0-5 away success with seven minutes left on the clock. The pressure on Peter Mazis in the Blue Devils hotseat appeared to be mounting.

INTERLUDE: SOUTH AFRICA My day job was to take over for the following week as I headed to Johannesburg, Rustenburg and Pretoria with the Brumbies meaning I was unable to contribute to the commentary on the Round 8 NPL and Round 9 WNPL matches. The Super Rugby side had matches against the Lions and Bulls to contend with in the Republic, so I watched on from afar as the action continued in Canberra. Interestingly, for three of my days in South Africa we were camped at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg, the HighPerformance Sports Complex that was partially funded by the Football Association of England and where England, David Beckham et al. were based for the 2010 FIFA World Cup competition. Amazing facilities which clearly didn’t help England who exited that tournament in the Round of 16 to Germany with Frank Lampard having a goal controversially not awarded when his shot appeared to cross the line after coming back down off the underside of the crossbar. Pre-VAR of course.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP

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The first match-up of the hotly-anticipated FFA Cup Quarter Finals saw the top two teams in the NPL meet at Deakin Stadium as Canberra FC welcomed Canberra Olympic for what was sure to be an outstanding match. Both teams would have been targeting the competition as a chance to shine on the national stage with Olympic, of course, having enjoyed a dream run to the semi-finals of the competition proper, going down to Sydney FC in the last four, in front of the nationwide audience. Canberra FC hadn’t had the chance to show what they could do on that stage yet with the Capital’s representation having consisted of Tuggeranong United, Gungahlin United and Olympic. In front of a reasonable crowd on their home patch they’d take another step towards achieving that goal however as they ended Olympic’s run in the competition with a 2-0 success. There was little surprise about the nature of their match-winner either, as Thomas James took his overall season tally to eleven goals in eight matches with both in the triumph. The goals came late. The first was from the penalty spot as Canberra FC were awarded a spot-kick for a shove on the back of an FC player inside the area. James confidently stepped up to the mark to place the penalty beyond the reach of Angelo Konstantinou in the Olympic goal. As the visiting side pushed forward looking for a leveller, they were hit on the break and James sealed FC’s passage into the semi-finals, firing in a shot that squirmed underneath Konstantinou and into the net to ensure FC would march on.

ROUND 8 NPL / ROUND 9 WNPL Elsewhere in the NPL: The only set of league matches played whilst I was overseas was the Round 8 NPL games that produced a vibrant group of clashes with Tuggeranong United providing the highlight with their incredible comeback from 0-3 down to win 4-3 in front of the live BarTV cameras. I was certainly missing out on some fantastic stories! That game was a complete tale of two halves, well one and a half and a half but that hardly trips off the tongue, does it? The Panthers looked well set for a rare win when they led 3-0 with just over twenty minutes to play but a red card to Ed McCarthy, and a subsequent penalty despatched by midfielder Shane Murray, began an unlikely recovery. In the first-half Sam Smith, the Panthers go to man, had given the home team the lead in Googong. That was the other disappointment for me as my home is only ten minutes’ walk to the ground, so I’d have had a two-minute drive home rather than my usual half hour. C’est la vie! An Adam Neou penalty increased the lead before the break and when Ola Stegavik, the tricky Norwegian winger, made it three, the points appeared safe. United had other ideas and, after Murray’s penalty got them into the game, the visitors started to believe. Aisosa Ihegie increased that optimism in the 77th minute and when Andrew Slavich levelled six minutes later it was one-way traffic. United won it in the final minute as Ihegie completed the comeback with his second of the match to claim a 4-3 win. Amazing. Over at Deakin Stadium, Canberra FC continued their 100% start as they shook off a belligerent Woden-Weston FC 4-1. Kofi Danning’s early goal had FC in front only for Olaide Yinka-Kehinde to equalise for Wanderers with a minute left of the half. The league leaders upped the tempo in the second-half as goals from Matthew Waters, Matt Grbesa and a first of the season for Ian Graham sealed an ultimately routine success. Tigers FC Jekyll and Hyde season continued as they fell to a 40

home loss to title-chasing Canberra Olympic at Nijong Oval. Two goals in the opening twenty minutes from Daniel Colbertaldo and Robbie Cattanach had the away side dictating proceedings, but the Tigers dragged themselves back into the game with a 62nd minute goal from Mark Shields, his fourth of the campaign. That sniff of a point was snuffed out within sixty seconds as Olympic’s leading scorer, Michael John, made it 3-1 with the game’s final goal. On Saturday afternoon in Griffith the Riverina Rhinos and Belconnen United could not be separated with the 0-0 draw not really helping either side in their push for a top-four position.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: The Women’s National Premier League entered the local news pages for all the wrong reasons in many respects on a weekend in which 36 goals were scored across four games. What was disappointing was the scoreboard at the end of ninety minutes at McKellar Park as a ruthless and efficient Belconnen United destroyed the young Monaro Panthers, obliterating their opponents with a 160 final score. That kind of disparity can’t be good for the league, even considering that the Blue Devils have done nothing wrong and just possessed far too much quality and superior skill and technique for the Panthers. The final margin certainly raised eyebrows amongst the football community with many hoping that the Panthers would be able to recover from such a mauling. Again, this is not a slight on what was a sensational display from Belconnen, showcasing to the full their range of ability and huge depth of squad, merely a thought that a division is only as strong as its weakest teams and there was plenty of work to do for Monaro. The same can be said for winless Tuggeranong United who, once more, were put to the sword by Canberra Olympic, but we will get to that. At McKellar the goal-fest was led by Jessie Williams who cracked home four with Madelyn Whittall and Jasmine Maguire both scoring twice. Samantha Price, Michaela Day, Ellie Raymond, Bronte Pyke, Karen Clarke, Leah Carnegie, Jessie Rasschaert and Gemma Murphy all added their names to the lengthy list of scorers. At O’Connor Enclosed, Meg McLaughlin showed she still had the goalscoring knack with six goals against her former alma mater, Tuggeranong United, helping Olympic to a season-high 9-1 success for them. McLaughlin was in superb form in front of goal, something that she had threatened in the game we had covered the previous week. Looking back on my entry for the match with the Wanderers I had thought that McLaughlin would get many goals before the end of the season, however I hadn’t anticipated a double hat-trick against her former club! Vanessa Ryan, Alexia Forner and Grace Field added to McLaughlin’s goal haul whilst Adrianna Ilheo grabbed her third of the season for United, still the only Tuggeranong player to have scored a goal in 2018 in this, the ninth round. Canberra FC and the Canberra United Academy kept the pressure up on Belconnen at the top end of the table with both claiming victories. Canberra FC needed two late goals from Chantel Jones and Grace Gill to give them a 3-1 away win over Gungahlin United after Marcia Wallis’ opener for the visitors had been cancelled out by an equalising goal for Gunners’ from Manessah Humphries. Canberra United Academy meanwhile saw off Woden-Weston FC with a 51 success. Laura Hughes and Cassia McGlashan traded goals in the first-half as the teams went into the changing rooms level at 1-1. However, the competitions leading

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scorer Aofie Colvill got to work in the second-half and her hat-trick, added to by a late goal from Sarah Morgan completed a home win.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP The week began with attention once more switching to the FFA Cup and the eagerly anticipated clash between the two Gungahlin clubs at Hawker Football Centre. United of the Premier League, with their enthusiastic youngsters, against Juventus of State League 3, with an average age of 47. These were two teams at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of experience and, dare we say it, fitness! It was the latter of those qualities that was to be telling as Juventus were sent packing, conceding three goals in each half to exit the competition. Three goals in five minutes during the opening forty-five effectively settled the tie with Mikey Katsoulis giving the NPL side the advantage in the 25th minute. That capped a tremendous week for Katsoulis who had penned a deal to join the Central Coast Mariners in the National Youth League, a huge achievement for the self-confessed Mariners fan who has been spotted playing for Canberra United against the Mariners in the same competition over the Summer.

Jason O’Dwyer headed in the second goal four minutes later and, within sixty seconds, Antoni Timotheou had made it 3-0. A fourth, ultimately killer goal, was added to the tally on the stroke of half-time as O’Dwyer scored again. The United target man was to go on and claim the match ball by completing his treble with thirteen minutes remaining with Thomas Muller, not the Bayern Munich legend, but a tidy summer signing for Gungahlin, wrapping up the result by claiming the sixth in the 83 rd minute.

In the end it was probably more comfortable than United would have expected, but Juventus did roll back the years on several occasions and were unfortunate not to have a goal to show for their efforts. Meanwhile, Gungahlin United joined Canberra FC in the Semi-Finals. There was a quite incredible Cup tie at McKellar Park a day later as Belconnen United welcomed Capital League outfit O’Connor Knights to their home ground. What followed was one of the greatest, and most bizarre matches of the season. The Blue Devils league struggles continued as they found themselves adrift of the Knights heading into the break before the turning point of the contest. Knight’s goalkeeper Keegan Jackson was adjudged to have brought down a Belconnen attacker for the second time in the match in first-half stoppage time and was subsequently issued a second yellow card and dismissed. Belconnen’s go-to man Dustin Wells cracked home his second spot-kick of the match and reduced the deficit to a more manageable 2-3. Earlier, goals from Danny Krajacic, Corey Rukavina and Eamon Ritchie had cancelled out, and raised, Wells’ first penalty of the match as the underdogs led 31. Incredibly, even with ten men, the Knights would not lie down. After Wells had completed his hat-trick to draw the teams’ level early in the second-half, Robert Hrstic curled in a cracker to restore the Knights lead. It couldn’t last however, as the younger and fitter side, buoyed with the numerical advantage, began to take control. Adrian Macor snapped home a 64th minute equaliser before goals from Sam Whithear and Cameron Reinhart finally pulled the Blue Devils clear. Lucas Mauragis and Samuel Habtemariam added to the scoreboard, painting a rather harsh picture for the Knights 42

who did have the final say when Brandon Hawker made it 8-5 on the night. It was all too much for Peter Mazis, the Belconnen Head Coach, relieved of his duties within 24hours of the result, his position taken by Ulisses Da Silva to be assisted by none other than Steve Forshaw. Looks like I’d be needing a new co-commentator for Belconnen matches! Before a ball had been kicked again in the NPL there was a bye weekend which led directly into the final FFA Cup Quarter Final match-up. The delay around this game was due to the Woden-Weston FC PPS debacle which had taken a further twist.

After having their points deducted, for wins over Belconnen United and Tigers FC, due to an anomaly with the Player Points System, the Wanderers appealed the decision and, to the surprise of many, the original decision was overturned. This meant they were granted the six points back, moving them significantly up the NPL ladder, and were given the go-ahead to compete in the last eight of the Cup. Incredibly, the club was found in breach of competition rules and deducted three competition points at the hearing. Confused? So was the rest of the competition! The up-shot was a clash with Monaro Panthers in the FFA Cup Qualifiers and the Wanderers celebrated with a hard-fought victory. As the nominal away side, although the match was played at Woden Park, and with less than 24-hours preparation, the same for the Panthers, the Wanderers started well and scored early twice, through Olaide Yinka-Kehinde and Michael Adams. A Burak Kocak penalty in first-half stoppage time gave the Panthers a toe-hold in the match only for second-half goals from Yinka-Kehinde and Juach to seal the result rendering a later Adam De Franceschi own goal as meaningless as WodenWeston ran out 4-2 winners.

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JUNE Competition: NPL Round 8 Date: Saturday 2 June 2018 Result: Belconnen United 2 (Raines 4’, Ugrinic 44’) Tigers FC 1 (Villafane 16’) Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Georgia Ghirardello Assistants: Adam Powers, Lauren Hargrave Co-Commentator: Frank Cachia Weather: Cold Report: It was back behind the microphone on a cold Saturday evening in Canberra and, having come from the warmth of South Africa, I was personally struggling with a scratchy throat that was to turn bad enough to force me off work for a couple of days at the beginning of the following week.

Fortunately, the voice was almost back to normal for the midweek FFA Cup Semi-Final, more of which later. My first game back would see a new-look Belconnen United take on Tigers FC at McKellar Park, the first match in charge for Ulisses Da Silva and one which he approached having only had two training sessions with his team during the week. There was a subtle shift in tactics in terms of the formation that the Blue Devils sent out onto the field with Da Silva opting for a 4-2-3-1 in which Adrian Macor and Goran Mukevski, who was a first-time father having witnessed the birth of his child ten days’ earlier, were to play nominal holding roles just behind a fluid front five of Marty Raines, Daniel Barac, Jason Ugrinic and Dustin Wells, the latter playing as a false nine for much of the encounter. With Mukevski working his socks off and Macor looking incredibly composed for a youngster in the defensive midfield role, the combination worked a treat.

At the back, teenager Lucas Mauragis was handed the job at left-back, a position unusual to the more usually advanced player, but one he filled with alacrity. Tigers FC had been beaten by Canberra Olympic in their previous outing and, having had the points they were given for Wanderers losing their initial appeal overturned by the successful second Wanderers appeal, were languishing in eighth place. Gaby Wilk sent out a traditional 4-4-2 with Christian Junna, son of former Canberra United Westfield W-League Coach and Canberra football legend Ray, coming into the team as left fullback and Michael Kita continuing to feature on the right-hand side of the flat back four. Martin Crome and Jared Tonini were tasked with creating width and allowing Nicolas Villafane to cast his spell over the contest with Nikos Kalfas and Mark Shields the preferred front pair. Shields came into the match having scored in successive NPL 44

fixtures. With Canberra Olympic Head Coach Frank Cachia beside me in the commentary booth we witnessed an exciting first-half in which there were chances aplenty.

The Blue Devils opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a terrific goal that involved the guile of Wells, the precision of Barac and the finishing quality of Raines.

Wells flick allowed Barac to combine with Raines whose finish when through one-onone, was composed and brought the forward his first league goal of the season. The Tigers could have equalised almost immediately when Junna pounced on a ball in the area following a corner, but Finn Jurak in the Belconnen goal spread himself admirably to block the ball wide for another corner from close range. It was from a corner that the Tigers drew themselves level. Villafane swung in a delicious looking curler that, with Tonini running across the line of sight of Jurak at the near post, did enough to cause a hesitation in the Belconnen defence and the ball crept all the way through and into the afar corner for a goal direct from the set-piece. It was the Argentinean midfielder’s sixth of the season and fifth that I had commentated on for BarTV Sports.

It was obvious Villafane enjoyed the big occasion. Villafane later hit the post with a shot on the turn and forced a save from Jurak who plunged low to his left to turn the ball wide as Tigers pressed. But that was as good as it got for the visitors who were swamped out of the match by the high-press of Belconnen.

The Blue Devils took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Ugrinic, who had been struggling for goals all season, took aim with the left foot from outside the box and, with the aid of a slight deflection that wrong-footed Cole in the Tigers goal, netted his second of the campaign. There was much to admire from Belconnen in the secondhalf as they took the game to their visitors from Cooma with Wilk’s team relying on sporadic breakaways to cause a threat. Belconnen had the better opportunities and should have wrapped the game up late on. Ugrinic was unlucky to see his blazing effort cannon back off the post but the rebound fell invitingly for substitute Sam Whithear who connected well with the first-time effort but could only drive it wide of the far post when anything on target would surely have made it 3-1. As it was it mattered little as referee Georgia Ghirardello, officiating in only her third NPL match, brought matters to a close shortly afterwards as Belconnen claimed a third league win of the season to reignite their top four aspirations.

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Elsewhere in the NPL: Thomas Muller was the two-goal hero for Gungahlin United in their NPL match with Monaro Panthers with his two goals helping the Gunners prepare for their FFA Cup Semi-Final in midweek with a 3-1 win over the Panthers at Gungahlin Enclosed. Muller scored twice in the first-half, either side of a goal from Josh Gaspari, recently returned from the USA, as all the goals were scored in the first forty-five minutes. Sam Smith netted the Panthers strike to bring his team back to 2-1 at one stage but it wasn’t enough for the Panthers who remained rooted to the bottom of the ladder. Gungahlin’s opponents in the cup last four, Woden-Weston FC, warmed up for the clash by also recording a win, in their case a 4-1 success over the Riverina Rhinos at Woden Park. The Wanderers started sharply and two goals in the opening half an hour from Martin Deng and a penalty from Michael Adams gave them the perfect start. Danyon Arnold pulled one back for the Rhinos after the break but Olaide Yinka-Kehinde grabbed a third for the home side and Deng bagged his second twelve minutes from time to seal the result. The only match on Sunday had a significant bearing on the top of the table as Canberra FC and Tuggeranong United met at Kambah. The tighter, more restrictive pitch at the suburban ground, was a far cry from the wider field at Greenway and the contest suffered technically as a result.

Not that it was a bad game by any means, but the two teams certainly have a lot more to offer. FC dropped their first points of the season as the game ended 2-2 but were the more relived of the sides as Tuggeranong probably should have won. Sean Kiddey gave the United faithful the perfect start in the third minute with his first goal of the season, and it was a lead Tuggeranong held until ten minutes after the break. FC midfielder Ian Graham drew his team level with a precise finish. United hit back to restore their advantage three minutes later with Tom Pagett striking, but Michael Taurasi ensured honours would end even, equalising in the 77th minute. FC remained top on nineteen points from seven matches with Tuggeranong second on sixteen points having played a game more.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: With most of the Canberra United Academy squad having taken part in the National Training Centre competition all week at the Australian Institute of Sport, the Women’s NPL match between the Academy and Belconnen United was, understandably, postponed to a later date. That left just three matches in Round 10 of the competition to take place on the Sunday and Canberra FC continued their excellent start to the season by winning the match that was streamed live on BarTV Sports, downing Canberra Olympic 2-1 at O’Connor Enclosed. My rugby commitments meant I was unable to witness this one. Grace Gill scored twice for the visiting team with Meg McLaughlin pulling one back late on for Olympic who will have taken heart from the fact that they competed for long periods with the reigning champions. Over at the Riverside Stadium a single goal scored by Freyja Jacobsen in the final minute ensured that Gungahlin United defeated Monaro Panthers 1-0. The goal was the striker’s fifth of the season. Meanwhile, Woden-Weston FC came out on top in the Southside battle against Tuggeranong United. Goals from Cassia McGlashan, continuing her fine form in 2018, and a rare strike from defender Bridget Plummer was enough to secure a 2-1 win. Kristy Helmers 77th minute consolation gave Tuggeranong late hopes of a point but the fact that the goal was just United’s fourth 46

of the season, and Helmers the only other player than Adrianna Ilheo to find the net for Tuggeranong, spoke volumes of where the problems lay for the team that was last on the ladder.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FFA CUP It was FFA Cup Semi-Final time during the week and the match chosen for live coverage on BarTV Sports was the Canberra FC versus Belconnen United clash at Deakin Stadium. Whilst that match certainly had plenty of action, most of the cup drama had been sucked up by the Gungahlin United versus Woden-Weston fixture played on the Tuesday evening. That match was a remarkable one that went the full distance before the Gunners emerged victorious. An explosive opening half saw the teams go into the changing rooms locked at 2-2 after Olaide Yinka-Kehinde had given Wanderers a second minute lead, only for Thomas Muller to level seventeen minutes later. Yinka-Kehinde restored the Woden-Weston lead in the 23rd minute but a stunner from Gunners’ midfielder Antoni Timotheou nine minutes before half-time brought the sides all-square once more. Timotheou put Gungahlin ahead for the first time in the contest four minutes after the restart only for Martin Deng to slide home the third for the Wanderers in the 77th minute and send the match to extra-time. And it was during that extra half-hour that Gungahlin won it. Josh Gaspari struck the winning goal to send Gunners into their second FFA Cup Qualifying Final having won their last, defeating Belconnen United at McKellar two seasons ago, to qualify for the Round of 32.

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Competition: FFA Cup Semi-Final Date: Thursday 7 June 2018 Result: Canberra FC 3 (Danning 4’, James 59’, 90+3’) Belconnen United 0 Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Bruno Kehl Assistants: Alex McConachie, Lauren Hargrave, Delfina Dimoski (4th Official) Co-Commentator: Dean Ugrinic Weather: Surprisingly Mild Report: All eyes were switched to Deakin Stadium on Thursday evening for the second FFA Cup Qualifying Semi-Final as Canberra FC welcomed Belconnen United to their home ground. It was a daunting task for the Blue Devils who had been pasted by the remorseless FC at McKellar Park in their previous NPL meeting in Round 7 with Thomas James running riot in a 5-0 FC win. There were mitigating circumstances for that defeat of course, the dismissal of Daniel Barac not helping Belconnen’s cause, and this looked a far more compact Blue Devils outfit. A decent crowd into the hundreds were at the venue on a mild evening with plenty of noise and the odd firework prevalent throughout our commentary. I was joined by new Canberra United National Youth League Coach Dean Ugrinic for the call, with his son Jason lining up in the blue of the underdogs.

Ugrinic had, of course, led Belconnen to their 2017 Grand Final win over Canberra Olympic before stepping down as Head Coach. Belconnen had made two changes to the team that had beaten Tigers FC 2-1 in the Saturday evening match with Phil Borgeaud selected over young left-back Lucas Mauragis and Sam Whithear chosen ahead of Marty Raines up front. Daniel Sparrow was recalled to the bench with Brad Waters unable to take part due to injury. Canberra FC fielded their standard 4-4-2 with Thomas James and Matthew Waters out wide in a strong looking midfield quarter that also included Ian Graham and Ryan Keir. Ivan Pavlak and Ross Costanzo were named at full back, either side of Matt Grbesa and Daniel Subasic, whilst Kofi Danning and Michael Taurasi were the front two. Initial indications were that Jordan Lamb would start up front, but they were kyboshed when Taurasi took to the field. The common consensus was that Belconnen would need to strike first if they were to have a chance of upsetting the odds however, it was FC who did just that, and early as well.

It took just three minutes for the home side to exploit some tactical naivety in the Blue Devils defence. Nick Dahl, playing at right back, was sucked in field and James 48

swung a glorious pass from the opposite flank with the outside of the right boot into the vacant space. Waters took it on and pushed a low cross across the face of the sixyard box where an inadvertent defensive touch took the ball away from Finn Jurak in goal and left Danning with the simplest of tap-ins from two yards. Belconnen looked shell-shocked and could not keep possession for any meaningful length of time, coughing up the ball on a routine basis and inviting pressure back on. James was causing all sorts of problems with his pace and movement but, gradually, Belconnen found a foot-hold. Ugrinic forced a sharp save from Sam Brown in the FC goal and the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside, the flag having already gone up by the time Barac had scrambled the ball home via the underside of the crossbar. Despite Canberra FC dominating most of the possession in the opening half, they still only had the one goal to show for their efforts and Belconnen were not out of it. Both teams made changes at the interval.

Mauragis was brought on for Dahl to stem the tide of attack down the flank, his extra pace hoping to hold up the speedy FC breaks, whilst Aiden Brunskill replaced Taurasi forcing a tactical reshuffle with Pavlak moving into wide midfield and James slotting in up front. The change seemed to work for Belconnen but, just as they looked like having a sustained period on attack, they were struck by the classic sucker-punch. Off a Belconnen set-piece, Brown punched clear and Keir sent a majestic, sweeping fiftyyard pass out wide into the path of Danning. The forward raced away and slipped a perfect square pass into the path of the onrushing James who dinked a sublime finish over the advancing Jurak and into the roof of the net for quite brilliant example of a counter-attacking goal. That knocked the stuffing out of Belconnen who had sent on Raines for Ugrinic and had looked lively in the final third. FC were in their comfort zone now, content to let the Blue Devils have the ball and hit them on the break, which they did to great effect in stoppage time. Man-of-thematch James rode a brace of challenges on a swift break and burst into the area. Unselfishly, he attempted to square the ball to Keir who was making a lungbursting run in support, but the ball bounced off a covering Blue Devils defender and straight back into James’ path with the forward having the easiest of tasks to slide home his thirteenth goal in all competitions of the season. That sealed FC’s path to the Final and a date with Gungahlin United the following week.

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Competition: NPL Round 10 Date: Sunday 10 June 2018 Result: Canberra FC 0 Canberra Olympic 1 (John 21’) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Bruno Kehl Assistants: Adam Powers, Nathan Shakespeare Co-Commentator: Tony Olivera Weather: Sunny but cool Report: We were back at Deakin Stadium for the Sunday afternoon match and it promised to be a corker as Canberra FC welcomed Canberra Olympic for a top of the table encounter. With Tuggeranong United having claimed a 3-0 victory over Riverina Rhinos the day before, FC had slipped to second and Canberra Olympic were third in what was turning into a real fight for top spot. Olympic had games in hand and FC had goals in hand, so this had the potential to be a pivotal tussle in the battle for top-spot.

Having faced Belconnen United at the same venue only three days earlier FC Head Coach Paul Macor made two changes with Aidan Brunskill coming into the side in defence, replacing forward Michael Taurasi and prompting a reshuffle of formation to a 4-5-1. Jordan Thurtell replaced Sam Brown in goal in the other change as FC aimed to flood midfield and nullifying the Olympic creativity in that area.

Olympic fielded a more familiar 4-3-3 and welcomed back Roko Strika and Bernard Rene amongst the substitutes. The game itself was hardly the most memorable of matches and was decided by an exquisitely taken goal in the 21st minute. Domenic Giampaolo created the opening with a measured pass through the heart of the Canberra FC defence freeing John who, bearing down on goal, clipped a wonderful finish over the advancing Thurtell and into the net. Canberra FC looked incredibly leggy and lacked the verve and energy of their previous matches this season with the usually inspirational Thomas James a shadow of the player who had lit up 50

the competition for the opening weeks. To be fair, James was well shackled by an Olympic side who were determined not to give an inch and won the crucial midfield battle. Daniel Colbertaldo was his usual effervescent self and the front three ran themselves into the ground, John eventually departing to allow a lively late cameo from Ali Sarwan. FC continued to push to try and force an equaliser, the introduction of Taurasi from the bench for Brunskill signalling their attacking intent, but to no avail.

The closest they came was in the first-half when Ian Graham’s shot was deflected onto the base of the post with Olympic stopper Angelo Konstantinou rooted to the spot.

Elsewhere in the NPL: Tuggeranong United briefly moved to the top of the NPL as they saw off Riverina Rhinos 3-0 at Greenway. United had the perfect start as Mate Barisic flicked in an Andrew Slavich cross to opening the scoring in only the second minute and when Shane Murray converted from the spot in the 25th minute there looked like being only one winner. The Rhinos disciplinary issues continued as skipper Joe Preece was sent off in the second-half. Aisosa Ihegie confirmed the three points for Mitch Stevens’ table-toppers with the third goal thirteen minutes into the second-half. There was late heartbreak for Woden-Weston FC at Woden Park as a Mark Shields goal in the 92nd minute secured a vital victory for Tigers FC. Shields’ strike confirmed a 3-2 win for the visitors and kept them in the hunt for the top four after a string of recent poor results. Earlier, Nicolas Villafane had scored twice, once from the penalty spot, either side of centre-back Connor Bill’s goal for the Wanderers as Tigers led 2-1 at the break.

Bul Juach levelled for the home team in the 64th minute but Shields, profiting from excellent approach work from Osman Fofanah, saved the day for the Tigers. The other Sunday game that took place the same time as the Canberra FC v Canberra Olympic encounter saw FFA Cup Finalists Gungahlin United warm up for the big match by inflicting another defeat on Belconnen United. Daniel Barac had given the Blue Devils an early led at Gungahlin Enclosed but goals from Thomas Muller and Jason O’Dwyer turned the match on its head and put Gungahlin ahead of Belconnen United on the ladder. At this stage of the season Canberra FC, courtesy of their Sunday win over Olympic, led the table on goal difference from Tuggeranong United with Canberra Olympic a further point back having played a game less than FC and two less than Tuggeranong.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: The WNPL continued apace and there were four away wins with the home teams not even managing a goal between them as the league leaders, and top four favourites, all racked up victories. Canberra FC were made to work the hardest, a Grace Gill goal on the half-hour proving the only difference between them and a stubborn Woden-Weston FC, and that allowed the Deakin club to continue to keep close to Belconnen United. The Blue Devils had no such issues in their fixture away to Canberra Olympic as the home team’s Jekyll and Hyde season continued as they slumped to a 0-7 loss. Caitlin Munoz, the evergreen Matildas and Canberra United star, bagged two before the break for the visitors with Ellie Raymond and Bronte Pyke making the score 4-0 at the interval. Samantha Price, Sam Roff and Jessie Rasschaert added to the growing tally as Belconnen asserted their superiority. The Canberra United Academy matched Belconnen’s efforts as they ruthlessly swept aside 51

Monaro Panthers at the Riverside Stadium in Queanbeyan as Aoife Colvill claimed a double hat-trick. Her six-goal haul moved the striker onto a barely believable twenty goals for the season in only the eleventh round. Laura Hughes found the target for the other Academy goal. At Kambah, Tuggeranong United’s miserable season got worse as Gungahlin United eased to a 3-0 success with Charlotte Lynch and Manessah Humphries scoring either side of a first goal of the season for Melissa Bunker.

INTERLUDE: JAPAN FFA CUP FINAL Brumbies work took me back to Japan for the week leading into the FFA Cup Final, we were playing an exhibition match against Japanese club champions Suntory Sungoliath in Tokyo on the Sunday. That meant I was unable to commentate on the FFA Cup Final which was being played at Woden Park on a wet and miserable Saturday night in Canberra. Whilst I was enjoying temperatures in the mid to late twenties, those watching the Final were a lot colder! It was a disappointing game for me to miss as, by all accounts, it was a cracking match that lived up to its expectations. The winners of course would have the honour or representing Canberra in the FFA Cup proper, the Round of 32, with the draw scheduled for late June and the NPL program was postponed for the weekend so supporters could attend the match. With such a prize at stake it was no wonder that the early stages were rather cagey. It was the Gunners that went in front in the thirteenth minute as Jack Green half-connected with a freekick, then toe-poking the ball back across goal and past Sam Brown in the FC goal, it falling perfectly for Michael Rinaudo to slot into an open goal. FC equalised four minutes later from a similar situation. Matthew Waters swung over a beautiful leftfooted free-kick that Ryan Keir helped on, via the head of Green, to Matt Grbesa at the far post. The Canberra FC central defender showing an outstanding touch and an adroit finish to chip Jason Denham in the Gungahlin goal from an acute angle. There was a touch of confusion for a moment as the officials held a consultation to adjudge whether there was an infringement, but the correct outcome was found with no VAR in sight! Gungahlin could have done with a VAR two minutes before the break as Thomas Muller, advancing into the area, appeared to be brought down from behind

by Marko Vrkic for what looked like a penalty. FC held their breath as the referee, Bruno Kehl, waved play on. Frustratingly for Gungahlin they conceded moments later.

Grbesa won a tackle deep in the Gunners half and exchanged passes with Ryan Keir before the latter floated a cross into the area for Kofi Danning to glance a superb header beyond Denham and into the far corner as FC led 2-1 at half-time. It was Danning who was to seal the cup, and the place on the national stage, as the clock ticked over ninety minutes. Substitute Michael Mensah bulldozed his way into the Gungahlin area, weaving past two challenges, and laying off the perfect ball to Danning who placed an unerringly accurate drive past Denham and into the top corner for a goal worthy of claiming the spoils. To their credit, Gungahlin continued to push for the unlikely and did pull one back three minutes into time added on. After Thomas James had forced a decent stop from Denham, Gungahlin created an opening and Rinaudo’s wicked cross was diverted past Brown by Daniel Subasic. Canberra FC were 52

however able to see out the remaining minutes to take the silverware and the place in the Round of 32.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Belconnen United moved two points clear at the top of the WNPL with a game in hand on Canberra FC after a victory over Woden-Weston FC was coupled with FC’s 1-1 draw with third-placed Canberra United Academy at Deakin Stadium. The FC match was the live stream for BarTV whilst I was overseas and saw Aoife Colvill give the Academy a 51st minute lead with her 21st goal of what was turning into a massive year for the youngster. It was an advantage that lasted just two minutes however as Brigitte Wright forced home the leveller for FC to ensure parity.

The draw wasn’t enough for either side to make inroads into the Blue Devils tabletopping points total which had moved on to 33, eleven wins from eleven, as they swept aside Woden-Weston FC 5-0 at McKellar Park on the Saturday night. Jasmine Maguire gave Belconnen the lead before two goals in a minute from Maguire and Caitlin Munoz, virtually secured the points before the break. Madelyn Whittall and Leah Carnegie added to the score-line after the interval as Belconnen continued to look untouchable. There was more woe for Tuggeranong United who slumped to a run of twelve defeats in a row in 2018 as they were beaten at home by Monaro Panthers before falling in their rearranged midweek trip to Gungahlin United. Zoe Szeremet scored twice for the Panthers in their 3-1 win at Kambah, Alicia Meuronen adding the third, with Tuggeranong’s Kristy Helmers netting a 60th minute consolation. On the Tuesday the Gunners were too good and ran out 3-0 winners with Melissa Bunker scoring twice, taking her tally to three in three games, with leading scorer Freyja Jacobsen opening the scoring in the 32nd minute. Jacobsen had done the same on the Saturday when her first goal of the match gave Gungahlin the lead at Canberra Olympic. Jacobsen added a second in the second-half after Charlotte Lynch had made it 2-0 at half-time. Late goals from Shaquielle Chong and Emma Guo in the final ten minutes gave Olympic a glimmer of hope but they were unable to pull level and they slipped six points off the pace in the race for the top four. Olympic were unable to eat into that deficit in their Tuesday night rearranged match with Woden-Weston FC despite leading 2-0 with sixteen minutes remaining. Meg McLaughlin, with the last kick of the first-half, and Kiara Gaspari, ten minutes into the second, had Olympic looking good for a win but Annica Schoo pulled one back for the Wanderers in the 74 th minute, and an eighth of the season for Cassia McGlashan ensured the match would end with honours even.

Elsewhere in the NPL: There was only one match played during the fortnight break, on Wednesday 20 June, but it was to prove to be an important one in the destination of the title race. Gungahlin United and Canberra Olympic met at the AIS in the rearranged clash from earlier in the season. A win would have given Olympic a twopoint lead at the top of the ladder ahead of Canberra FC however, it was Gungahlin who claimed the honours. A 65th minute own goal from Nathen Megic proving to be the difference on a bitterly cold evening at the Institute. The victory was the fourth of the season for the ever-improving Gungahlin who moved onto thirteen points from

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eight matches, five behind Canberra Olympic and still in with a realistic shout at topping the table with plenty of football still to be played.

Competition: NPL Round 11 Date: Saturday 23 June 2018 Result: Belconnen United 1 (Mauragis 82’) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Yinka-Kehinde 23’) Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Nathan Shakespeare Assistants: Georgia Ghirardello, Hamish Driver-Rae Co-Commentator: Angelo Konstantinou Weather: Very Cold Report: It was back to McKellar Park on a freezing cold Saturday evening for the latest match in the NPL as Belconnen United met Woden-Weston FC in a game that could have proven important in the race for the top four places. Belconnen entered the match in fifth with ten points whilst Woden-Weston FC had dropped to eighth by kick-off on eight points, shoved down the ladder by the Riverina Rhinos win at Gungahlin United. The Gunners home defeat, more of which below, meant that the gap to the Blue Devils remained at three points, albeit with Marcial Munoz’s team having a game in hand on Ulisses Da Silva’s men. It had been a tough run for Belconnen who had won only one of their last four league matches dating back to a narrow 1-0 win over Monaro Panthers in Round 6. Woden-Weston FC meanwhile were in a similar predicament having boasted only one victory in their previous seven matches after their blistering start to the campaign. That they were still in with an outside chance of the finals was down to their incredible team spirit and the goals of Olaide Yinka-Kehinde.

The Wanderers skipper was to have a major say in this match as well. The Blue Devils opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Cameron Reinhart and Zac Maybury at full-back providing experience and stability and both would be sorely tested by the lightning fast counters of the Woden-Weston wide-men. Goran Mukevski lined up alongside Daniel Sparrow in midfield, the latter going on to win the club’s man of the match award for a display of tenacity and grit, dragging his team through the ninety minutes in which his partner, Mukevski, was uncharacteristically quiet. For Woden, Rey Castro had opted for a 4-2-1-3 with young Jordan Paesler at the apex of the midfield trio.

Michael Adams, Yinka-Kehinde and Bul Juach would provide the pace and penetration in the final third. Castro also included sixteen-year-old defender Angus Bailey on the bench and the teenager would come on for the impressive Joe Lawless in the secondhalf and enjoy a fine cameo performance. Belconnen started the game well and 54

Reinhart was causing a problem down the left flank, but they lacked a presence in the final third with Daniel Barac and Dustin Wells all too often coming deep to get involved, leaving the danger area deserted when crosses came in.

The Wanderers should have taken the lead when Yinka-Kehinde ghosted in on the far post unmarked to meet a deep cross with a diving header but, six yards out and level with the post, he guided his effort off target when he should have at least made Finn Jurak in the Blue Devils goal make a save. The Woden-Weston FC top scorer more than made up for the faux pas in the 23rd minute when he gave the visitors the lead.

Collecting a pass from midfield, Yinka-Kehinde showed exceptional feet to get the ball under control, sprint away from his marker and place a confident shot past the advancing Jurak and into the corner. It was an advantage they should have added to minutes later as Jurak misjudged a cross and left Blaise Vlazlovski with an open goal.

The centre back, perhaps surprised the ball reached him at all, headed meekly wide.

Woden-Weston led 1-0 at the break, and were good value for it, but the second-half has a distinctly blue tinge to it.

Belconnen dominated possession and the introduction of Adrian Macor for Mukevski only increased that statistic. Wanderers looked sharp on the break, but Isaac Clements and Harry Williams dealt with the threat of the speedy attackers and Belconnen surged, looking for an equaliser. They got it nine minutes from time. Barac ran a channel and flicked a neat ball inside to the industrious Marty Raines. Raines skipped past a challenge in the area and fizzed across a low ball that substitute Lucas Mauragis, on for Sam Whithear, bundled over the line for his third goal in league and cup this season. There was still time for more drama. Barac thought he had win it for the hosts, meeting a cross with a meaty header that Woden-Weston FC stopper Willem Lejeune did well to palm over the bar, but that save was bettered at the other end by Jurak. On a rare and sporadic break, Wanderers won a free-kick which was lifted into the box. Yinka-Kehinde met it with a speculative back-header that appeared destined for the corner only for Jurak to fling himself to his left and produce a stunning onehanded save to push the ball around the post for a corner and preserve a hard-fought point.

Elsewhere in the NPL: As mentioned, Gungahlin United missed the chance to open what might have been a definite gap in fourth place when they were surprisingly 55

beaten at home by the Riverina Rhinos. A goal from Artur Rattel ten minutes into the second-half gave the Rhinos a narrow 1-0 win and kept the interstate side interested in the top four, moving them onto ten points, three behind Gungahlin although they had played a game more. On Sunday, both Tuggeranong United and Canberra Olympic had a chance to go top of the table with current league leaders Canberra FC inactive, and it was Olympic who took the opportunity offered. They defeated Monaro Panthers 5-0 at Duncan Playing Fields in Googong with the score blowing out in the closing stages, Olympic netting three in the final six minutes. A Dom Giampaolo brace in the 31st and 71st minutes had Olympic on the way to the points before Michael John’s 84th minute goal made certain. Rather harshly for the Panthers, Roko Strika added a fourth and Stephen Domenici, who had returned to the Olympic set-up in the 1-0 loss to Gungahlin in midweek having re-signed from Wollongong, grabbed his first of the season. Tuggeranong meanwhile missed the chance to put pressure on at the top as they slumped to a 3-1 loss to a Tigers FC side that included Robbie Deeley, signed from the Panthers. A ninth league goal of the season for Nicolas Villafane gave Tigers FC the first-half lead but Aisosa Ihegie levelled matters only a minute into the second-half. It was left to marksman Mark Shields to seal a vital Tigers win, the former Panthers, Tuggeranong and Olympic front-man scoring twice in the space of five minutes to secure the success. The win shifted the Cooma side back into the finals chasing pack.

Competition: WNPL Round 13 Date: Sunday 24 June 2018 Result: Canberra FC 0 Belconnen United 2 (Pyke 20’, Roff 51’) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Tom Wodzinski Assistants: Dale Sergeant, Carla Martin Co-Commentator: Grace Maher Weather: Sunny Report: No-one attending the topof-the-table WNPL match between Canberra FC and Belconnen United at Deakin Stadium could have known that what they were about to witness would go viral, been seen Worldwide in a plethora of countries, and garner millions of views on websites and social media platforms across the globe. The intrusion of a Kangaroo onto the field of play, delaying the restart of the match after the half-time break and then halting play once it had resumed, would be broadcast across the planet as BarTV pictures and commentary from myself and Grace Maher, the Canberra United midfield maestro, would become a common sight. The arrival of the intrepid intruder close to half-time raised one or two eyebrows as he nonchalantly 56

bounded around in front of the stands at the ground, but it appeared as if he would leave of his own accord. No such luck. During the break he took to the field and decided the penalty area would be a jolly nice place to rest his head for a while. This caused obvious consternation amongst the local officials who created elaborate ruses to try and shift the unwanted visitor. Kicking a ball at it, waving a corner flag, briefly considering using a net to coral it and finally just walking it away did absolutely nothing. This ‘roo was not for moving.

Belconnen United Head Coach Antoni Jagarinec took matters into his own hands, jumping into his ute and driving onto the pitch in an attempt, with horns blaring and lights flashing, to shift the pesky blighter. It appeared to have worked, after a fashion, as the Kangaroo bounded away from whence it had come and the match, delayed by around half an hour, could recommence. But no, we were not done! Barely ten minutes into the second-half our guest bounded back over the fence and onto the playing surface, bouncing from right to left as we viewed it, scattering players who ran from its path and bearing down on Blue Devils stopper Klara Manenica in goal to take up his previous position in the goalmouth. This sprung Jagarinec into action once more and, once the precaution of opening every gate at the ground was completed, Jagarinec herded the Kangaroo towards and exit and, just like that, he was off and away, gone from the match but not from our PC’s, laptops and mobiles. The response when the vision hit social media was phenomenal. The New York Times, CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports, Soccer AM and the BBC were just some of the hundreds of outlets that ran the story or showed the footage. Simply incredible.

There was a match amidst all the excitement, and a good one too. FC were two points behind the unbeaten Belconnen, with the Blue Devils also having a game in hand, as both teams had enjoyed an amazing year. Heading into the clash Belconnen had won eleven from eleven whilst Canberra FC had won ten, drawn their last outing with Canberra United Academy, and lost only once, the opening day 0-4 reverse to Belconnen at McKellar Park. Unfortunately for the home team they would be missing a host of their first-choice players through injury and unavailability.

Gabriella Risteski, daughter of Head Coach Mark, Amy McLachlan, Hayley McLaughlin 57

and Marcia Wallis were all absent, but perhaps the toughest pill to swallow was the injury to Chantel Jones. The former Canberra United goalkeeper had turned in some exceptional field performances during the season but had injured her knee when planting her right foot in the 1-1 draw with the Academy. It was a cruel blow and one that had the potential to have far-reaching consequences for Canberra FC’s entire campaign. The loss of these players saw Risteski push Brigette Wright into the number nine position and play Krista Hagen at the tip of a midfield triangle, augmented by Jamie Berkeley and Grace Gill, to counter the Blue Devils experienced engine-room that contained Caitlin Munoz, Michaela Day and Sam Price.

It was a difficult afternoon for those in red as the Blue Devils dominated territory and possession. Wright was often isolated and unable to keep the ball for long enough to bring her team mates into play, although she was a more than willing runner into the channels, pressurising the Belconnen defence and chasing lost causes. Belconnen took the lead after twenty minutes. Canberra FC goalkeeper Nastasja Vasta made a terrific save from a Munoz header but the resultant clearance only fell to left-back Bronte Pyke on the edge of the box. Her connection was perfect, and the ball whistled into the net via a slight deviation off an FC head and the underside of the crossbar. The goal was Pyke’s fourth of the campaign and gave Belconnen a 1-0 half-time lead. It could well have been two but for a world class stop from Vasta, getting down low after being off-balance and heading in the wrong direction, to parry away an Ellie Raymond effort. Vasta was beaten again six minutes into the second-half when the Blue Devils’ other full-back, Samantha Roff chipped over a speculative cross that deceived the goalkeeper, perhaps unsighted by the low sunlight that she was staring right into, and the ball drifted almost casually into the far corner. After the interruption for the Kangaroo, there was a chance for Belconnen to further their lead.

Awarded a penalty Munoz stepped up, but the usually reliable midfielder sent the ‘keeper the wrong way, overcooking the shot which cannoned back off the post. The closest the home team came to a response was late on when Gill forced Manenica into a plunging stop, the Belconnen goalkeeper doing well to palm the ball away for a corner after Gill had met a cross with a well-placed effort. It was Belconnen’s day however, and they fully deserved their 2-0 win that sent them five points clear at the top of the ladder – a statistic that was somewhat lost in the social media maelstrom that was to follow.

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Elsewhere in the WNPL: A four-goal first-half blitz gave Canberra Olympic an important victory on the Saturday as they looked to get back to winning ways and push for the top four. Grace Field, Emma Guo, Meg McLaughlin and Kiara Gaspari all netted in the space of seventeen minutes as Olympic threatened to run riot and gain ample revenge for their surprise home loss to the Panthers earlier in the season.

There were to be no further goals for the visitors though as Monaro battened down the hatches and even pulled one back as Alicia Meuronen scored for the second successive match. Whilst all the attention was on Deakin Stadium, Woden-Weston FC made sure the race for fourth would remain close as they downed the current incumbents, Gungahlin United, 3-0 at Woden Park. Forward Cassia McGlashan moved onto double figures for the season with her ninth and tenth goals of the campaign slotted in either side of half-time. Earlier in the match, Jemima Millar-Carton had scored her first goal of the season to give the Wanderers Women a 10 th minute advantage. Down at Kambah, Tuggeranong United’s miserable season in front of goal continued, but defensively they performed well in only going down 0-4 to the Canberra United Academy who increased their points advantage in third to six over the Gunners. Isabel Mulhall opened the scoring before Aofie Colvill, who else, and Hayley Taylor-Young made it 3-0 by half-time. There was only one goal after the break as Sarah Morgan added the fourth in the 57th minute.

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JULY Competition: NPL Round 12 Date: Sunday 1 July 2018 Result: Gungahlin United 2 (Bangura 19’, Obst 90+7’) Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 45’ (p), Junna 90+4’) Venue: Gungahlin Enclosed Referee: Bruno Kehl Assistants: Alex McConachie & Lawrence Atkin Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Sunny but cool Report: An incredible denouement to an exciting match left the race for the top four still in the balance as both Gungahlin United and Tigers FC shared the spoils at Gungahlin Enclosed. Heading into the match the Gunners led the Tigers by a point with Belconnen United a further point back from that as the tussle to finish fourth began to intensify. With Tigers FC having the bye the following week, this was a chance for them to set down a marker. They’d won the last two matches, defeating Woden-Weston FC and Tuggeranong United, to force themselves back into contention and faced a Gunners side who had been on an emotional roller-coaster over the previous month. A win over Belconnen United had been followed by a dramatic FFA Cup Final loss to Canberra FC, before a midweek success over title chasing Canberra Olympic was followed by a surprise reverse at home to struggling Riverina.

Marcial Munoz selected a 3-4-3 line-up for this clash with his young side including James Fletcher in a wide midfield berth whilst up front Ben Obst and Ben Basser-Silk flanked Jason O’Dwyer. Tigers FC went with a 4-4-2 shifting leading scorer Nicolas Villafane into a more forward role, alongside Mark Shields, with Michael Kita moving into midfield and the Osman’s, Daramy and Fofonah, playing at full-back. Given the importance of the occasion the start of the contest was cagey and played with little tempo or pace. Tigers FC had the better of the early stages as Nikos Kalfas caused Nick Rathjen several problems out wide, the Greek winger creating one glorious chance for Shields that was spurned, the forward blazing over from the edge of the six-yard box after controlling a cross on his chest.

Gungahlin looked dangerous on the break and it was via a counter-attack that they took the lead in the 19th minute. Midfielder Augustine Bangura broke sharply after Kita was dispossessed, racing away from the chasing Lachlan Griffiths and flicking a shot past Jakob Cole in the Tigers FC goal. Cole got a fair piece of the ball to slow its 60

momentum, but it trickled over the line despite the best efforts of Tony Spaseski who tried in vain to clear. At the other end Villafane was denied by a spectacular save from Jason Denham, although the Tigers man was flagged offside and Cole needed to be at his imperious best to fling out a right hand and divert a powerful O’Dwyer header away for a corner to prevent Gungahlin from going 2-0 clear. A truly wonderful save.

The shot-stopper was at it again moments later as he plunged low to his right to turn a well-struck effort from Antoni Timotheou around the other post as Gungahlin threatened once more. Just as it appeared that the home side would enter the changing rooms in front at the break, the Tigers struck. A run down the flank from Jeremias Ibarra resulted in a handball being called against Basser-Silk, the referee Bruno Kehl awarding a penalty. Villafane made no mistake, rattling in his tenth of the season with unerring accuracy from the spot.

The commencement of the second-half saw Kye Edwards introduced at the interval for the Gunners’ scorer Bangura, but the pattern was very similar to the opening fortyfive minutes. Michael Kita had the best chance, dancing through a couple of would-be tackles on the edge of the box but seeing his shot blocked by the presence of the advancing Denham. Clear-cut opportunities were few and far between but there was a remarkable conclusion forthcoming. With the match four minutes into stoppage time a free-kick whipped into the Gunners box found centre-back Christian Junna at the far post and he expertly guided a header past Denham to give Tigers FC a 2-1 lead.

Ripping off his shirt to celebrate, and receiving the inevitable yellow card, it looked like mattering little as the Tigers celebrated what was surely three points and a twopoint cushion over Gungahlin, moving into fourth place. Fate is often a fickle mistress and she was to strike a blow three minutes later. Quite where seven minutes of injury time came from is a mystery, but Gungahlin weren’t complaining. Shields may have taken the ball to the corner for Tigers but elected to cross to substitute Alex Oloriegbe. The forward was beaten in the air and, as Gungahlin tried to break, the black and whites were awarded a free-kick. Jack Green took it quickly, the ball arriving at the feet of Timotheou out wide via substitute Thomas Muller. Timotheou glanced up and drilled over a low cross that eluded the covering Tigers defence and fell for Obst, arriving unmarked, to sweep past Cole and earn his team a point. A quite incredible end to the game as the teams were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

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Elsewhere in the NPL: Canberra Olympic remained two points clear of Canberra FC at the top of the NPL as both teams recorded expected victories at home in their respective matches. Michael John took his league tally to nine with a double for Olympic as they defeated Woden-Weston FC 4-1 at O’Connor Enclosed, the quickfire striker netting the first and last of his team’s goals. In between, Domenic Giampaolo and Stephen Domenici added to the tally with Joe Lawless pulling one back for the Wanderers at 3-0. Canberra FC meanwhile were in cruise control against an outgunned Monaro Panthers, swamping the visitors with a 5-0 success. Thomas James opened the scoring for the home side with Ryan Keir adding a second before halftime. James netted his second early in the second-half before Matthew Waters and Keir rounded off a satisfactory afternoon. Over at Kambah, Belconnen United made their way back into top four reckoning by defeating Tuggeranong United 4-2. The win pushed Belconnen into fifth, level on points with Gungahlin, but having played a game more. Aisosa Ihegie gave Tuggeranong a 19th minute lead, netting against his former club once more, but a penalty from Dustin Wells and a goal from Daniel Sparrow had the Blue Devils 2-1 up at half-time. Mate Barisic equalised for Tuggeranong just past the hour mark but two goals in four minutes from Daniel Barac and Marty Raines meant that Blue was the colour Southside.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Another weekend and another unbelievable performance from Canberra United Academy forward Aoife Colvill in the WNPL. The young frontrunner grabbed all six of her team’s goals in their 6-2 success over Canberra Olympic to move on to 29 goals for the season, a superb return. Colvill had three before halftime, Meg McLaughlin finding an Olympic response, and added a further three after Grace Basser-Silk had brought the score back to 3-2 ten minutes into the second stanza. The defeat was another blow for Olympic and left the Academy comfortable in third on the ladder. At the top, Belconnen United’s twelve-match winning run was halted by Gungahlin United, the fixture at McKellar ending in a 1-1 draw. Caitlin Munoz fired the Blue Devils in front on 62 minutes, but it was a lead they held for only five minutes as Melissa Bunker levelled for the Gunners to ensure a point. Canberra FC closed the gap by two points on Belconnen as they edged a nervy 2-1 win at Tuggeranong United. Sophie Bui gave the home team a rare lead in the 21st minute only for Diarna Genovesi to equalise for FC two minutes later. They won it in the 66 th minute as Rachael Goldstein struck her sixth of the season to seal a precious victory.

The only Sunday match saw a surprise win for Monaro Panthers over Woden-Weston FC. Alicia Meuronen gave the Panthers the lead in the first-half, an advantage that was cancelled out six minutes into the second-half by Geraldine Longo for Wanderers.

Panthers leading scorer Zoe Szeremet sealed an away win when she crashed home her eighth of the season with twelve minutes remaining.

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Competition: WNPL Round 15 Date: Saturday 7 July 2018 Result: Canberra United Academy 1 (Barac 4’) Belconnen United 5 (Rasschaert 34’, Williams 57’, Whittall 60’, 74’, Munoz 61’) Venue: AIS Referee: Aisha Strutt Assistants: Lawrence Morris, Lara Smith Co-Commentator: Grace Maher Weather: Freezing wind Report: Standing on top of the changing rooms on the purpose-built camera platform at the AIS is sometimes a great place to be. On a sunny afternoon, the view is excellent and it’s very pleasant. Unfortunately, for myself and my co-commentator Grace Maher, this wasn’t one of those days. A 5pm kick-off on a Saturday evening meant that the metal gantry was freezing and with a biting wind making the temperature drop even lower, it was not a fun assignment! Added to the floodlights, which cast a gloom and weren’t nearly as effective as we may have hoped, this was one of the harder matches to commentate on in 2018. Fortunately for both myself and Maher, the action on the pitch was excellent. Two of the top three teams in the Women’s Premier League were set to take to the field with Belconnen United meeting the Canberra United Academy on their own turf.

Earlier in the season a goal from Jessie Rasschaert had separated these two sides, but this match was to be a little more one-sided. Belconnen had dropped points for the first time this season the previous weekend, a 1-1 draw with Gungahlin United ruining their perfect record, whilst the Academy went into the match with their top scorer, Aofie Colvill, in impressive form. Her second double-hat-trick of the season, netting all half-dozen in the 6-2 win over Canberra Olympic in Round 14, had pushed her to 29 goals for the season and aiming to smash the thirty-goal barrier. It was to be a frustrating night for Colvill though who was well marshalled by the Blue Devils defensive duo Rasschaert and Keir with the striker only breaking clear once in the ninety minutes when she elected to pass across the face of goal rather than take on the shot with only Nat Lacey to beat from the angle. Belconnen recovered to clear but, by that stage, had already gone a goal behind. Isabella Barac may be small of stature, but the midfielder is a tenacious player and her low centre of gravity allows her to create space for herself in the tightest of situations. It was a shimmy on the ball in midfield that ridded her of the close attentions of the Blue Devils markers that opened room for her spectacular opener in the fourth minute. Advancing, Barac cracked a shot from 25m that dipped as it spun away from Lacey and into the corner of the goal.

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The strike was reward for a bright opening from Ryan Grogan’s team who looked lively and in Molly Lawless, Laura Hughes and Sarah Morgan had three energetic and willing runners. Hayley Taylor-Young and Isabel Mulhall offered width and pace and with Courtney Halse, Cecilija Matic and Emma Illijoski nullifying the Blue Devils attacking threat, young ‘keeper Sally James was rarely troubled. That all changed in the 36 th minute when Belconnen equalised from a corner. The Blue Devils enjoyed a significant height advantage and centre-back Rasschaert was on hand at the far post to nod home a deeply delivered corner and send the teams into the warmth of the changing rooms locked up at 1-1. The game turned in a four-minute spell in the second-half after Jasmine Maguire had hit the bar with a bullet header. Belconnen had already begun to dominate possession and territory and took the lead when substitute Jessie Williams, on the field for less than two minutes, turned home an Ellie Raymond crossshot with her first touch of the ball.

Barely three minutes later it was 3-1. Another cross into the area ricocheted around dangerously and Madelyn Whittall reacted to poke home her eleventh goal of the season. In the commentary box we credited the goal to Williams, who was in the vicinity as the outcome was far from clear from where we were positioned, but later the video showed it was clearly Whittall’s goal. Sixty seconds later it was game well and truly over. Caitlin Munoz burst into the area and from the angle blasted a shot across James and into the far corner of the net.

From 1-1 to 4-1 in the space of four minutes. It was champion stuff from Antoni Jagarinec’s troops. They had time to add a fifth, Whittall getting on the end of a Munoz flick on to crash home her second of the night, and to bring up a dozen for the year, with sixteen minutes to play, a cruel reflection on the Academy who, probably, deserved better having played some excellent football.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Canberra Olympic welcomed back Grace Maher onto the field, fresh from her commentary duties the night before, and the Canberra United midfielder wasted no time in springing back into action, opening the scoring in a 4-2 win over Canberra FC at Deakin Stadium to keep alive Olympic’s top four prospects.

Meg McLaughlin made it 2-0 in the 39th minute, the first of her hat-trick, but Grace Gill pulled one back for FC before the break. McLaughlin struck twice more in the secondhalf to seal the win with Diarna Genovesi’s late goal scant consolation for an FC side 64

that was beginning to struggle due to a clutch of injuries. Gungahlin United made sure that Olympic would still be chasing them though as a treble form Melissa Bunker secured the Gunners a 3-1 win over Monaro Panthers. Bunker had been in excellent form in recent weeks and her goals gave Gungahlin the cushion that a goal from Ella Hemmings in the 66th minute could not claw back. Tuggeranong United continued to search for a first point of the season and were incredibly close to getting it against Woden-Weston FC. Leading through an own goal, strikes from Lotta Raap and Geraldine Longo put the Wanderers 2-1 ahead only for Rhiannon Daisley to draw United back on terms at Kambah. Their hopes were dashed thirteen minutes from time however when Wanderers forward Anna Vandenbroucke struck what was to prove to be the winner. It was a crucial win for Woden-Weston who crept up to seventeen points, clinging on to the coat-tails of Canberra Olympic (nineteen points) and Gungahlin United (23 points) heading into Round 16.

Competition: NPL Round 13 Date: Sunday 8 July 2018 Result: Gungahlin United 0 Canberra FC 1 (Taurasi 33’) Venue: Gungahlin Enclosed Referee: Alex Twomey Assistants: Alex McConachie, Lauren Hargrave Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Sunny, but cold Report: We were back at Gungahlin Enclosed on the Sunday afternoon for a clash that had implications for the chase for the title and for places in the top four with Canberra FC travelling to meet the Gunners. With results the previous day pushing Belconnen United above Gungahlin in the pecking order, and Tigers FC having the bye, and thus a game in hand, this match had the makings of a game that may well be reflected on post-season as a pivotal moment in the campaign. Gungahlin, still buzzing from their late, late equaliser against the Tigers made three changes to the team that earned the draw with Augustine Bangura, their opening goal scorer, absent through illness and replaced by Tom Krklec. Michael Rinaudo came in out wide for Ben Basser-Silk, who reverted to the bench, whilst Kye Edwards was drafted in at the back in place of Nicholas Rathjen who was playing in the AFC Club Futsal Championships. Canberra FC lined up with their traditional 4-4-2 with a bench that included vast experience in the shape of Andy Rakic, Michael Mensah and Aiden Brunskill.

The weather was reasonably good but there was a swirling wind that must have made conditions harder at pitch level, the perils of a ground having a large main grandstand 65

but being open to the elements on the other three sides. The two FIFA World Cup Quarter Finals played in the early hours of that morning, Sweden v England and Croatia v Russia, would no doubt have garnered a fair few sets of eyes from both teams, so it was no surprise that the match was very sluggish in the opening stages.

Canberra FC dictated most of the possession with Gungahlin looking lively on the break. Indeed, it was one such break that saw the ball enter the net as Jason O’Dwyer threaded a brilliant pass through a static Canberra defence allowing Rinaudo in behind Marko Vrkic. The forward finished confidently, slotting past the advancing Sam Brown, but the Assistant Referee on the far side, Lauren Hargrave, flagged for offside. The only goal of the match arrived in the 33rd minute. FC were awarded a free-kick for a foul committed by Misko Naumoski which allowed Thomas James, who was energetic throughout, to float a cross to the back post. Matt Grbesa met it, to send the ball back into the danger area, where it took a deflection and popped up for Michael Taurasi to react fastest and nod past the wrong-footed Jason Denham in the Gungahlin goal who could only watch as the ball, rather apologetically, trickled past him and into the net.

It was Taurasi’s third league goal of the season and, arguably, the most important up to that point. With their tail’s up FC went close again three minutes later. Winger Matthew Waters cut infield from the right flank and unleashed a dipping left-foot drive that thundered against the bar with Denham well beaten. The rebound was slashed high and wide. FC led 1-0 at the interval and we expected a tougher secondhalf from Gungahlin and some sort of response. They were gainfully employed for most of the second forty-five minutes, but chances were rare. Ben Obst, so effective against the Tigers along with James Fletcher, were unable to get into the game and Antoni Timotheou, the most creative of the Gunners players, appeared to be employed far too deep to be effective. Indeed, when he moved into a more advanced role late in the match his probing passing looked like it might be the catalyst for an equaliser.

However, there were few real scares for Brown in the FC goal who saw the match out in relative comfort, aided by a fine defensive display by the four in front of him, Vrkic, Daniel Subasic, Grbesa and Ivan Pavlak. The win sent FC top of the pile, one point ahead of Canberra Olympic, surprisingly beaten by Belconnen the night before (see below) with a game in hand. Gungahlin meanwhile were now fifth, three points behind Belconnen, with a game in hand and a better goal difference, but only a point ahead of Tigers FC 66

who, in turn, had a game in hand on the Gunners. It was all heating up very nicely indeed for the final five rounds of the regular season.

Elsewhere in the NPL: It was a torrid week for Monaro Panthers. They’d been awarded a 3-0 win over Riverina Rhinos in Round 4, the Rhinos guilty of fielding too many visa players although quite why it took a further nine rounds to make the decision is anyone’s guess but had decided to part ways with Head Coach Zoran Glavinic. Jimmy Baxter stepped into the caretaker role for the remainder of the season starting with, irony of ironies, the return match with Riverina. Everything looked peachy in Griffith for half an hour as the Panthers raced into a 2-0 lead via goals from Daniel Felizzi and Sam Smith. However, the Rhinos had other ideas. Darren Bailey pulled a goal back before half-time and skipper Joe Preece levelled in the 71st minute, Mitch Bagiante won it for the Rhinos with his first NPL First Grade goal two minutes later.

Tuggeranong United remained in third but were glancing nervously over their shoulder at the chasing pack after drawing 1-1 with Woden-Weston FC. A ninth league goal of the season for Olaide Yinka-Kehinde gave Woden-Weston FC the lead in only the sixth minute with Tuggeranong earning a share of the spoils thanks to a Shane Murray strike with fifteen minutes remaining, the midfielder lashing home from an indirect free-kick inside the box which was touched square to him for the shot. The biggest result of the weekend however was reserved for McKellar Park and the Saturday evening match where Belconnen United shocked title-chasing Canberra Olympic 4-2, re-igniting their top four hopes in the process. Those hopes looked bleak indeed as Olympic raced out of the blocks to lead 2-0 after only eight minutes, Daniel Colbertaldo crashing home a belter and Stephen Domenici making it three goals in three games since his return with the second from the penalty spot. The Blue Devils looked a shambles at that stage and yet they somehow turned it all around before half-time. Phil Borgeaud netted their first in the sixteenth minute before Dustin Wells equalised in the 26th minute. Marty Raines completed a breathtaking turn around ten minutes later to the stunned disbelief of the Olympic bench. Frank Cachia urged his team on in the second-half, but it was Belconnen who sealed it in the final minute, Wells adding his second of the match to lift the Blue Devils into the top four.

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Competition: NPL Round 14 Date: Sunday 15 July 2018 Result: Monaro Panthers 1 (Smith 19’) Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 18’, 90+7, Shields 72’) Venue: Duncan Playing Fields, Googong Referee: Alex McConachie Assistants: Nathen Pitt, Theo Dracopoulos Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine Report: Duncan Playing Fields at Googong is geographically the closest ground to my home, a simple five-minute jaunt in the car but, whilst set in beautiful surroundings and with a decent surface, isn’t blessed with the best facilities for Premier League football. That’s why I found myself perched on the back of a ute near the half-way line, behind the benches, for this vital clash for Tigers FC. Gaby Wilk’s team were on the fringes of the top four heading into the game but knew that with Belconnen United having the bye that they could close the gap on the top four with a victory. And, from the edginess that was apparent from the Tigers FC players, officials and supporters from the first whistle, they knew it as well. With this in mind, Wilk selected a very attack-minded team with his fullbacks, Michael Kita and Osman Fofonah, given licence to roam forward at every opportunity, instructions that both were only to eager to comply with. The Panthers meanwhile were bottom of the table but had been threatening to put in a performance for several weeks, most notably their frustrating loss to the Riverina Rhinos having led 2-0. It was the second time this season that the Panthers had coughed up a big lead and Caretaker Coach Jimmy Baxter was hoping that his young side might be able to rectify that on a cold and blustery day.

The contest was open from the word go with both teams looking to create chances. As usual Nicolas Villafane was at the heart of the most creative moments for the visitors, the Argentine causing plenty of problems with his movement and range of passing.

But, even he could not have foreseen the way that the Tigers would break the deadlock after nineteen minutes. The goal came from a Panthers corner. Midfielder Borak Kucak was unlucky when his overhead kick crashed back off the Tigers crossbar, but the Tigers reacted fastest and embarked on a lightning fast counter-attack. The ball eventually made its way to Villafane who cut right, then back onto his favoured left, to drill an accurate low shot beyond the reach of Nathen Alferink in the Panthers goal. The lead was short-lived. The Panthers response immediate. The Tigers were the architects of their own downfall, Christian Junna dawdling in the area and robbed by Sam Roestbakken. Jakob Cole saved superbly from the midfielder, but Sam Smith was 68

first to the rebound, gobbling up the chance and planting the ball into the net for his sixth league goal of the season. That was the way it stayed until the break, both sides content with the status quo, but at the same time unhappy that they had not been able to add to their tally.

The Tigers need was more pressing, but it was Panthers who came out firing and almost took the lead when Ed McCarthy forcibly met a corner with a thumping header that clattered down off the underside of the crossbar and the wrong side of the goalline for those in green and black. This opportunity underlined a Panthers spell that could have given them the lead. As it was, the Tigers rode it out and struck a killer blow on the break in the 72nd minute. Villafane took a long pass in his stride and bore down on goal shooting right-footed with Alferink making a decent save. Unfortunately for the ‘keeper, the ball looped to the edge of the box where Mark Shields, making the supporting run, met it on the volley to cushion a side-foot effort into the gaping net.

The eighth of the season for the forward and, up to this point, his most important contribution to the campaign. That was the cue for the Panthers to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents. Big defender Darryl Hall loped forward to join the attack with the sharp wide-men, Ole Stegavik and Daniel Felizzi causing issues with their pace and direct running.

Panthers probably deserved an equaliser however, football is generally not kind and the Tigers iced their cake in the seventh minute of stoppage time. With the sun behind the hills, and the temperature more like Siberia than Australia, Villafane struck for the twelfth time this season. The South American scooted away from the back-four and picked his spot, angling a drive into the far corner to make it 3-1 and seal the three points.

Elsewhere in the NPL: After coughing up a two-nil lead to Belconnen United seven days before, Canberra Olympic were in danger of falling further off the pace after seeing their early lead against Tuggeranong United overturned by half-time. Michael John’s tenth goal of the season had given Olympic the lead at O’Connor Enclosed only for Tuggeranong to hit back via their main marksman, Aisosa Ihegie, and midfielder Jono Turek. United, who were still well-placed in the top four, held the lead until twenty minutes from time when Nikolas Popovich levelled. Honours appeared to be shared but Domenic Giampaolo had other ideas, volleying home a remarkable winner from distance, connecting with a clearance and spectacularly sending the ball arcing over the defence and into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any game 69

and kept Olympic on the coat-tails of Canberra FC. The Deakin club had edged further ahead at the summit 24-hours early as they returned from Griffith with all three points, downing Riverina Rhinos 3-0 courtesy of a hat-trick from Thomas James.

James, the Golden Boot leader, moved onto 14 for the campaign with his treble, but it was the second on half-time that provoked the most controversy. FC were awarded a penalty for a challenge that looked good by a Rhinos defender allowing James to notch his second and effectively kill the match dead. Gungahlin United were held at home by Woden-Weston FC with the point simultaneously not helping the Gunners whilst keeping the Wanderers in with a shout of the top four. Misko Naumoski opened the scoring in the tenth minute but a Bul Juach penalty in the 66 th minute earned Woden-Weston FC what could prove to be an important draw.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: The WNPL hit the Round 16 stage with leaders Belconnen United hosting Monaro Panthers at McKellar Park on Saturday evening. Having trounced the Panthers 16-0 earlier in the season there were genuine fears of a repeat score-line or worse. And yet, the Panthers defied the odds by putting in a gutsy display, defending well and frustrating their opponents for large parts of the match.

Madelyn Whittall fired the Blue Devils into a 7th minute lead to spark those fears of a rout, but it wasn’t until Nicole Jalocha made it two in the 56 th minute that the game was put beyond the Panthers. An own goal with eleven minutes to play sealed the 3-0 win for Belconnen. On Sunday, attention turned to Deakin Stadium and a hard-fought 1-1 draw between Canberra FC and Gungahlin United. Charlotte Lynch gave the visiting Gunners the lead only for Brittany Palombi to equalise in the second-half, it was Palombi’s first goal for her new club having signed during the week as injury cover. Over at Woden Park the Canberra United Academy proved too strong for Woden-Weston FC winning an entertaining contest 5-2. Isabella Barac, Hayley TaylorYoung and Sarah Morgan gave the Academy a 3-0 lead before Anna Vandenbroucke pulled one back for the hosts four minutes before the break. Laura Hughes restored the Academy’s three-goal advantage on the cusp of half-time. Vandenbroucke netted her second for the Wanderers six minutes into the second-half but Barac ended the match as she started it by scoring again to wrap up the points. Meg McLaughlin took her season total to fifteen goals with a brace as Canberra Olympic recorded a 5-1 win over Tuggeranong United at Kambah. Grace Field added to McLaughlin’s first-half double as Olympic led comfortably at the break. Emma Guo and Grace Maher added to the tally in the second-half with Rhiannon Daisley netting for the second match in succession for Tuggeranong who were game, but out-classed.

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Competition: NPL Round 15 Date: Saturday 21 July 2018 Result: Riverina Rhinos 1 (Scarfone 89’) Canberra Olympic 0 Venue: Solar Mad Stadium (formerly EW Moore Oval) Referee: Owen Goldrick Assistants: Nathen Pitt, Joel Scarfo Co-Commentator: Liam Warren Weather: Fine Report: Myself and David Jordan made the long trek to Griffith for BarTV’s debut NPL match between Riverina Rhinos and Canberra Olympic, the visiting Olympic very generously offering us a room for the evening to break up the four and a half hours each way journey. That enabled us to enjoy the hospitality of the local’s post-match as well at the Griffith Leagues Club and, after recording what was the greatest result in their short NPL history, the players, officials and supporters of the Rhinos were certainly in a celebratory mood. The Solar Mad Stadium, formerly E W Moore Oval, is a terrific little venue for Premier League football with their broadcast style camera and giant screen showcasing the match to a gallant band of spectators who gathered in the main grandstand opposite the commentary positions.

I was joined in commentary by Area News Sports Correspondent Liam Warren, and we were to witness a little bit of Rhinos sporting history as they recorded the archetypal smash-and-grab to continue this remarkable NPL campaign. News had already filtered through to us of Tigers FC 2-1 win over Canberra FC opening the door for Frank Cachia and his team to go top of the league should they gain what many expected to be the three points. Olympic were without Roko Strika, who was overseas, and Robbie Cattanach, whose season had been prematurely ended, and that lack of creativity would come back to hurt them. Truthfully, it shouldn’t have mattered. The visitors created more than enough openings to win the match with Stephen Domenici passing up a glorious chance in the first-half, not gaining enough purchase on his shot when played into the channel, seconds after chipping young Caleb Biondo in the Rhinos goal but seeing his effort land on the roof of the net. Rhinos defended gallantly with Ally McLeod, Darren Bailey, Luke Pandolfo and Jacob Donadel real rocks at the back.

Olympic swarmed forward in numbers to try and force the breakthrough goal but time and again a Rhinos body, foot or head would take the sting out of their efforts.

Anything that did get through was dealt with by Biondo, more comfortably on some occasions than others. Biondo did have one heart in the mouth moment in the second half when his scuffed clearance was seized upon by Nikolas Popovich, but the Olympic 71

striker’s attempted chip grazed the crossbar on its way over with the retreating shotstopper a relieved man. Quite how Olympic weren’t in front left many scratching their head, but we felt, in commentary at least, that the Rhinos endeavours in defence and whole-hearted effort, deserved a point. What happened next was beyond their wildest expectations. With seventy seconds to play Head Coach Gabriel Abdula rolled the dice and sent on young striker Samuel Scarfone to waste a few seconds and provide a much-needed outlet up front. It was to pay off in more ways in which the Rhinos faithful could possibly imagine.

Nathen Megic decided to go long down the line with a throw-in which was intercepted by the tireless Luke Santolin. Artur Rattel, the classy Estonian midfielder who, along with fellow countryman Erkki Junolainen had provided rare glimpses of their talent, controlled and advanced forward. Anticipating a shot, Olympic crowded Rattel who calmly drew the defence and slid a pass to the unmarked Scarfone. The young substitute still had plenty to do but his first touch was excellent and his second a low drilled shot across Mason Interlandi in the Olympic goal, will go down in Rhinos folklore. The final whistle signalled a Rhinos party with Olympic forced to head back to Canberra knowing that, for now at least, their chances of going back top of the table had been dashed. In this topsy-turvy NPL campaign though there was sure to be yet more twists and turns before the curtain came down. In the meantime, the Rhinos could use this result as a springboard for future success.

Who knows where this might take them?

Elsewhere in the NPL: The race for the title and the top four continued to prove to be an intriguing storyline as Tigers FC continued their resurgence and handed Canberra FC a blow with a 2-1 win at Nijong Oval. The loss of midfielder Ryan Keir, sent off for dissent, hardly helped FC’s cause and with leading scorer Thomas James coming off after a cameo three-minute spell as a substitute, Achilles damage the reported cause, things were looking bleak for Paul Macor ahead of their midweek FFA Cup clash with Broadmeadow Magic. James has tweaked the injury in netting a hat-trick the week before against Riverina Rhinos and was rested as a precaution ahead of the big Wednesday night match-up. Thrust into the fray with his team 0-2 down to rescue something, the injury flared up after one run. It didn’t look good for the front-man. By then Nicolas Villafane, with his thirteenth goal of the season, and Jeremias Ibarra had handed the Tigers a vital 2-0 lead. A late goal from Michael Mensah reduced the 72

arrears but Tigers had done enough to win and continue their push for the Finals.

Belconnen United kept fourth place for the time being, a routine 3-0 win at McKellar against Monaro Panthers ensuring that was the case as a second-half double from Sam Whithear added to Daniel Barac’s opener. There was also a vital win for Tuggeranong United as they kept their top four aspirations well and truly intact. Firsthalf goals from Shane Murray and Regan Walsh helped to account for the visiting Gungahlin United with a Matt King own goal handing the Gunners a lifeline but United held on to win 2-1 at Kambah as Gungahlin’s finals hopes began to recede.

Competition: WNPL Round 17 Date: Sunday 22 July 2018 Result: Canberra Olympic 8 (McLaughlin 4’, 7’, 22’, 53’, 80’, 90+2’, Maher 23’, Rojahn 40’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (Vandenbroucke 46’ (p), Whitfield 68’) Venue: O’Connor Enclosed Referee: Lawrence Morris Assistants: Nathen Twomey, Blake Baldwin Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Sunny Report: Sometimes you get to witness extraordinary goals and extraordinary feats when commentating on matches and we certainly got that on a sunny Sunday afternoon at O’Connor Enclosed as Meg McLaughlin netted a double hat-trick, the first I had commentated on live. The Olympic forward was in great form up front and, but for some excellent goalkeeping from Michelle Tifan, could have hit double figures in what was a dominant Canberra Olympic performance. We hadn’t expected such a large score-line at the start of the week but poor Diego Elmoudawar, the Woden-Weston FC Head Coach who had to struggle on by without an Assistant or any team management in support, saw his embattled squad decimated by injuries and unavailability with up to eight first choice players not able to suit up for the match. By stark contrast Eddie Senatore was, for one of the first times this season, able to pick from a full squad and selected his core group of Rebecca Kiting, Sally Rojahn, Grace Field, Grace Maher and McLaughlin. It was however their arguably lesser known names who helped the team tick along as Kiara Gaspari and Emma Guo combined beautifully whilst Grace Basser-Silk was elegance personified in a wonderful display at centre-back. With Lily Dawson and Victoria Jamieson willing runners out wide, Olympic were always on the front foot.

Olympic had the points almost sewn up as early as the seventh minute as McLaughlin began her goal spree with a brace of goals within three minutes of each other. Poking 73

home the first in the 4th minute, she then burst clear to rattle home her second in the 7th and leave the Wanderers with a mountain to climb. McLaughlin blasted home her hat-trick midway through the half, turning in the area and crashing into the top corner after some outstanding wing play by Dawson who tore the Wanderers defence apart with a superb spin and drag along the touchline before laying the ball back to the eager McLaughlin. An audacious 35m lob from Maher, a real contender for goal of the season, made it four a minute later and Rojahn coolly slotted home a fifth before the break, side-footing home from just inside the area after another slick build-up. At this stage you did wonder where it might end and whether Woden-Weston had the resolve to hang on. They did that and more in the second-half. Anna Vandenbroucke pulled one back within moments of the restart from a brilliantly taken penalty, before McLaughlin tucked home her fourth from the edge of the box after a neat one-two to make it 6-1.

A rifled finish from Sarah Whitfield kept the goals flowing as Wanderers pulled another back but McLaughlin cracked home goal number five for her with ten minutes to play. The free-running striker made it six in stoppage time, racing onto a through ball and getting there ahead of Tifan, nudging past the ‘keeper and confidently rolling into the empty net from a tight angle out wide to complete a memorable afternoon’s work, the second time this season she had bagged half-a-dozen in a game.

Harsh it may have been on a Woden-Weston side that battled well in the second-half but there was no doubting that Olympic, with a full squad and in this kind of form, could pose a threat to those above them come finals time if they could hang on in the top four.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Belconnen United virtually sealed the League title again as they swamped a game, but outclassed, Tuggeranong United 6-0 at Kambah. Three goals in each half were more than enough for Antoni Jagarinec and his team to get to the brink of claiming the number one spot yet again. Jasmine Maguire opened the scoring early on and goals from Caitlin Munoz and Jessie Williams had the Blue Devils home and dry by half-time. A brace from full-back Bronte Pyke in the second stanza, either side of a goal from substitute Leah Carnegie, settled the result. Canberra FC continued to remain in second place on the ladder as they eased past Monaro Panthers with a routine 3-0 win. Marcia Wallis made the crucial breakthrough just past the half-hour, but it wasn’t until the final ten minutes when Canberra FC could 74

rest easy, a late double from Rachael Goldstein sealing the result. Meanwhile, Gungahlin United’s hopes for a place in the top four were given a jolt as two goals apiece from Laura Hughes and Aofie Colvill allowed Canberra United Academy to stay third with a 4-2 win at Gungahlin Enclosed. Melissa Bunker and Natalie De Marco netted for the Gunners whose match with Olympic, looming in a fortnight, looked like it was going to prove to be a massive deciding point in the season.

SIDEBAR FFA CUP ROUND OF 32 Parental duties meant I was unable to attend the FFA Cup Round of 32 match on the Wednesday as Canberra FC hosted Broadmeadow Magic on the national stage meaning I watched form home on the live stream as Paul Macor’s men bowed out with a 1-4 defeat at Deakin Stadium. Capital Football ran the following analysis of the match on their website.

‘The hosts scored first through Thomas James but two goals in either half from the visiting Northern NSW club ensured they would progress to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. The match got off to an even start as both teams made attacking forays, but it was Paul Macor’s men who would draw first blood. James was set off down the left wing by a great outlet pass and looked to have all the time in the world as he strode into the penalty area, before calmly placing his shot past Paul Bitz to hand his side the lead. The Magic responded strongly though and looked to bounce back and a defensive lapse from Canberra FC proved to be their way back into the match as Kale Bradbery pounced to sneak a finish past Jordan Thurtell and bring his side level with 21 minutes played.

Ruben Zadkovich was forced into making an early change for the visiting team as James Virgili was unable to continue after 35 minutes and he was replaced by Cody Carroll. That didn’t slow the Magic down though and a blistering effort from Bradbery shortly after was denied only by the underside of the crossbar, but it was just four minutes until the Magic took a lead of their own. The ball was headed down to the top of the area from a Broadmeadow corner and after winning possession Bradbery struck an effort at goal. The shot was deflected into the lap of John Majurovski and he found the poise to direct the effort past Thurtell and in to give the Magic a 2-1 lead as the teams headed into half-time. The outlook didn’t improve for the hosts in the second 75

half either, the Magic pushing their lead out to two goals just two minutes into the half. A sweeping move down the left saw Thurtell forced into an excellent first-up save, but it was to no avail as Majurovski scored his second from the rebound, tucking home on his second bite at the cherry. Daniel Subasic picked up his first yellow card five minutes in to the half as he was pinged for a reckless tackle on former Brisbane Roar player Mitchell Oxborrow as some tough challenges began to fly in. Thurtell produced another great save shortly after to deny what looked like a definite goal for the Magic’s Justin Broadley as Canberra FC looked to hang in the game. Macor brought on Michael Mensah as the hosts chased the game and with 20 minutes to go he had the ball in the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside to deflate the home crowd.

The remaining hopes of the hosts was soon extinguished with a one-two blow with 13 minutes to go. Subasic was shown his second yellow card and given his marching orders and just a minute later substitute Dino Fajkovic streamed into the gap in the backline and coolly slotted into the back of the net to seal the lead and the result.

Canberra FC were awarded a penalty with three minutes remaining that Ian Graham stepped up to take, but his effort was well saved by Paul Bitz before the followup came out of the crossbar and Kofi Danning’s effort off the rebound struck Graham and went out for a goal kick in a passage of play that summed up the evening.’

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Competition: WNPL Round 18 Date: Saturday 28 July 2018 Result: Belconnen United 5 (Maguire 6’, Whittall 29’, 70’, 82’, Argento 90’) Canberra Olympic 0 Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Ricardo Alberto Assistants: George Sanderson, Matt Gadzinski Co-Commentator: Michael Aldred Weather: Fine Report: When this game was selected from the pack to be shown live on BarTV Sports last week it appeared as if it had all the hallmarks of a clash that would, perhaps, given an indication of how competitive Canberra Olympic might have been in the Finals series. The trained eye, or in this case, the local knowledge, suggested the Blue Devils would win but that Olympic might push them all the way. However, the news the day before that Olympic midfield lynchpin Grace Maher was unavailable due to a bout of tonsillitis and that the classy Sally Rojahn was also absent, lent a whole new air to the proceedings. Suddenly, Eddie Senatore was bereft of two of his most experienced, and best, players. That’s not to say the outcome would have been any different, the Blue Devils all but wrapped up the League Championship with a consummately professional display that was simply too good for their opponents, but without that pair Olympic’s game suffered.

Their goal scoring talisman Meg McLaughlin was too often left isolated in the final third with the service to her far too generic to cause many issues for an experienced Belconnen defence. The players that came in certainly gave their all, especially Vanessa Ryan who put in a ninety-minute shift on the back of playing for an hour in the reserves beforehand. That was because Senatore declined to use any of the named three substitutes throughout the match whilst his opposite number, Antoni Jagarinec, utilised all five of his replacements. Indeed, the last of those, Acacia Argento, popped up in the 90th minute to stab home the final goal of the match and round of the scoring at 5-0. The writing was on the wall for Olympic as early as the sixth minute.

Madelyn Whittall, who was player of the match by a country-mile for me, created it by latching onto a through ball, skinning her marker and cutting back a prime pass for Jasmine Maguire who side-footed home from the top of the six-yard box. Olympic then took control of possession for much of the game, Belconnen content to let the visitors have it, but quick to catch them on the counter. From one of those breaks Whittall got in behind the Olympic back-four, which was ably marshalled by Rebecca 77

Kiting and Grace Basser-Silk who was to enjoy an exceptional ninety minutes, mostly on the back-foot, to guide a precise finish past Miriam McLaren. Leading 2-0 at the interval, Belconnen had one hand on the trophy and they took an even firmer hold in the second stanza. Nicole Jalocha had already hammered a shot off the underside of the bar to sound the Blue Devils intent when Whittall embarked on a sensational solo run, gliding past four challenges and sliding a composed passed finish into the bottom corner for her second goal of the match. The forward then notched her sixteenth of the season, wrapping up her hattrick, with a thumping shot from outside the box as Olympic finally wilted. The fifth goal, from the young substitute Argento, was merely the classic glossing of the final result as Belconnen secured another league title with two rounds of the competition to spare. Olympic continued to fight to the final whistle but were honest enough to admit they were outplayed by a top-quality outfit who looked on course to win back their Grand Final trophy lost in sensational fashion in 2017.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: The goals just kept on flowing for Canberra United Academy prodigy Aofie Colvill who moved her season tally onto 34 goals with a four-goal haul as the United youngsters swamped Monaro Panthers 11-0 at Hawker Football Centre.

Midfielder Karly Roestbakken, making her return to action, also got in on the act as she also registered four goals in what was a comprehensive display. Earlier, goals from Isabella Barac and Sarah Morgan had put the Academy 2-0 up inside the opening quarter of an hour before Colvill and Roestbakken took over. Their eight-goal interchange was only interrupted by a strike from Hayley Taylor-Young on the hour as the Academy were simply a class apart. At Woden Park, Woden-Weston FC pushed Canberra FC the whole distance with Alana Bain’s goal in the 75th minute giving them hope of causing something of an upset. Two goals from Grace Gill, in the 12 th and 60th minutes, had given the visitors a 2-0 lead before the Wanderers fought back with time running out. There were scenes of relief at Kambah on the Sunday as Tuggeranong United, led by Head Coach Michael Aldred who had joined me in commentary at McKellar Park the night before, claimed a first point of the season holding finals chasing Gungahlin United to a 0-0 draw. The result meant that Gungahlin were now level with Olympic ahead of their massive encounter in Round 19 at Gungahlin Enclosed. Olympic were fourth on goal difference with their +5 better than Gunners 1. We were set for an intriguing end to the WNPL Finals race.

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Competition: NPL Round 16 Date: Sunday 29 July 2018 Result: Canberra FC 2 (Pavlak 47’, Mensah 83’) Belconnen United 2 (Reinhart 10’, 86’) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Georgia Ghirardello Assistants: Harrison Shield, Brad McGrath Co-Commentator: Frank Cachia Weather: Blustery Report: Canberra FC faced a third testing match in a week as Finals seeking Belconnen United arrived at Deakin Stadium for what was always traditionally a tough testing encounter between two of Canberra’s most successful teams. Canberra Olympic Head Coach Frank Cachia joined me on the commentary gantry at Deakin Stadium on a blustery day in which the conditions would play a prevalent part in the outcome of another stirring NPL encounter. Both teams were forced into changes. The hosts were without the suspended pair of Ryan Keir and Daniel Subasic whilst Michael Taurasi was injured, meaning Michael Mensah started up front alongside Kofi Danning and Aiden Brunskill was drafted into the back line. The Blue Devils meanwhile chose to start with a 4-3-3 as Adrian Macor, Brad Waters and Daniel Sparrow were entrusted with the middle of the park with Phil Borgeaud partnering Isaac Clements in the centre of defence.

It was Belconnen who struck first from the most unlikely of sources. Full-back Cameron Reinhart had only found the target once all season before this match, an FFA Cup goal in the 8-5 Quarter Final win over O’Connor Knights, but he picked the right moment to add to that tally. It was more by luck than judgement however, his overlapping run and attempted cross to the back post fooling Sam Brown, who perhaps lost it in the swirling wind, the ball dropping just inside the far post. As you’d expect from a side chasing top spot, Canberra FC responded well, and Jurak was called into action to make a cracking save from Ivan Pavlak’s low shot. A succession of corners also threatened the Blue Devils goal, but it was the visitors who could, and perhaps should, have gone two up. Canberra FC appeared to dodge a bullet when Barac almost added a second as the wind continued to play havoc. A hoisted ball forward was misjudged by the advancing Brown as the ball held up in a strong gust.

Barac got there but attempted a touch instead of firing a first-time effort at the unguarded goal.

What was more controversial though was that covering defender Marko Vrkic appeared to have made contact with Barac as he looked to prod the ball home, 79

referee Georgia Ghirardello waving away the appeals. With Thomas James flitting in and out of the contest, Canberra FC were struggling to get into a fluent gear and Belconnen looked strong. The Blue Devils lead lasted ninety seconds of the second half. James broke the shackles of the Belconnen defence and drove goalward, drawing Jurak to square to Pavlak who couldn’t miss from a couple of yards out. Suddenly, the hosts were a different proposition and they began to boss the central areas with Ian Graham in good form. With chances appearing at both ends, and the conditions certainly playing their part, this was an exciting game with both teams out to get the three points. Belconnen needed them to get back into fourth, FC to get back to the top of the pile. And it appeared as if it would be FC that would be celebrating when they scored with seven minutes to play.

Substitute winger, Christian Pratezina, was played in down the left channel and he stroked across a pass to Mensah who took a touch and rifled a shot into the net to put the home side 2-1 ahead. It was a lead that was short-lived. Belconnen’s response was exquisite with Reinhart the goal hero once more. He played a onetwo with Adrian Macor and, from the tightest of angles lofted an outstanding finish across Brown and into the far corner. To their credit, both teams continued to press, looking for the crucial winner, but it was not to be and the final whilst sounded on a 2-2 draw. That left Olympic two points clear on thirty points from fourteen games, Canberra FC having played a game less. Tuggeranong were third and Tigers and Belconnen fourth and fifth respectively. It was shaping up to be a wonderful end to the most unpredictable of seasons.

Elsewhere in the NPL: The Finals race was thrown wide-open once again as Tigers FC continued their run of good form with a fifth win in their last sixth games as they held off Riverina Rhinos to win 3-2 at Calwell. Indeed, but for a Ben Obst 97th minute leveller for Gungahlin the Tigers would have had six wins in succession. What was certain was the form of Nicolas Villafane. He opened and closed the scoring for the Tigers, netting for the seventh match in succession, as Tigers withstood a loss of a two-goal lead to move into fourth place. Dom Colucciello had added to Villafane’s opener, but two goals in six minutes from Rhinos skipper Joe Preece had drawn the visitors level and threatened an upset. Villafane made sure of a Tigers win with five minutes to play but this was a superb turnaround from the Riverina after losing the reverse match 0-7 at home. With Belconnen’s draw with Canberra FC, Tigers led the 80

race for fourth by a point with two games to play, and with a game in hand, whilst Tuggeranong were only a point further ahead having played fourteen times. Canberra Olympic had gone top of the league on Friday evening, braving a freezing cold Woden Park to defeat Gungahlin United 2-1. Lachlan Griffiths put the Gunners ahead with an early goal, an advantage they held until half-time. Crucially, Olympic struck two minutes after the restart as Stephen Domenici drew his team level and Tim Bobolas won it for the home side with a goal in the 62nd minute. How important that might prove to be was for the future to tell. The other NPL match on Sunday had only pride to play for as Monaro Panthers fought back from 0-2 down to draw 2-2 against Woden-Weston FC at Googong. Olaide Yinka-Kehinde and Jordan Paesler had put Wanderers 2-0 up but goals from Jarrad Bain and a stoppage time equaliser from Sam Smith earned the Panthers a draw.

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AUGUST Competition: NPL Round 17 Date: Saturday 4 August 2018 Result: Belconnen United 5 (Wells 39’ (p), 90’, Whithear 48’, Barac 53’, Ugrinic 86’) Riverina Rhinos 2 (Preece 56’, 64’) Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Harrison Shield Assistants: Theo Dracopoulos, Harriett Gee Co-Commentator: Dean Ugrinic Weather: Fine Report: It was back to McKellar Park for Saturday evening football as Belconnen United, desperate for a win to keep their finals ambitions alive, hosted Riverina Rhinos. Dean Ugrinic, the Canberra United Y-League Coach freshly back from a European break, joined me in the commentary box for this one. There was no Ulisses Da Silva for the Blue Devils on the bench, the Belconnen Head Coach absent through illness, leaving Steve Forshaw to take charge of the squad for the contest. There was one change in the line-up from the draw with Canberra FC as Daniel Sparrow was suspended, Dustin Wells dropping deeper and allowing Marty Raines to join the three-pronged attack that also included Sam Whithear and Daniel Barac. Rhinos Head Coach Gabriel Abdala sprung a selection surprise when he placed Fijian international goalkeeper Jone Ralulu up front in a 4-4-2 formation. There was no Sam Scarfone, who had scored the winner against Canberra Olympic, or Mitch Bagiante as Abdala was forced to name only two substitutes, both teenagers. Dean Catanzariti and the wonderfully named Alexander MulrooneyCastellano took a seat on the bench.

There was little to choose between the teams from the beginning of the match with Belconnen dominating possession but unable to create any real clear-cut openings.

The Rhinos were content to hit on the break where Ralulu was proving to be a bit of a handful for the Blue Devils defence. Just as it appeared as if we would head into the interval goalless, the home team struck. Barac was brought down by goalkeeper Caleb Biondo and Wells coolly converted from the spot. It was a lead that Belconnen had deserved for their greater enterprise. Rhinos needed a solid start to the second half, but Belconnen’s need was greater and when Whithear looped a header over Biondo, connecting with a brilliant cross from the left, Belconnen looked in great shape. An error from Biondo, pounced upon by Raines allowed Barac the easiest of finishes moments later and, at 3-0, the game looked all but dead and buried. Cue another plot twist in this most unforgettable of campaigns.

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Belconnen fell asleep, or took their foot off the gas, whichever, the Rhinos responded.

Preece showed an energy and determination to get a cross-field ball inside the box, shake off a weak attempt at a challenge, and thrash a shot inside Finn Jurak’s near post, the ball cannoning off the base of the upright and into the goal. Preece had scored two goals in a short spell a week earlier, dragging the Rhinos from 0-2 down and back to 2-2 against the Tigers, before a late winner did for them, and the captain was at it again here. A lovely flicked pass from Ralulu released Preece who drew Jurak and slipped the ball under the Belconnen ‘keeper to make it 3-2. Unfortunately for the Riverina side Preece had pulled a quad in the act of scoring and the finish was his last involvement of the evening. Without their hard-running front man, the Rhinos wilted and simply ran out of steam. Forshaw sent on the returning Jason Ugrinic, back from the same holiday as his father, and the wiry winger cut infield to deliver the coup de grace with three minutes to play, a curling shot from the edge of the box that Biondo, at full stretch, could not keep out. If that was harsh on the gallant Rhinos, there was worse to come. Darren Bailey went down in midfield following a clash with Ugrinic which the referee deemed fair and, on the break, Wells was left unmarked inside the box to poke in his second of the afternoon and Belconnen’s fifth. This was an important win, coming as it did on the back of Tigers FC’s abandoned match with Canberra Olympic (see below) briefly moving the Blue Devils into fourth ahead of the midweek action. Either way, their meeting with Tigers FC in Nijong in Round 18 would be season defining.

Elsewhere in the NPL: There was controversy at Woden Park as the Round got under way on Friday Night as Canberra Olympic’s match with Tigers FC was abandoned at half-time with the Tigers leading 2-0. This sparked a flurry of social media posts decrying the outcome of the contest, a replayed match at a later date. Goals from Nikos Kalfas and Nicolas Villafane had the Tigers in command of the game but, when all is said and done, twenty minutes or more of non-stop rain made the pitch unplayable. The deluge began just before the interval and continued during the break leaving the officials no choice but to cancel the fixture as the ball simply would not move on the water-laden turf. Indeed, there were indications that the match was fortunate to begin in the first instance with rain throughout the day causing major headaches. Another twist in the season. Woden Park does drain well, given time and at 3pm the next day the pitch was fine for Canberra FC’s attempt to return to the top 83

of the table against Woden-Weston FC. They did so, but only after a severe shock to the system. A double inside seventeen minutes from Olaide Yinka-Kehinde had Woden-Weston 2-0 up and a surprise seemed on the cards. The Wanderers then hit the post, but a defensive mix-up between Willem Lejeune in goal and his central defender Adam De Franceschi gifted a goal to Thomas James for FC. The English striker levelled matters on the hour and Michael Mensah won it for a relieved Paul Macor and his troops with thirteen minutes to play. Advantage Canberra FC. On Sunday afternoon Tuggeranong United recorded a priceless 1-0 win over Monaro Panthers at Greenway Enclosed to remain third and leave their finals destiny in their own hands. A goal from Aisosa Ihegie, so often their go-to man this season, in the 69th minute was the difference as United edged past a Panthers team reduced to ten men after the early second half dismissal of Jason Baxter, the son of caretaker Panthers boss Jimmy.

Tuggeranong led Belconnen by two points and Tigers by four ahead of the Tigers catch-up match versus Gungahlin in midweek. Mitch Stevens’ team looked good for a first finals appearance since 2003. But there was still more action to come.

Competition: WNPL Round 19 Date: Sunday 5 August 2018 Result: Gungahlin United 1 (De Marco 85’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Forner 11’, 46’) Venue: Gungahlin Enclosed Referee: Shane Lysons-Smith Assistants: Ryan Lindenmeyer, Eamon White Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Sunny Report: This was a huge match with massive implications for both teams as, effectively, the winner would be heading to the Finals and the defeated side would have an uphill struggle, and need other results to go their way, to make the final four. The early team news wasn’t positive for Canberra Olympic, who headed into the match without the absent Grace Field and Grace Maher, the latter still suffering from the sickness that kept her out of the Belconnen United match a week before. Gungahlin had their problems too, Ashlyn Garrity also falling foul of a virus before kick-off. And it was spreading throughout Canberra as Meg McLaughlin bravely took to the field despite being under the weather herself. The inclusion of their 21-goal top scorer was a big plus for Eddie Senatore and his team.

Ironically, the absence of Maher and Field meant young Alexia Forner was handed a central midfield berth, alongside Lily Dawson who was pushed in more centrally from her usual wide position, and Forner was to have the major say in the outcome. Indeed, 84

it was two goals from the teenage-midfielder, who had been called into Mini Matildas a few weeks previously, that broke Gungahlin hearts and left Olympic in prime position heading into the final two rounds of the season. Lining up in their 4-3-3 formation, although with a slight rejiggle of the personnel employed in certain positions, Olympic started brightly and deservedly went in front on eleven minutes. In such an important game it was fitting that the goal that broke the deadlock was a cracker. Forner collected a loose ball inside the Gungahlin half and advanced before unleashing a fizzing thirty-metre drive that flashed past Kailey Tonini in the Gungahlin goal, the home shot-stopper unable to get anywhere near the perfectly judged strike.

Gungahlin, who had only picked up five points from the previous fifteen available, responded well and in Melissa Bunker had a willing runner up front.

Natalie De Marco was bossing the midfield for the hosts and looked their most likely source of a way back into the game in the second half as the opening forty-five minutes ended with Olympic leading 1-0. The crucial moment of the contest came just two minutes into the second half and it was one to forget for young stopper Tonini.

Forner broke into the penalty area and slashed a left-footed effort to the near post. Tonini appeared to have it covered but took her eye off the ball at the critical moment and it eluded her grasp, trickling apologetically into the net via the post and the goalkeeper’s hands.

It was a cruel moment for the goalkeeper and the Gunners.

Tonini stood tall though and refused to be bowed by her moment of misfortune, making outstanding saves to palm over a Dawson shot from around the penalty spot, before denying subsite Shaquielle Chong with a stunning stop with her left foot. Gungahlin sent on Nat McCann into midfield to get back into the match and that freed De Marco to advance into a more prominent position. It was little surprise when the slight midfielder, arguably the game’s best player, danced into space to slot a late strike past Gabby O’Brien in the Olympic goal to set up a grandstand finale with five minutes remaining. Gungahlin pressed for a leveller, but Olympic were well worth their 2-1 win, a result that left them in pole position and looking odds-on for a semi-final place.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Belconnen United wrapped up their eighth straight League Championship with a 4-0 success over Woden-Weston FC at Woden Park and in doing so continued their domination of the Women’s game in Canberra. If you include the club championship as a major trophy, the Blue Devils have won 25 of the last 28 85

trophies on offer in the competition, an unbelievable return and a huge testament to the longevity of their program. The result at Woden was never in doubt, but what was surprising was that left-back Bronte Pyke bagged a hat-trick. The defender often liked to advance in attack and her treble, two before half-time and one in the final ten minutes, was added to by a 22nd minute effort from Jasmine Maguire as Belconnen celebrated in style. There was business as usual for young Aofie Colvill who increased her season goal haul to an amazing 38 by netting all four as the Canberra United Academy defeated Canberra FC 4-2 at Deakin Stadium. Goals from Grace Gill and Marcia Wallis-Caporn had given FC a 2-1 lead after eighteen minutes, but the Academy hit back and, led by Colvill’s goal scoring prowess, eased to a win in the second half that closed the gap to FC in second to just a point with two games to go.

At the foot of the table Monaro Panthers claimed a rare win when a single goal from Cynthia Bangita was enough to defeat Tuggeranong United 1-0 at Duncan Playing Fields in Googong.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FEDERATION CUP / NPL CATCH-UP There was a crunch tie in the NPL in midweek as Tigers FC began to claw their games in hand back beginning with a vital 2-0 win over Gungahlin United. A goal seconds from the interval from dependable midfielder Domenic Colucciello gave the Tigers the half-time initiative and Mark Shields sealed the deal with ten minutes to play. The victory put Tigers into fourth on 25 points, one behind Tuggeranong and two ahead of their Saturday opponents at Nijong Oval, Belconnen United. Gaby Wilk’s team also had a game in hand, the abandoned game versus Canberra Olympic, which meant that a draw would see them into the top four on the weekend.

The fixture in Cooma was looming as a season decider for both the Blue Devils from Belconnen and their opponents. There would be no second chances for Ulisses Da Silva and his team who needed a win away from home. This match was far from as straightforward as the result may have suggested though as Gungahlin were guilty of some profligate finishing. Ben Obst struck the crossbar with a rasping effort, but the Gunners team was impotent in front of goal. They created ample chances but were unable to convert any, allowing the Tigers off the hook, and the second Tigers goal had an element of fortune as the ball ricocheted into the net off Shields from an attempted clearance. On such things are championships won however.

The Women’s Federation Cup finally began in midweek, almost as an afterthought it would appear, with Belconnen United handed a free bye to the semi-final stage.

Gungahlin United declined to enter and that left six teams to play each other in three knockout ties to join the Blue Devils in the semi-finals. The first of those trio of fixtures on Tuesday 7 August saw Canberra FC breeze past Tuggeranong United with a crushing 4-0 victory. Goals from Diarna Genovesi and Bronte Carlin had FC 2-0 up

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before half-time and a brace from Alexa Panagiotopoulos, both goals scored within four minutes of each other, sealed the match in the second half.

The other two first round ties went to form in a similar manner with Canberra Olympic and the Canberra United Academy too strong for their opponents from Monaro Panthers and Woden-Weston FC respectively. Olympic crushed the life out of a gallant Panthers winning their clash 8-2 with Meg McLaughlin leading the way with a hattrick. Sally Rojahn and Emma Guo netted two apiece to add to McLaughlin’s treble with Zoe Szeremet, the Panthers best on field, bagging a double in defeat. Meanwhile, the Academy was too good for the Wanderers with a comfortable 5-0 success. Laura Hughes scored twice for the Canberra United youngsters with free-scoring Aofie Colvill, Karly Roestbakken, and a first in all competitions for Cecilija Matic, completing the straightforward victory.

Competition: WNPL Round 20 Date: Saturday 11 August 2018 Result: Belconnen United 2 (Maguire 11’, McLachlan 37’ (og)) Canberra FC 0 Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Carlina Mullett Assistants: Nathan Pitt, Blake Baldwin Co-Commentator: Grace Maher Weather: Cold, as usual!

Report: Having won nineteen of the previous twenty-two WNPL first grade titles available (League, Grand Final and Federation Cup) Belconnen United were, without doubt, the dominant team of the modern era in the women’s game in Canberra. They showed no signs of letting up any time soon either as they welcomed their nearest challengers, Canberra FC, to McKellar Park for a Saturday evening encounter. I was joined in commentary once more by Grace Maher, thankfully recovered from her illness, which had turned out to be glandular fever and had seen her cooped up in bed for a fortnight. She picked a right old cold weekend to return to the commentary gantry as the wind and rain howled down prior to kick-off. That morning, when I had awoken at home in Googong, we even had a reasonable smattering of snow across the ground indicating how cold it was.

The action on the field helped to warm everybody up however as both teams looked to get on the front-foot. Canberra FC Head Coach Mark Risteski had selected what was, in essence, a 4-5-1 formation as wide forwards Brittany Palombi and Diarna Genovesi were forced to do much of their work deeper from goal than they would 87

have liked. Both showed impressive footwork and speed though, enough to keep Belconnen United’s back four honest throughout. Jamie Berkeley and Grace Gill patrolled the middle of midfield with Gill only passing a fitness test just before kick-off after suffering an injury to her Achilles. The classy midfielder, who was FC’s top scorer, lasted for 45 minutes and was replaced by the up-and-coming Isabella Tammaro at the break. Defensively FC would be tested all evening and Ivana Galic and Amy McLachlan were in excellent form to deny the free-scoring Blue Devils attackers. For their first game back at McKellar as League Champions, Belconnen picked a 4-3-3 with no real surprises in the line-up. Gemma Murphy came in to join Madelyn Whittall and Jasmine Maguire in a potent front three with an experienced midfield of Michaela Day, Caitlin Munoz and Nicole Jalocha was expected to supply the ammunition for this trio to fire the bullets.

It took eleven minutes for Belconnen to take the lead and what a goal it was! Taking the ball to feet wide out on the right side of the penalty area Jasmine Maguire cut inside and took aim, curling a beauty high up and over Nastasja Vasta and into the top corner with the spiderwebs. It was a thrilling goal and one that had the supporters in a state of disbelief. There was more to come from Belconnen as well as they made it 2-0 eight minutes before half-time. The Blue Devils had looked dangerous from corners floated into the box, so it was something of a surprise when, ironically, they doubled their lead with a flatter set-piece. Day swung a low ball into the danger area which clipped off the shins of McLachlan and agonisingly spun past Vasta and into the back of the net. It was tough on the shot-stopper who had spectacularly denied Day only ten minutes previously.

The second half was much of a procession for Belconnen who rarely looked like conceding as Klara Manenica was largely under-employed in the home goal. Rachael Goldstein and Marcia Wallis-Caporn fought hard to get their team into the match with Goldstein showing bags of energy and commitment to the cause. Tammaro helped to consolidate the midfield and allowed Berkeley more time on the ball but, too often, the final pass was misplaced or overhit. The Blue Devils meanwhile were content to relax, Antoni Jagarinec bringing on all five of his substitutes including 18-year-old Acacia Argento and Jordan Beaten (nee Buchanan).

Whittall was her usual self, scuttling between defenders and looking to add to her 16-goal tally but, in general, she was well marshalled, and Belconnen saw out the game for the points. In their final home league match of the 88

season the league champions were again imperious. Only Gungahlin United, with a 1-1 draw, had stopped their perfect season to date. But, it had been a similar story in 2017 and one swing of a Grace Gill boot and a penalty save from Chantel Jones had seen to their treble dreams on that occasion.

Elsewhere in the WNPL: She just kept on scoring! Aofie Colvill was cementing her reputation as a goal machine throughout the 2018 season and that continued with another exhibition of prolific finishing, and a four-goal haul, to take her to 43 in all competitions if you included the Federation Cup strike in midweek. Colvill’s goals helped the Canberra United Academy into second place on the ladder with a 6-1 win over Tuggeranong United at Hawker Football Centre. Colvill had three before half-time and was joined on the scoresheet by Laura Hughes and a first of the season for teenager Sacha Grove. Academy led 5-0 at the break and Colvill grabbed the sixth a minute into the second half. That left United staring down the barrel of a massive defeat but, to their credit, they tightened up and were able to pull one back through experienced defender Stephanie Coates to give the second half a hint of respectability. There was little to choose between the teams at Gungahlin Enclosed as Gungahlin United edged past Woden-Weston FC 1-0 thanks to a goal two minutes before half-time from Erika Pennyfield. Rather disappointingly, Monaro Panthers chose to forfeit their match against Canberra Olympic, handing Olympic a 3-0 victory.

The official reasoning was an illness that struck down several their squad.

Competition: NPL Round 18 Date: Sunday 12 August 2018 Result: Canberra FC 3 (Mensah 24’, Subasic 65’, James 90+3’) Tuggeranong United 0 Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Greg Taylor Assistants: Lauren Hargrave, Brad McGrath Co-Commentator: Frank Cachia Weather: Fine, but blustery Report: It was back onto the scaffolding at Deakin Stadium for Super Sunday with Frank Cachia joining me once again to follow Canberra FC versus Tuggeranong United as the NPL season reached the final round of matches. With Canberra Olympic facing Tigers FC in midweek, and Canberra FC the following Sunday in catch-up matches, there was still the small matter of the league title to be decided. And, of course, finals places were up for grabs. We’d have more than one ear on the Tigers FC versus Belconnen United match down at Nijong Oval as well where the Blue Devils needed a win to make the Finals which in turn would jeopardise Tuggeranong’s 89

opportunity. Tuggeranong hadn’t made Finals football for fifteen years but would have a chance this time around. If Tigers FC won or drew it wouldn’t matter what happened to Mitch Stevens men.

Tuggeranong went into the match with a goalkeeping crisis as Jakeb Wiseman, who had saved a penalty on debut against Gungahlin United, struggling with a thigh injury and was uncertain to start. Tom Barton, the likely replacement, was in between the posts in the U20 match beforehand, and was pulled out at half-time as a precautionary measure should Wiseman fail a late fitness test. He didn’t, and the young goalkeeper took his place behind a back four that would be in for a testing afternoon. The conditions were much the same as when Belconnen United had been the visitors a couple of weeks before, blustery and swirling wind making like difficult for all involved. Stevens selected a 4-3-3 and would be hoping his midfield maestro Shane Murray could have an influence. Canberra FC went with a more traditional 4-42 with Michael Mensah and Kofi Danning leading the line. Thomas James was on the right of midfield and the experience of Aiden Brunskill was preferred over the youthful Marko Vrkic at full-back.

Tuggeranong started well, and Murray almost sent Eddie Cogan free down the middle in the early stages only for an errant first-touch by the striker to allow the Canberra FC defence to recover, much to his own chagrin. Aisosa Ihegie was, as always, a constant menace with some intelligent runs and really should have scored when he was placed clean through, only to shoot straight at Sam Brown who intervened on the edge of the penalty area. Hindsight suggested the speeding forward should have rounded the fastadvancing goalkeeper. By then, Tuggeranong were already 1-0 down. FC had opened the scoring in the twenty-fourth minute when Mensah met a perfect cross from the right-hand side with a bullet header from around the penalty spot that flashed past Wiseman and into the corner. That proved to be the only goal of the first-half that had Tuggeranong nervously looking over their shoulders and listening for what was happening down in Cooma. When news came in of Belconnen leading at the break, United were, at that stage, in serious trouble.

However, football is a strange beast and as events turned around in Cooma, more on that below, the game at Deakin became less of a concern. It mattered at the top of the table though and the home side looked certain to extend their lead to five points when they went 2-0 up with a bizarre goal. Murray was fortunate to escape a booking for 90

a clattering tackle in front of the commentary position and, when the resulting freekick was sent back to Daniel Subasic, few could have predicted the outcome. The central defender launched a speculative effort from halfway that looped over the head of the retreating Wiseman and dropped into the back of the net for what was either an audacious effort, or an extremely lucky outcome! Either way, it had FC in total control and they rounded off a 3-0 win deep into stoppage time when James broke clear and rounded Wiseman to tap home yet another goal, one that kept him at the top of the chase for the Golden Boot. The final whistle was, bizarrely in the contest of the game, but not the season, greeted with happiness by Tuggeranong fans who, after news filtered through of Tigers FC win, would be seeing their team in finals football for the first time since 2003.

Elsewhere in the NPL: The drama at Nijong Oval was where most of the attention was focused that Sunday as Belconnen United went looking for win to keep their finals hopes alive. They and Tigers FC had been the form teams over the past month or so and it was Belconnen who went in front when Sam Whithear netted a crucial goal. It was a lead they held until half-time after which Tigers levelled through Mark Shields’ 10th goal of the season. The dismissal of Blue Devils midfielder Daniel Sparrow was a turning point as Tigers hit the front against ten-men through Robbie Deeley and when their leading scorer Nicolas Villafane netted from the penalty spot to make it 3-1 it was game up for Belconnen. A late goal from Jason Ugrinic breathed a little life into their challenge but, needing a further two goals to progress, they simply did not have enough time and would miss out on Finals football. Over in Griffith on the Saturday evening, Woden-Weston FC came from 1-0 down to defeat the Riverina Rhinos 2-1 in an excellent match. Alexander Mulrooney-Castellano gave the Rhinos the lead only for second half goals from Michael Adams and Martin Deng to turn the game on its head.

And Monaro Panthers ended the season with a draw as Gungahlin United came from 3-1 behind to equalise in the 97th minute via a penalty from their goalkeeper Jason Denham. Denham blasted home from the spot to earn the point after Michael Rinaudo had added to Ben Basser-Silk’s first half strike. Earlier, Panthers had led 2-0 via an own goal and an Adam Neou strike with Ola Stegavik making it 3-1 in the 57th minute before Denham’s last-gasp heroics.

SIDEBAR: IN THE WEEK FEDERATION CUP / NPL CATCH-UP The Women’s Federation Cup continued in midweek with a brace of semi-final matchups taking place on successive nights. First up was Belconnen United tackling Canberra Olympic at McKellar Park and a tight match was settled by a goal from Nicole Jalocha in the 64th minute. Olympic had parted company with Head Coach Eddie Senatore before the match but he could still be heard sitting on the far bleachers and cajoling the team. It all seemed rather strange.

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The next night a double from Aofie Colvill helped the Canberra United Academy to a 21 win over Canberra FC at Deakin Stadium. The lethal Colvill struck twice either side of a goal from Grace Gill for Canberra FC but the goal-getter was later sent-off for a second bookable offence. She would miss the final league game of the season against Canberra Olympic on the weekend but looked likely to be back for the Federation Cup Final on the following Wednesday.

There was also a rather important catch-up match in the NPL on the Wednesday evening with the AIS playing host to Canberra Olympic’s re-arranged clash with Tigers FC. Gaby Wilk, having seen his team secure a Finals place with their nerve-shredding win over Belconnen United on the weekend, rested several of his star names with Nicolas Villafane and Robbie Deeley on the cusp of a suspension. The Tigers Head Coach gave a first team debut to a trio of players with Josh Merkel, Gian Fiorese, and Hamid Pojohishgar all getting the nod to start the fixture. Olympic, hoping to set up a league title decider with Canberra FC on the Sunday with the win, were in no mood to give up a second chance and were ruthlessly effective. The game was secure by halftime as Nikolas Popovich, Domenic Giampaolo and a penalty from Roko Strika had Olympic 3-0 ahead. Popovich added a second after the break with Stephen Domenic also scoring twice and Ali Sarwan adding to the final score which blew out to 7-0.

Competition: NPL Round 1 (CatchUp) Date: Sunday 19 August 2018 Result: Canberra Olympic 0 Canberra FC 2 (Vrkic 22’, Danning 41’) Venue: O’Connor Enclosed Referee: Gary Vandeburgt Assistants: Owen Goldrick, Adam Powers Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine, then showers Report: And so, it all boiled down to this. Thanks to a Croatian pop star, a certain Jelena Rozga, the Round 1 fixture between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic was postponed and shifted to the end of the season where no-one would have believed that it would become a winner takes all showdown for the NPL Championship title. FC needed just a point, a draw would be enough for a 23rd League title, whilst the home side, Olympic, required the full return if they were to retain their championship crown. Both teams had been in good form and Olympic would have the solace of their 7-0 hammering of the Tigers in midweek to see them through. The earlier meetings, in both league and cup, had been tight and the crowd at O’Connor Enclosed expected little difference this time.

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Canberra FC would be without their leading scorer, Thomas James, the striker suspended after reaching four yellow cards for the season. Midfielder Ryan Keir was also doubtful, he was named on the bench, with Marko Vrkic and Jordan Lamb included in a starting line-up that looked like it might be difficult to break down. Paul Macor opted for a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders in Vrkic and Ian Graham patrolling the all-important engine room and nullifying Olympic the space in which to play. Lamb slotted in out wide on the right with Matthew Waters on the left. The experienced Aiden Brunskill was picked at right back in a back-four that had bags of nous and a ton of first-grade caps under their belts. Olympic went for a 4-2-3-1 themselves with Tom McLachlan and Daniel Colbertaldo tasked with the midfield central role, in front of the back four, allowing an exciting attacking quartet of Roko Strika, Stephen Domenici, Nikolas Popovich and Domenic Giampaolo to exploit any space further forward. Leading scorer Michael John was, perhaps surprisingly, only offered a substitute berth. Mason Interlandi retained the number one jersey for Olympic even though regular custodian Angelo Konstantinou had returned from his overseas holiday.

It was evident from the start that FC had a game-plan and Macor’s team pulled it off to an absolute tee. Pressing the Olympic midfield in possession, not giving them a minute’s peace and getting the ball as far away from goal as possible whenever danger threatened might not have been a purist’s dream, but it was effective and, with the stakes so high, entertainment was not the highest priority. Even with the less than accurate distribution from defence, FC created the better chances. Michael Mensah was his usual self, and his battle with Nick Bobolas was crucial. Mensah bullied and cajoled the Olympic centre-half to such an extent that he was cautioned by the match referee and hauled off at half-time by Head Coach Frank Cachia who was understandably concerned that one of his main defenders was in danger of being sent off and suspended. By that stage, with FC well and truly in control, it was the most logical step.

Giving Olympic no time to settle, FC opened the scoring midway through the first half from a set-piece. The ball into the area was half-cleared where Vrkic hit a shot that spooned towards the far post. Lamb recovered and slipped as he prepared to shoot, sending the ball directly back to Vrkic who swept a first-time shot across Interlandi and into the bottom corner. It was Vrkic’s second of the season and the irony of the wo players involved perhaps not even 93

starting if Keir and James had been available, was not lost on anyone present at the ground.

Olympic’s attempted response appeared stilted and stifled, too many touches on the ball meaning that they were unable to break down the Canberra FC defensive line and, four minutes before the break, FC struck the killer blow. Brunskill, so often a source of inspiration at the other end of the pitch in past encounters, contributed in the final third. Intercepting a pass in midfield he advanced to the edge of the area, drew the defender and slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Danning. The striker needed no second invitation and crashed his shot past Interlandi for a clinical second goal of the match.

It could have got worse for Olympic before the break. Mensah shrugged off the challenge of Nick Bobolas and broke away only for a fast-advancing Interlandi to deny the forward with a smothering save. That was Bobolas’ last involvement, replaced by Michael John at the break with the forward adding impetus and pace to the final third.

However, it was FC who looked likely to add to their tally. Mensah again got away from the defence and, again, was denied by a decent stop from Interlandi, the goalkeeper having a fine game. Olympic tried hard to fight back but just could not penetrate a fired-up and resolute FC. The loss of Popovich with an injury didn’t help matters.

FC held on comfortably in the end and were worthy champions for the 23 rd time in their history. There would be more battles to come between these two before the season was done, starting with the Qualification Final a week later. But, for now at least, it was Red that was the primary colour as Ian Graham, alongside Head Coach Macor, lifted the trophy high. Few would begrudge the likeable Macor and his coaching staff their success. Inheriting the team at the start of the season the former defender, with ex-striking brother Danny as his Assistant, took on a difficult role and handled himself with aplomb. Their triumph was richly deserved and, such is the club’s standing in the local scene, you’d be a brave man to bet against them adding to that haul in the years ahead.

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Elsewhere in the WNPL: There was the final round of regular season fixtures in the WNPL this weekend as Canberra United Academy locked in second place on the ladder as they took apart a tired looking Belconnen United, winning 7-3 in a thriller at Hawker Football Centre. There were seven goals in the opening half as the Academy led 5-2 at the break. A double from Karly Roestbakken gave the Academy a 2-0 lead after twenty minutes before Emma Guo and Rebecca Kiting brought the visitors level with two goals within two minutes of each other. Sacha Grove, continuing her remarkable introduction to life at the top level, restored the Academy lead as goals from Cecilija Matic and Laura Hughes made it five. In the second half Meg McLaughlin pulled one back to give Olympic hope, but goals from Matic and Grove concluding an exceptional home success. On the Sunday afternoon, Belconnen United rounded off an undefeated season as goals from Jessie Williams, Jessie Rasschaert and Gemma Murphy steered them to a 3-0 away win over Gungahlin United. Meanwhile, Marcia Wallis-Caporn and Grace Gill helped Canberra FC to a nervy 2-1 win over Tuggeranong United for whom Sarah Daisley struck. It was an excellent display by United who fought grimly and could have snatched a point. Woden-Weston FC completed their season with a convincing 4-1 win over Monaro Panthers at Woden Park where goals from Cassia McGlashan, Anna Vandenbroucke, Geraldine Longo and Alana Bain were enough for the three points. A second of the campaign for Cynthia Bangita was the Panthers sole response.

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Competition: Federation Cup Final Date: Wednesday 22 August 2018 Result: Belconnen United 2 (Whittall 45+1’, Munoz 69’ (p)) Canberra United Academy 1 (Mulhall 19’) Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Lauren Hargrave Assistants: Carlina Mullett, Aisha Strutt Fourth Official: Harriett Gee Co-Commentator: Heather Garriock Weather: Cool, but fine Report: The Women’s Federation Cup appeared to happen in a blur during 2018 as the three Preliminary Round matches, Semi-Finals and this, the Final were played within three weeks of each other. And, whilst that might not be ideal for what is supposed to be the premier knockout Cup competition in local women’s football, it did make for a sharp series of matches and interest never really had time to wane. There was plenty of interest in this match-up as well. A crowd of, officially 358, enjoyed the action on a cold, but fine, evening at McKellar Park the home of the League Champions and Cup favourites, Belconnen United. I was lucky enough to be joined in commentary by Canberra United Head Coach Heather Garriock. Capped 130 times by the Matildas, with twenty goals to her credit, she was a welcome source of knowledge and her insights and analysis were, as expected, concise, relevant and on point.

For the Final Belconnen United selected a settled looking side, employing their traditional 4-3-3 with Jessie Williams recalled to the number nine spot, leading an attacking triumvirate that included Madelyn Whittall and Jasmine Maguire with the trio having notched 36 goals between them. Not a bad record, but one that paled when compared to Canberra United Academy young gun Aofie Colvill who entered the final having netted an astonishing 45 goals in all competitions, including the double that saw the Academy through their semi-final with Canberra FC. Ably supported by Laura Hughes (16 goals in all competitions) and Karly Roestbakken (13), the Academy would prove to be a real threat.

It would be a rather less heralded player that would grab the headlines early on however as 13-year-old Sacha Grove continued where she had left off in the league taunting and teasing out wide and making life a misery for full-back Bronte Pyke who, with her hands occupied looking after Grove, was unable to join the attack with the frequency that she adores. Indeed, at one stage Grove spun on the edge of the box and sold Pyke completely before failing to hit a shot hard enough to test Nat Lacey in

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the Blue Devils goal. To be fair, Pyke gradually got hold of the menace and largely negated Grove with a fine second-half display.

By then the match was neatly poised at 1-1. The Academy had taken the lead in the 19th minute when Roestbakken released Isobel Mulhall down the left flank. The winger cut inside and, with confidence, lashed a right-foot shot that dipped and swerved, eluding Lacey and flying into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of giving her team the lead on the big stage. Belconnen looked rattled and, with Colvill causing problems with her running into channels, the Academy looked to add a second. The League Champions, as always, found a response and almost levelled when a shot came back off the upright with goalkeeper Isi Davey beaten and Maguire’s follow up was blocked near the line. But, Belconnen were to find an equaliser in first-half stoppage time. Munoz created it, threading an inch-perfect pass behind the Academy defence, where Whittall gathered, took a touch, and emphatically dispatched a finish into the bottom corner.

Davey was replaced at half-time by substitute goalkeeper Sally James having looked a little shaky under the high ball and having been caught by Munoz in a challenge half an hour in. James was to have an excellent second forty-five minutes but, unfortunately, come the end of the contest most of the crowd watching at home and on BarTV would be talking about two massive, and controversial, refereeing decisions.

The first, effectively, decided the match. From a Belconnen throw, the ball reached Munoz who pushed it past the covering centre-back before running into the defender and bowling her over. Amazingly, and to the bemusement of all involved, the referee awarded a penalty. None of the Belconnen players had even as much as uttered a squeal of an appeal and yet a spot-kick was the outcome. Munoz was never likely to pass up the chance and she duly buried the kick.

To add salt to the wounds for the enraged Academy Coach Ryan Grogan, his team were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty of their own. A cross clearly struck the arm of a Blue Devils defender, it may have been Jessie Rasschaert, who looked like she had given herself up with a coy glance at the match officials. This time there was no award of a spot-kick which angered the Academy section of the crowd. There was still time for further drama. Munoz looked certain to make it three for Belconnen but was denied by a glorious one-handed save by James, 97

pushing the ball away from goal, the clearance completed by Cecilija Matic who had gone close earlier with a header from a corner at the other end. There was to be no fairy-tale ending for the Academy however as Belconnen claimed the silverware.

On the balance of play Belconnen certainly deserved their win, of that there can be no doubt, however the way they achieved it will no doubt grate with those of the green persuasion, a dubious penalty proving the difference. For the Academy, Hughes and Sarah Morgan were outstanding, the latter epitomising the work rate and energy of her youthful colleagues. Belconnen relied on a midfield of Munoz, Michaela Day and Nicole Jalocha to win through, the experienced trio just edging the Canberra United central duo. Academy would have the chance for their revenge though as Finals football loomed.

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THE FINALS Competition: NPL Elimination Final Date: Saturday 25 August 2018 Result: Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 10’, 17’) Tuggeranong United 2 (Murray 22’, Walsh 90+1’) – after extra time, Tigers FC win 3-2 on penalties Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Gary Vandeburgt Assistants: Hamish Driver-Rae. Alex McConachie Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine Report: The first of a double-header on Super Saturday as the Finals series got underway at Deakin Stadium featured the Elimination Final between Tigers FC and Tuggeranong United. United hadn’t played in the end-ofseason jamboree since 2003, an absence of fifteen years, and were keen to replicate the kind of form they’d shown in front of the BarTV cameras against the Tigers earlier in the year when they won 4-3. It was knockout time with the winners progressing to the semi-finals and the defeated side hanging up the boots for the season. There was, therefore, plenty to play for both teams. Tigers had suffered only one loss in their previous ten games, that being the 0-7 aberration in midweek to Canberra Olympic, and were full of goals. Indeed, both these teams were entertaining at both ends of the park. Tigers had scored forty-one and conceded thirty-eight before this match whilst Tuggeranong had a goal difference of zero, thirty-two going in at both ends.

Tuggeranong Head Coach Mitch Stevens made three changes to the team beaten at this venue in the final round of regular season football, Marco Gayer restored to leftback in place of Mitch Steenbergen, Connor Nolan coming into the midfield and Tom Pagett up front, alongside top scorer Aisosa Ihegie, as Eddie Coggan dropped to the bench. Interestingly, Stevens selected four midfielders usually suited to the central areas with Nolan on the left and Regan Walsh on the right. Tigers needed to make changes defensively with Michael Kita slotting into right-back, where he had played several good games this season whilst Jared Tonini dropped into central defence, typifying his utility value to Gaby Wilk.

And it was Wilk’s Tigers who got off to a flier. Much as they had done at Greenway in Round 2, they led 2-0 early before Tuggeranong fought back. It took ten minutes for Tigers to break the deadlock, Mark Shields’ lay-off inviting Nicolas Villafane to shoot from range and the Argentine did not disappoint, lashing an unstoppable left-footed shot high beyond Jakeb Wiseman and into the top corner. It was a splendid goal and 99

set the tone for the afternoon’s action that was relentless. Seven minutes later the Tigers fans were jubilant again. Tuggeranong made a huge hash of clearing a routine ball into the area allowing Villafane to spin on the loose ball and thwack a drive beyond the reach of Wiseman whose plunging effort to save was in vain. Tuggeranong were shocked, and Tigers looked the goods as this stage. But, Tuggeranong’s 2018 vintage are made of stern stuff and they created a little bit of history for themselves midway through the half.

The last time Tuggeranong had scored a goal in Finals football was on Sunday 18 September 1994 when Steve Bryant converted a penalty awarded after Lino Fiorese, the current Tigers FC Director of Football, had been upended in the box during the Grand Final loss to Canberra Olympic.

Thus, when Shane Murray swung a lazy right-foot at the ball in the 22nd minute, caressing his shot into the net off the base of the far post, it was Tuggeranong’s first finals goal in 24 years. More importantly it gave them a lifeline in the match. Ihegie might have drawn them level with a stinging drive that brought a save from Jakob Cole, but the teams entered the changing rooms with Tigers clinging precariously to a 2-1 advantage.

Tuggeranong emerged brightly in the second stanza and they looked the more likely to score next. Ihegie was causing problems to the Tigers defensive line with his pace and directness and his run into the box, magically released by a Gayer flick, culminated in a low cross-shot that cannoned off the post and was cleared to safety with no Tuggeranong player following up. The young striker, with ten goals to his name this term, was repelled again moments later as, from the other side of the field, he rasped an effort at goal from an acute angle that Cole pushed onto the post. In between times Nolan threatened to equalise himself after excellent work from Murray but Tigers were, just about, holding out.

For their part, Tigers went close through Shields, who just failed to get on the end of a delicious cross from Villafane from the right flank but, in the main, Tuggeranong were winning the midfield battle. Jeremias Ibarra was an outlet for Wilk’s team and his pace almost carved an opening for Robbie Deeley who arrowed a shot wide of the target.

The introduction of Sean Kiddey added his long-throw to Tuggeranong’s armoury but when they did level, in stoppage time, it was via a botched effort from Gayer. Rushing 100

a throw-in on the left, the ball was travelling harmlessly to Dom Colucciello, but the midfielders slip at the crucial time allowed Ihegie to intervene. He burst across field and flicked the ball to Daniel Roberts who, in turn, sent the ball wide to the awaiting Murray. The Irish midfielder took a touch and flashed a wicked ball across the six-yard box that eluded everyone except Walsh, sliding in at the far post, to touch into the empty net. The goal drew the game all-square and sent us into an extra half-hour. That was to prove just as eventful as the ninety minutes that preceded it.

Both teams had been issued cards throughout the game by Gary Vandeburgt, the match official, but none as costly as the one to Tigers FC goalkeeper Cole for timewasting. This came home to roost in extra-time when Coggan, chasing a lost cause, caught Cole as the ‘keeper tried to shepherd the ball out of play. Cole remained on the ground and, after an age and an altercation with the officials, was issued a second yellow card and a subsequent red. Cole maintained he had been asking whether the decision was a goal-kick or a free-kick and yet the official ruling was a second yellow card for dissent. Make your own minds up. What it did ensure was a debut for young goalkeeper Cody Nash in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Nash was thrust into the action for the final few minutes of normal time and was relieved that a free-kick from Walsh was too high in what would have been his first piece of real action. As it was he would have much to do in the penalty shoot-out that was seemingly inevitable. Tuggeranong had the better chances in extra-time, a Gayer back-heel seemed certain to enter the net only for Kita to clear off the line and Ihegie was denied again by Cole before his departure. Tigers had the last chance of the game and they almost won it with a stunning final blow. A corner found Deeley lurking on the edge of the area and his volley was propelled towards the net only for Wiseman, who had misjudged the original cross, to arc backwards and tip the ball over the bar for a corner. Shortly after, it was time for penalties.

A shoot-out is always a horrible way for a match to end with one team always gutted and the other celebrating and there’s usually a fall-guy or two thrown into the mix.

Tuggeranong went first and Nash, as was written in the stars, made an instant hero of himself diving low to his right to push Roberts’ spot-kick around the post. Deeley took advantage to fire Tigers FC ahead and Walsh replied in kind for Tuggeranong.

Wiseman kept United in the contest by blocking Tony Spaseski’s drilled shot, an 101

unfortunate end to a fine game for the central defender, but Pagett blazed his penalty way over the crossbar to hand the initiative back to the Tigers. Kita made no mistake with the Cooma sides fourth spot-kick whilst Murray never looked like missing for United. That left Shields to fire home in confident fashion meaning young defender Matt King had to score to keep Tuggeranong in the match. He didn’t. His weak shot down the middle was easily stopped by Nash and Tigers players and officials flooded to the young stopper, burying him under a pile of bodies, as Tigers kept their season alive at the end of 120 minutes-plus of gruelling, exhilarating entertainment.

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Competition: NPL Qualification Final Date: Saturday 25 August 2018 Result: Canberra FC 3 (Waters 45+2’, Mensah 54’, Subasic 89’) Canberra Olympic 5 (John 14’, Giampaolo 18’, Domenici 44’, Strika 84’, 90+2’ (p)) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Alex Twomey Assistants: Adam Powers, Nathan Shakespeare Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine Report: The second match of the day had much to live up to following the quality of the Elimination Final but the Qualification Final between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic did not disappoint. If the league Championship decider had been slightly prosaic in its ninety minutes this was far from that. Here, for the second match in succession, was a game packed full of incident, desire and action.

And, the outcome was left in doubt until the final throes of a game that had everyone on the edge of their seat. Canberra FC had made one change from the team that clinched the league title a week earlier welcoming back Thomas James into the side in place of Kofi Danning who had damaged an Achilles and was rested. Olympic meanwhile restored Angelo Konstantinou in goal and top scorer Michael John was drafted into the side for Nik Popovich, who was likely to miss a couple of weeks through an ankle injury.

FC threw down the gauntlet by displaying the League Championship trophy and the Federation Cup (the FFA Cup Qualifiers) on a plinth on the entry-way into the field, meaning the Olympic players had to walk past the trophies that FC had taken away from them. If that was a psychological ploy, it backfired spectacularly given the start that Olympic made as Frank Cachia’s team ripped apart their old enemy with forty-five minutes of outstanding football. They fired a warning shot as early as the seventh minute, midfielder Daniel Colbertaldo, later forced off the field with an ankle injury being replaced by Michael Reeve, hammered a drive from range that flew past the stranded Sam Brown and crunched off the inside of the ‘keeper’s left-hand upright rolling across the face of goal and somehow not ending up in the back of the net.

It proved to be a temporary reprieve. Moving the ball from front to back briskly and with accuracy, Josh Calabria broke to the edge of the area and rolled a square pass to a criminally unmarked John who steadied himself before rolling a finish under the advancing Brown and into the net. It was a ruthless piece of play that cared open the Champions. Barely had FC recovered from that blow when they found themselves 2-0 down within the opening twenty minutes. This time Brown misjudged a through ball, 103

hesitation between the FC stopper and Aiden Brunskill allowing Domenic Giampaolo in and the forward nudged the ball past the stricken ‘keeper, taking a touch to compose himself before placing the ball into the unguarded goal. Olympic were, by now rampant.

Stephen Domenici, John and Giampaolo were in sparkling form in attack and the FC defence just could not handle their movement. Giampaolo, in particular, was in mesmerising form, his little flicks and touches coming off and his pace and sharpness causing all sorts of issues. Shortly before half-time Olympic’s dominance got the third goal that it deserved. Again, the football was slick, John this time freeing Domenici who seemed to have an age to pick the corner and, almost lazily, clip the ball past the beleaguered Brown and into the net for 3-0. Game over? Not a bit of it as FC responded as only FC could. They desperately needed a route back into the contest and they got it in firsthalf stoppage time. Olympic, for the first time, appeared jittery at the back and failed to clear an FC corner. The ball fell to Matthew Waters who picked his spot and fired in of the base of the post to give his team a lifeline at the break.

It may have been an old football cliché, but the next goal was likely to be crucial in determining the outcome of the match and it was FC that got it. Whatever Paul Macor said at half-time had the desired effect and from a counter-attack nine minutes into the half James fed Michael Mensah inside the box. Mensah’s first touch wasn’t great, the ball spinning up off his foot, but the second was extraordinary. A frontal flick of the boot from a ridiculous height, looping the ball over Konstantinou and bringing FC right back into the match. It was Olympic’s turn to defend and the whole complexion of the match appeared to have changed. FC now seemed certain to equalise and, as the game became more fraught, the cards began to mount. Matt Grbesa, Ivan Pavlak, Waters, Ian Graham, James and Mensah of FC were all cautioned by referee Alex Twomey whilst Nathen Megic and substitute Oliver Wiederkehr didn’t escape punishment either. Incredibly, it would hardly matter as the tournament rules meant there was no accumulation of cards in the finals series.

The game was finally settled in favour of Olympic with six minutes remaining. Or so we all thought. Taking advantage of FC’s need for an equaliser, Olympic broke and the 104

classy Roko Strika strode away, cut inside a defender on the edge of the box and rifled a glorious finish past a rooted Brown for 4-2. Still though, FC were not done. Daniel Subasic, advanced to a more forward role in midfield rose highest to meet a cross and direct a stunning header in off the underside of the bar to reduce the score to 4-3 with a minute plus stoppage time remaining. Would there be time for the most dramatic of levellers? The answer would be no, but we did have more time for another goal. Strika was freed into space and as he bore down on goal was tripped from behind by Pavlak earning him the yellow card mentioned earlier. Strika took responsibility himself and sent Olympic to the Grand Final with a coolly struck kick. It was probably what we expected after half-an-hour but getting to the result had, like the game earlier, been a roller-coaster of emotion.

Double-header Finals every year? Based on this, let’s hope so!

Elsewhere in the WNPL: Whilst the NPL was at the Finals stages there was still one more catch-up match to be played in the Women’s NPL and Belconnen United ensured they would end the season unbeaten as they defeated Canberra United Academy for the second time in five days with a 3-1 win. The two were due to meet again the following Saturday in the Qualification Final so this match mattered very little and the Academy, as they did in the Federation Cup Final, took the lead early. On this occasion it was Laura Hughes who opened the scoring, her fifth minute strike giving Academy a lead they held onto for more than an hour. The Blue Devils were in no mood to let slip their unbeaten run and Karen Clarke pulled them level in the 62 nd minute. Michaela Day made it 2-1 eight minutes later and Clarke completed the scoring with five minutes to go. It was somewhat of a phony war however with bigger tests to come for both teams as the women’s season entered the finals stages.

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SEPTEMBER Work meant that I was unable to cover the men’s NPL Preliminary Final at Deakin Stadium as Canberra FC met Tigers FC with Brent Ford taking over the commentary duties for a match that would sort out who would meet Canberra Olympic in the Grand Final. The Canberra Times reported on what would turn into a rather one-sided match leading with the chance of Canberra FC claiming the treble. I reprint their match review in full here for the record.

Canberra FC coach Paul Macor isn't thinking about the treble. Not just yet anyway. His team cruised through to the Canberra Premier League Grand Final with a 5-0 thumping of Cooma at Deakin on Saturday. It means they could add the Championship to the League title they won as minor premiers, plus they won the Cup as well. But with 20 minutes left they only led the Tigers 1-0 and it could've gone either way, with Cooma striker Nicholas Villafane producing a thunderous free kick that only a brilliant Jordan Thurtell save prevented from being an equaliser. From there though it was all one-way traffic, with the home side scoring four times in 18 minutes to set up a date with Canberra Olympic in the Grand Final at Deakin Stadium next Saturday.

It will be the fifth time the two teams have met this season, with honours even so far.

Olympic won their last encounter 5-3 in the Major Semi-Final (Qualification Final). But FC could be without midfielder Ryan Keir, who re-injured his quadriceps muscle and didn't return after half-time. “I'm not thinking about the treble to be honest. Olympic is going to be hard. They've probably been the in-form team in the last six games,” Macor said. “They beat us last week 5-3 so we've just got to think about next week's game tomorrow and then we'll go from there.” Canberra FC opened the scoring in the 27th minute when a lovely Thomas James pass found Matthew Waters free on the left and he calmly slotted it past Tigers goalkeeper Cody Nash. Nash was a standout for the visitors, producing a string of fine saves throughout the game.

But he found himself under siege, especially after Cooma coach Gaby Wilk made some changes to chase the game in the final 20 minutes - taking off a defender and bringing on an extra attacker. Changes the mentor admitted didn't work. “When I did a few changes, everything changed. The plan no work,” Wilk said. “It is very hard when you haven't lost for 11 games. It's not easy. The boys do very well for the last 11 weeks.

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The confidence was there. It's a final, they were the best team and they played much better than us and deserved to win. Simple. I'm missing a few players too. But I'm very happy with what the boys have done [this season].”

James doubled Canberra FC's lead with 18 minutes left, before former A-League forward Kofi Danning produced a nice turn in the penalty box then lashed the ball home.

Canberra FC were awarded a penalty for a foul on James, that he calmly slotted past Nash, and the rout was complete with Danning's second, in injury time. “I always feel once we get an early goal we are the dominant team, because the last couple of weeks we've conceded some silly goals and then we've taken a backward step,” Macor said.

The Women’s NPL had reached the Semi-Final stage by this time with the Qualification Final between Belconnen United and Canberra United Academy and the Elimination Final between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic being played the same weekend as the men’s Preliminary Final. There was brief hope for an upset in the Qualification Final as The Academy, as they had done in most fixtures with Belconnen this season, more than held their own. Nicole Jalocha had put Belconnen ahead in the fourth minute before Hayley Taylor-Young drew the team’s level. Jasmine Maguire restored the hosts’ lead in the 34th minute but, barely four minutes later, Sarah Morgan made it 2-2. The scoring wasn’t done for the half and Karen Clarke made sure the Blue Devils led at the interval. Further strikes in the second half from Michaela Day and Caitlin Munoz made sure Belconnen would be returning to the Grand Final and the Academy would play next week’s Preliminary Final. There they would meet Canberra FC who saw off Canberra Olympic 2-0 thanks to a goal from Sophia Evans in the first half and a stoppage time second from Grace Gill. Canberra FC Head Coach Mark Risteski’s injury list grew longer as Marcia Wallis-Caporn limped off with, ironically, her replacement Evans scoring the game’s opening goal. It wasn’t to the last time that an untimely injury gave a substitute a shot at glory in the Women’s NPL.

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Competition: NPL Grand Final Date: Saturday 8 September Result: Canberra Olympic 1 (Megic 29’) Canberra FC 2 (James 78’, 86’) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Gary Vandeburgt Assistants: Owen Goldrick, Greg Taylor Fourth Official: Adam Powers Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Good Report: The Grand Final saw the fifth match-up of the season between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic and with the teams locked at two wins apiece, it would be a decider in more ways than one. The treble, won by Canberra Olympic two season’s previously, was also up for grabs for Paul Macor and his team with the League Championship and Federation Cup (FFA Cup Qualifying Final) trophies already in their locker. Canberra Olympic were without two of their most important players in midfielders Daniel Colbertaldo and Robbie Cattanach, the former having been unable to recover from the ankle ligament strain sustained when Michael Mensah had landed heavily on it during the Qualification Final. FC meanwhile welcomed back Kofi Danning, who had been rested for that match and he would play alongside Mensah up front in a familiar 4-4-2.

Myself and Steve Forshaw discussed the respective formations in the new Grand Final Preview show which ran for 25 minutes before kick-off, live from the stadium. In this segment we recapped matches played between the two clubs this season, the road to the Grand Final, spoke to the two Head Coaches during the warm-up and spotlighted the key individuals from both teams. For the match program put together by Capital Football, I profiled the four players who we believed would have a major influence on the outcome of the Final, and who we talked about in the pre-match build-up. The profiles that appeared in that edition of the Grand Final program are reproduced below in full. There’s more to work on in the pre-match show but, in the main, it appeared to be quite smooth-sailing and could become a good addition to the coverage on matchday.

NATHEN MEGIC (Canberra Olympic) Teak tough and robust in the challenge, few players offer as much defensive solidity as Nathen Megic at his peak. The central stopper, who can also play on the left of the rear-guard or a as holding midfielder if necessary, is blessed with a wonderful left foot and is an aerial threat at both ends of the park. Megic is a vital component of the Olympic defensive set-up and, quite simply, Frank Cachia’s team are a different outfit when their defensive colossus is present. It was Megic, in combination with regular 108

partner Nick Bobolas, who helped to successfully nullify Canberra FC striker Michael Mensah in the Qualification Final with his combination of silk and steel perfectly epitomised in a bullying display that saw him physically match his opponent stride for stride. Elegant in possession and with an eye for a pass, Megic’s contribution to the Grand Final could well have a defining impact on the outcome.

MICHAEL JOHN (Canberra Olympic) Canberra Olympic’s go-to man for a goal, he has eleven in all competitions this season, it was Michael John who set his team on the way in the Qualification Final with an effervescent display of front-running. His calmness under pressure was exemplified by his opening goal that evening, and his contribution to Stephen Domenici’s crucial third just before the break should not be underestimated. Much more than just pace, although he is blessed with an abundance of that, John has trickery in his boots, a perceptive football brain and can cause havoc with his intelligent running off the ball.

He has a penchant for scoring against Canberra FC as well, which is a useful asset to have in the armoury, as it was John’s goal that settled the Round 10 clash at Deakin Stadium in favour of the visitors. Unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up for the League decider. John’s involvement in the Qualification Final was instrumental in the result.

THOMAS JAMES (Canberra FC) Canberra FC’s main man in an attacking sense, a box of tricks in possession and a difficult opponent to contain for any defensive set-up, Thomas James has enjoyed a standout 2018 NPL campaign. With 19 goals in the league, and 24 overall to his name, 109

he has been a constant threat wherever FC have gone. It’s not just been the goals that have impressed, although the variety and amount have been enough to justify rumoured A-League interest in the English-born front-man. His work-rate is phenomenal and his willingness to trackback and help defensively earns him the gratitude of his team-mates and the FC support. But, it’s in the attacking third that he thrives. The ability to drive hard at the opposition, whilst dribbling at pace, and the low centre of gravity, enables James to carve openings for himself and others almost at will. Deadly from the set-piece as well, his free-kicks are often a thing of beauty, James could play the pivotal part this afternoon.

MATT GRBESA (Canberra FC) The lynchpin at the heart of Canberra FC’s notoriously miserly defence, there’s not a lot that Matt Grbesa hasn’t done on the local NPL scene and this Grand Final offers him a chance to cement his place in Canberra FC folklore. Returning to the club where he initially made his name, Grbesa has been a tower of strength at the back as Canberra FC claimed a 23rd League Championship with a series of consistent displays throughout the campaign. His no-nonsense style, coupled with a powerful aerial game and an outstanding sense of distribution, means Grbesa is the prototype for a modern central defensive player. Three goals this season, including a vital, perfectly placed chip from an acute angle in the FFA Cup Qualifiers Final against Gungahlin United, showcased Grbesa’s happy-knack of popping up with a vital contribution in the opposite penalty area. His contribution, at both ends of the park, will have a major bearing on today’s result.

The match itself followed much the same pattern as the previous encounters between the teams this season but with one major difference. There was a noticeable tension in the ranks and a certain feistiness that lingered throughout the ninety minutes. The tone was set early when Josh Calabria, somewhat out of character, collected Thomas James late on the halfway line, precipitating a flick of the boot from the prostrate Englishman as the two tangled and went to ground. A warning was deemed sufficient for both parties. Later, Ian Graham was pinged for a robust challenge in the middle of the park, one of several such challenges that were flashing around as the game simmered along. By the end of the ninety minutes, six players would have been cautioned and the on-going spat between Megic and James threatened to boil over with the Olympic defender claiming that the FC attacker had spat on him. James had also been involved in an off-the-ball collision with Bernard Rene, the Olympic substitute felled with what appeared to be an elbow and which led to a caution for James at the other end of the park.

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All this was going on whilst the game was ticking over and the action intensified. Whatever plans Franck Cachia had for Olympic were effectively ripped up and thrown out the door in the first half as he lost defender Tim Bobolas and striker Nik Popovich to injuries. Bobolas, who had a heavily wrapped thigh lasted a little over twenty minutes before making way for Rene whilst Popovich lasted slightly longer before crumpling in a heap and being led disconsolately off the field to be replaced by Michael Reeve, a reshuffle required as Olympic began to run out of defensive options. One of their defenders though gave them the lead, again in controversial circumstances, just before the half-hour mark. A corner from Domenic Giampaolo into the area saw Calabria challenge with goalkeeper Sam Brown, the ball eluding the pair and being met by Megic at the far post. His first effort came back off the post before the tall stopper bundled the loose ball over the line from close range for his first goal of the season. A great time for Cachia’s side, who had lost the 2017 Grand Final, to take the lead. The replay, and subsequent photographic evidence, suggested that the FC custodian had a case when he claimed to have been impeded by Calabria’s aerial challenge. Whatever the case, Olympic led.

It was an advantage they took with them into the break with FC having rarely tested Angelo Konstantinou in goal. In fact, neither ‘keeper had been particularly busy, but that would change in the second half. Olympic almost had a second before FC were settled. A lovely move saw Roko Strika and Stephen Domenici combine, the later slipping a slide-rule pass into the feet of Michael John whose initial stepover had flummoxed the FC defence. John did everything right, but his left-footed side-foot shot rolled agonisingly wide of the far post. It was almost Domenici’s last involvement; the forward also being forced off the field through injury with Oliver Wiederkehr coming on and forcing another Olympic re-jig. FC had earlier summoned Jordan Lamb from the bench to replace Ryan Keir as they looked to force their way back into the tie. They came close when Michael Mensah acrobatically met a header with an overhead kick that Angelo Konstantinou, diving to his left, pushed around the post for a corner.

The let-off was short-lived as, just four minutes later, Canberra FC drew level.

Inevitably, it was their main-man James who provided the goal. Receiving the ball wide out on the left flank, James still had plenty to do, but cut inside two attempted tackles before wrapping his foot around the shot, sending a scudding right-footer past 111

a wrong-footed Konstantinou and into the far corner of the net. It was a moment of magic form James and one that had come to typify the 2018 campaign. If James was a chance for Player of the Year honours he did himself no further harm when he bagged the matchwinner with just four minutes remaining. James was again left with far too much room on the left side of the penalty area, collecting a pass from Matthew Waters and taking a touch before rifling an effort from inside the box past Konstantinou at his near post. It was a strike that the ‘keeper was blindsided by and shook the foundations of Deakin Stadium. A shot that would earn FC the coveted treble. It left Olympic with little time to respond and, hit by the double sucker-punch, they simply had nothing left to give.

“Everyone's buzzing. We got the treble this year. It's my first grand final we've won, I've lost three,” James said afterwards in his post-match media comments. “I'm happy.

I turned it on this one, it's taken me four attempts. Glad we won to be fair. I thought we were going to lose that one, but we kept going, got the job done.” For Canberra Olympic, Head Coach Frank Cachia was adamant they gave their all in a valiant losing effort. “Our guys were outstanding. We lost three players all to injury, even before the game losing Colbertaldo,” he said. “I can't ask any more from the guys and the effort they put in. I just had a quick chat to these guys and said there's a lot of players here that don't deserve to be on the losing side.” James, naturally, collected the Valeri Medal given to the Player of the Match for his match-winning brace as Canberra FC welcomed the trophy into their rapidly growing collection.

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GRAND FINAL STATISTICS Canberra Olympic (1) 1 (Megic 29’) Canberra FC (0) 2 (James 78’, 86’) Teams Canberra Olympic: 1. Angelo KONSTANTINOU, 2. Tim BOBOLAS (8. Bernard RENE 24’), 3. Josh CALABRIA, 7. Stephen DOMENICI (99. Oliver WIEDERKEHR 69’), 9. Nik POPOVICH (11. Michael REEVE 36’), 10. Roko STRIKA, 14. Domenic GIAMPAOLO, 15.

Tom MCLACHLAN, 17. Nick BOBOLAS, 22. Michael JOHN, 23. Nathen MEGIC Canberra FC: 1. Sam BROWN, 3. Daniel SUBASIC, 4. Matt GRBESA, 5. Michael MENSAH, 6. Ryan KEIR (15. Jordan LAMB 55’) 7. Matt WATERS, 8. Ian GRAHAM (12.

Christian PRATEZINA 72’), 9. Thomas JAMES, 10. Kofi DANNING (2. Marko VRKIC 90+3’), 11. Ivan PAVLAK, 17. Aiden BRUNSKILL Yellow Cards Canberra Olympic: 3. Josh CALABRIA, 10. Roko STRIKA, 17. Nick BOBOLAS Canberra FC: 4. Matt GRBESA, 8. Ian GRAHAM, 9. Thomas JAMES

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Competition: WNPL Preliminary Final Date: Sunday 9 September Result: Canberra United Academy 2 (Hughes 29’, Halse 55’) Canberra FC 3 (Gill 40’, 110’, Langtry 90+1’) – after extra time Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Harry Shield Assistants: Lauren Hargrave, Carlina Mullet Fourth Official: Scott Brown Co-Commentator: Grace Maher Weather: Started Fine, but cooling Report: We were back at McKellar Park the day after the men’s Grand Final for the penultimate match of the Women’s league season, the Preliminary Final as Canberra United Academy and Canberra FC faced off to see who would meet Belconnen United in the Grand Final the following week. Canberra FC were missing up to seven players that could be construed as first choice selections, including 2017 Grand Final heroine Chantel Jones, leaving Mark Risteski, their Head Coach, with a dilemma over how to counter such problems. He opted for a 4-3-3 with Grace Gill at the pointy end of a midfield triumvirate which also included the energetic Krista Hagen and the ball-playing of Jamie Berkeley. Up front Sophia Evans, who had scored the first goal in the Elimination Final against Canberra Olympic, was picked as the number nine, flanked by the pace of Diarna Genovesi and Rachael Goldstein.

Ryan Grogan, in his final season as Head Coach at the Canberra United Academy, had other things to contend with on the morning of the match as his car was broken into and his laptop, and other possessions, stolen. He could be forgiven for having his mind elsewhere, but selected a 4-3-3 of his own, with a slight tactical tweak. Karly Roestbakken, often the lynchpin in midfield, was deployed in the centre of the back four, alongside the classy Courtney Halse with Sarah Morgan and Molly Lawless adding speed down the flanks from full-back. Lara Agnew started further forward with Stella De Marco offering protection for the defence, allowing Laura Hughes the freedom to roam in the centre of the park. And, of course, there was 45-goal Aofie Colvill up top.

What followed was a game that was open and exciting as Grace Maher re-joined me in the commentary position. The early stages were all Academy with Colvill, who remarkably despite her huge goal-haul had not bagged one in front of the BarTV cameras with me behind the microphone, so apologies to all involved there, in sharp form leading the line. It was her involvement that brought the opening goal. Colvill ran the right channel, beat here marker and slid a ball across the face of the six-yard box 114

where Hughes, arriving on cue, slid in a first-time shot past Vasta. It looked for a large part of the game like being the only goal of the opening half with a Colvill free-kick, fumbled by Vasta but recovered in the nick of time, the only other opening of note.

Crucially for their hopes though, FC were able to equalise on half-time. Like in the NPL Grand Final the day before, there was more than a hint of controversy as Ivana Galic appeared to collect Academy ‘keeper Sally James in attempting to head home a corner, the loose ball falling to Gill who could hardly have hit the shot better, rasping a drive through a crowd of players and into the roof of the net. No foul was awarded, the goal was given and, not for the first time at McKellar this season, the Academy could feel aggrieved.

The half-time score of 1-1 was a fair enough reflection of the contest however and the second half continued in much the same vein as the Academy re-took the lead in the 55th minute. Colvill might not have scored but she was involved heavily once more. It was her free-kick that Vasta pushed onto the post and allowed Halse, running in, to thrash home form the angle for her first goal of the season. An unlikely scorer indeed.

If that was a story waiting to be written, one more was to follow. In a last-gasp effort to equalise, Risteski threw on back-up goalkeeper Georgia Stewart as a field player, replacing Evans. Stewart had time to get involved with a deft flicked header almost releasing Genovesi before her evening was ended, she went down with what appeared to be a knee injury that forced yet another swap for Risteski. Zoe Langtry was hurriedly called upon to replace the stricken Stewart.

The seconds were running out and the Academy looked to have booked their Grand Final pass only for it all to change in the most dramatic fashion. Roestbakken, who was imperious throughout, made her only error of the evening, rushing to take a stoppage time goal-kick and sending it only thirty metres from her own net. FC took the throw quickly and a pass find Langtry, unmarked, on the penalty spot. The player who wouldn’t have been there but for Stewart’s untimely injury, took a touch and crashed a shot past James to make it 2-2 and send the game into extratime.

The extra half-hour brought limited chances at both ends but the defining moment occurred in the 110th minute. A cross towards the top of the area reared up and struck Morgan on the arm leading the referee, Harry Shield, to award a free-kick. It was 115

unlucky on Morgan, but the correct call. It was perfect Grace Gill territory and the midfielder lined it before curling a shot with some violence over the wall and into the net past James who barely saw it.

Frustration began to mount for the Academy and, as time tucked away, Hughes was dismissed, earning a second yellow card for dissent after taking a quick free-kick into the legs of Hagen and complaining when no call was made in her favour. It looked harsh on the industrious midfielder and was a disappointing way for her season, which had been superb, to come to an end. There was one last concerted effort from the Academy, but FC held firm and would make a return to the Grand Final at the same venue in which they had stunned their opponents, Belconnen United, twelve months previously.

In an astonishing feat, Belconnen United had nine teams make the finals series and all nine made their respective Grand Finals. By the time the Blue Devils would take the field in the Women’s NPL showdown they could have wrapped up a pile of silverware.

But, Head Coach Antoni Jagarinec was more than aware that FC would pose a serious tilt at what could be an unbeaten record. “They won the grand final last year. That's theirs, no one can take it away from them,” Jagarinec said in an interview with the Canberra Times. “It hurt, definitely, at the time, going to penalties. The amount of chances we created in that match and couldn't score against Chantel Jones was huge.

So, we'll go out there this week and remember how much it hurt but leave it in the past. We can only affect this weekend, we can't affect last year.” Before that though there was one more men’s match to be done with, the NPL Finals Series.

As champions of the ACT, Canberra FC were paired with Campbelltown City from South Australia in the NPL Elimination Final (a quarter final in everything but name) with Heidelberg United from Victoria (who had beaten Devonport Strikers from Tasmania 3-2 the week before), Lions FC (Queensland), Edgeworth Eagles (Northern New South Wales), Sydney Olympic (NSW) and Perth Soccer Club (Western Australia) making up the other entrants.

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Competition: NPL Finals Series Date: Saturday 15 September Result: Canberra FC 0 Campbelltown City 3 (M. Mullen 6’, Ditroia 79’, 90+7’) Venue: Deakin Stadium Referee: Katie Patterson Assistants: Georgia Ghirardello, Nathan Shakespeare Fourth Official: Lauren Hargrave Co-Commentator: Steve Forshaw Weather: Fine, but with a blustery cold wind Report: The NPL Finals series returned to Canberra for the second year in succession as Canberra FC were at home against Campbelltown City from South Australia. Canberra Olympic had been defeated 1-4 by Edgeworth Eagles in their 2017 Finals attempt, continuing a run that had seen Canberra sides beaten in all their NPL Finals matches since the inception of the competition in 2013. For the challenge of the team from Adelaide, FC Head Coach Paul Macor made four changes to the side which had won the Grand Final the weekend before. In came goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell for Sam Brown, defender Ross Costanzo for Aiden Brunskill and midfielders Christian Pratezina and Jordan Lamb for Ryan Keir and Michel Mensah. Initially, Marko Vrkic was named to start by Paul Macor but slipped to the substitutes bench just prior to kick-off as Ian Graham was brought into the side.

The South Australian side were a handy looking outfit. They’d win the South Australian NPL by five points and claimed the double by winning the Grand Final against Adelaide City, riding their luck when City missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time, before Yuhei Matsumoto netted a 47th minute winner. Their Head Coach, former NSL legend and two-timed capped Socceroo Joe Mullen, was forced into two changes from his Grand Final winning line-up as Andrew Maio and Anthony Ture started in pace of Marc Marino, who was on the bench, and their leading scorer Dion Kirk. Kirk would miss the contest after suffering a broken leg in the Grand Final and his dozen goals were thought to be a big miss for the Red Devils. Either way, it was still a handy side with former A-League start Iain Fyfe a dominating presence at the back.

Campbelltown City had been delayed on their arrival in Canberra by a slight flight delay but showed no signs of any rustiness as they launched onto the attack almost immediately. It was apparent within moments that their midfield trio of Maio, Alexander Mullen and Adam Piscioneri were all class. And with Ture, Matsumoto and Luigi Ditroia willing front-runners, making shrewd darts out wide and deep when required, Canberra FC were soon up against it. The home side had conceded the first 117

goal of the Grand Final from a corner at the Ivan Bulum Stand end of the ground and they did the same here after just six minutes. Alex Mullen arrived free and unmarked at the back post to plant a firm header past Thurtell giving the ‘keeper no chance. City continued to press and with Ture looking sharp out wide and Matsumoto running the game from a deep-lying role, FC were chasing shadows. They re-imposed themselves on the contest before the break, but their attacking threats of Thomas James and Kofi Danning were getting little joy out of the Red Devils back four. Macor noted the inconsistent aerial duels and summoned Michael Mensah into action for Lamb. His extra physical presence at least meant FC had an outlet, but City held comfortably to their 1-0 lead at the interval.

The second half continued in the same pattern as FC attempted to find a way past a solid City backline. With full-backs Jake Halliday and Shawn Harvey adding to the attack with some well-timed overlapping runs, the FC defence was beginning to get stretched. City should have wrapped the game up well before they had their second of the match with twelve minutes to play. Thurtell had a lucky escape when he misjudged a bouncing ball and was beaten to it by Ditroia and the forward seemed certain to score, only to dawdle in possession and allow Thurtell to recover to make a fine save. The Canberra FC custodian made an even better stop moments later, flinging himself, wrong-footed, to his right to palm a header from Matthew Mullen away for a corner.

A second goal was coming, and it duly arrived in the 78th minute.

Again, Ditroia was too quick to a bouncing ball, beating Thurtell in the challenge and then thwacking the loose ball gleefully into the empty net from around the penalty spot mark. The lively attacker was to add the gloss on the score-line for the visitors in the seventh minute of stoppage time with his thirteenth goal of the season. Alex Mullen tried his luck with an outrageous attempt from fully 35m that cannoned back off the crossbar. Ditroia was liveliest to the rebound and controlled the ball before sliding home from close range to make to 3-0 and send the South Australians into the NPL Finals Series last four. It was, on the balance of play, no more than they deserved and the ACT’s hunt for an NPL Finals series win would continue for another year.

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My employment with the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championship meant that I was unable to commentate on the showpiece Women’s match of the season, the 2018 Grand Final. Brent Ford took over the commentating duties for the big match as Belconnen United looked for revenge against a Canberra FC side that had stunned them at this very stage in 2017. There had been rumours during the week that Belconnen United had been in trouble in the goalkeeping department with Klara Manenica supposedly in doubt with a finger injury. A win for Head Coach Antoni Jagarinec and his side would give them an unprecedented fourth successive treble and they would be heavily backed by the local football experts with, or without, their shot-stopper.

‘Jagarinec took the reins in 2010 and had made the Grand Final in every season, winning five, with the help of names like Michelle Heyman and Caitlin Munoz who have also starred for the Matildas’, the Canberra Times reported in their pre-match build-up. ‘What makes the achievements all the more impressive is there has been an enormous turnover of Belconnen players in Jagarinec's tenure, but the coach said they all turn up with the same attitude. “I did a count last week and I've had 63 different girls in the past seven years, so there's always new faces coming in and refreshing the group all the time, but we do have a core bunch,” Jagarinec said. “This year we have a very young side, but we've maintained our consistency which I think comes back to culture, work ethic and the professionalism they show. Based on how hard we work the accolades are deserved and I tell the girls all the time - the harder we work the more rewards we'll get.” Only Katie Woodman and Michaela Day have been with Jagarinec all the way through and the 31-year-old mentor sees himself coaching well into the future. “I started coaching because of my sister in her junior days 15 years ago and I never left,” Jagarinec said. “I play State League as well which clashes a lot, but coaching is definitely my first priority, and as long as the players stick around, and [the] club looks after us I'll be staying for a long time.”’

The match itself proved to be a great occasion with Canberra FC pushing Belconnen United all the way. Capital Football’s match report was as follows: ‘A best on ground performance from Belconnen United’s Madelyn Whittall helped the Blue Devils to a clinical 3-1 victory over defending champions Canberra FC in the 2018 WNPL Grand Final on Sunday afternoon at McKellar Park. The first 15 minutes were a frantic affair as both sides struggled to settle or take control of the game, with just a handful of 119

attacking forays the most either side put forward. The Premiers soon began to settle though, and both Ellie Raymond and Whittall created dangerous opportunities but a touch too many allowed the Canberra FC backline to recover with Alice Churchill doing an excellent job of covering the early raids. But just after the 20-minute mark United had their lead as a blocked shot came out to Nicole Jalocha on the edge of the area.

She took a touch to her right before curling an effort through the congested box and past Nat Vasta into the corner to give her side an early advantage. Canberra FC jumped into action almost immediately though and restored parity twelve minutes later. A timely one-two down the left set Rachael Goldstein free and she cut the ball back perfectly for Diarna Genovesi to sweep home from right in front and put her side back on level terms. Late chances from wingers Jasmine Maguire and Raymond in the half couldn’t find the target, denying United a lead at the break and ensuring the two sides went in tied at 1-1.

Nerves appeared to play a part at the beginning of the second half as well, with both sides struggling to find their groove early on. Canberra FC had plenty of the early running with Grace Gill in particular, directing proceedings through the middle, but Whittall was creating the biggest chances as she came close twice in a five-minute span as the game entered the final half hour. A set piece a long way out seemed to present Belconnen with a good chance for a cross, but Karen Clarke’s ball in had other ideas as it sailed over Vasta and into the top corner to put United ahead with fifteen minutes to play. That put them firmly in control and they began to chase a sealer as time wound down, and eventually found it through star midfielder Caitlin Munoz.

The veteran stood over another free-kick and curled a superb effort over the wall and into the corner to leave Vasta with no chance and put her side ahead by two goals.

That’s how it ended at McKellar as United completed a remarkable, undefeated 2018 treble and grabbed their revenge from the 2017 Grand Final.

The Canberra Times extolled the virtues of the Munoz goal labelling it a ‘world-class finish’ and it’s something that Head Coach Antoni Jagarinec agreed with in the postmatch wash-up. “That was intense. The girls were really good, we're ecstatic. It wasn't the easiest game this season, but it's a Grand Final and Deakin [Canberra FC] really brought it to us.” Jagarinec said. “A couple of key moments in the game, a couple of world-class finishes. I'm really proud of the girls, they executed the game plan sensationally. Caitlin's top corner, that's world class. She still is the best female 120

footballer that Canberra's ever produced and at one point in her life she was the best Australian footballer in my eyes as well. With all those years of experience she puts that ball where she needs to put it. I can't speak highly enough of her as a person and as a player. She deserved that one million per cent.”

The Julie Murray medal Winner was Madelyn Whittall and the striker was equally as happy as Jagarinec to lay the ghosts of 2017 well and truly to bed. “It's awesome after last year how we lost the grand final against these guys and to come up against them again this year and just smash them, it's awesome," Whittall said. “I definitely could have scored five or six. I needed to take a lot more chances than I did and put them away, but any other game they'd be in the net.” There was still one more test for this remarkable group of players and one that could have greater repercussions than just an end of season challenge match.

GRAND FINAL STATISTICS Belconnen United (1) 3 (Jalocha 21’, Clarke 74’, Munoz 87’) Canberra FC (1) 1 (Genovesi 33’) Teams Belconnen United: 1. Klara MANENICA, 3. Lauren KEIR, 4.

Bronte PYKE, 5. Jessie RASSCHAERT, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 8. Michaela DAY, 9. Jasmine MAGURE, 11. Madelyn WHITTALL, 12. Nicole JALOCHA, 13.

Karen CLARKE, 14. Ellie RAYMOND (7. Jessie WILLIAMS 66’) Canberra FC: 1. Nastasja VASTA, 2.

Alice CHURCHILL, 3. Tiana MALNAR, 4. Krista HAGEN, 6. Amy MCLACHLAN, 7. Sophia EVANS (15. Alexia PANAGIOTOPOLOUS 56’), 9. Grace GILL, 12. Rachael GOLDSTEIN (22.

Zoe LANGTRY 48’), 14. Diarna GENOVESI, 15. Ivana GALIC, 17. Jamie BERKELEY

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EXTRA-TIME: AND STILL IT WASN’T DONE Competition: Women’s Challenge Match Date: Saturday 22 September Result: Belconnen United 0 Sydney University 1 (Russell 84’) Venue: McKellar Park Referee: Georgia Ghirardello Assistants: Carlina Mullett, Lauren Hargrave Fourth Official: Aisha Strutt Co-Commentator: Annica Schoo Weather: Fine Report: The concept of a Challenge match between the League Champions of the ACT and New South Wales was certainly an intriguing proposition and with a fully-fledged trophy on the line, and a weighty one at that, there was little doubt that the interest of the footballing public had been piqued by this event. There were possibly far reaching consequences to this type of fixture as well with the Women’s game crying out for the potential of an FFA Cup or an NPL Finals Series of its own. As such, this match could be viewed as a precursor to any such competition that might come about. Indeed, this was far from a one-off as the respective champion teams had agreed to meet again next season. Perhaps the only disappointment was the scheduling of the match, the timing meaning that the visitors were shorn of several of their top line players, squirrelled away to W-League training by a cluster of clubs. Top scorer Courtney Vine was a case in point, the 22-goal striker having to miss the clash due to training commitments with the Newcastle Jets.

These were still two hugely talented sides with Sydney University able to call upon Republic of Ireland international Julianne Russell as well as a couple of players familiar to the McKellar Park surroundings in centre back Taryn King and centre-forward Nickoletta Flannery, both Canberra United standouts in the 2017 national competition. Both teams were minus their first-choice goalkeepers as well, Sydney University giving a debut to triallist Courtney Newbon, whilst Belconnen recalled the retired Maja Blasch for her first match at this level in over two years. There really was very little to pick between the teams in the chess-style encounter that followed, particularly in the first half in which the respective midfields cancelled each other out with chances at a real premium.

The best of these opportunities fell the way of the visitors who, after an even first forty-five minutes, created two excellent openings within the last five minutes of the 123

first-half. The first saw Russell squeeze her way in behind the Blue Devils defence, only for Blasch to deny the Irish forward with a fine save with her feet. Minutes later it was the turn of Flannery to be thwarted as Blasch blocked her one-on-one effort wide for a corner. From the resultant kick, Russell cut inside and flashed a drive just past the angle of crossbar and post. At the other end Newbon looked very composed on the ball with her distribution with her feet outstanding suggesting that Sydney University Head Coach, Alex Epakis, a former Canberra United Assistant Coach to Rae Dower, had a possibly signing on his hands.

The second half was very similar to the first as the Blue Devils managed to craft their best chances of the game with a ten-minute spell of pressure. Firstly, Jessie Rasschaert headed over from a Michaela Day free-kick before Caitlin Munoz and Madelyn Whittall combined, the former sending a perfect pass to Jessie Williams who, on her last match for the Belconnen club before returning to Tasmania to play in the AFL Women’s competition, saw her shot well saved by Newbon. It was always likely that one goal would settle the contest and, with extratime and possibly penalties looming, it was the visitors who got it. Substitute Gabby Peak broke down the right flank and whipped over a delicious cross that the advancing Russell met with a looping header that gave Blasch no chance. It was fitting that Russell, the best player on the park and the recipient of the player of the match medal, would provide the decisive moment.

In the end the result hardly mattered, although for the ultra-competitive Blue Devils a loss is rare. It was the possibility of future national competition that excited the most.

Outgoing Belconnen United president Tony Barr said as much in the post-match wrap in the Canberra Times. “Ultimately you hope that there's going to be an FFA Cup for the women as well,” Barr said. “Having the ACT premier playing the NSW premier is a great first step. This is between the NSW Federation and Capital Football so whoever comes first at the end of the normal comp will play it. We'll play it one year down here and one up there. We're spewing the first one's down here, we were hoping to get a trip up to Sydney.” It was a prospect that excited Belconnen midfielder Day as well who commented, “that's something we've been hanging out for, for a long time. If this goes well and it's competitive I think everyone from all the leagues across Australia would love us to have an FFA Cup style set-up as well.” But, that was for another day.

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NPL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Thomas JAMES (Canberra FC) A standout year for one of, if not the, league’s best player. Thomas James was in irresistible form for much of the 2018 NPL season and deservedly walked away with the Player of the Year award at the end of season presentation for the NPL competition. His contribution was not just marked by goals, although there were plenty of them with the forward claiming the Golden Boot on the division with 21 league goals and 26 overall, but his willingness to work for his team was also noticeable. A beautifully taken goal in the FFA Cup attracted the notice of A-League scouts and James has the ability and skills to go up another level if afforded the opportunity. He remains a spiky character on the field, his Grand Final display where he was niggly throughout but ended up the match-winner with a brace of well-take goals, was perhaps the defining TJ performance of the season.

Nicolas VILLAFANE (Tigers FC) The Tigers main threat from both a goalscoirng and creative viewpoint, Nicolas Villafane took to the NPL competition like the proverbial duck to water. He wasted no time in settling in to the Tigers eclectic mix, showing the watching division his capabilities both from open play and from set-pieces where his dead-eyed delivery and lethal finishing caught the eye. Villafane scored some wonderful goals during the season and often saved the best for the BarTV cameras seemingly running his own goal of the season competition as one exquisite strike followed another. In the early part of the season, Tigers FC Head Coach Gaby Wilk played Villafane in a deeper role, but he soon shifted him slightly further up the pitch, allowing him to operate in the space behind the main forward and collect eighteen goals along the way. A top player who we are all hoping will return for a second stint.

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Artur RATTEL (Riverina Rhinos) A football purists footballer. Artur Rattel, the Estonian midfield playmaker who had played Champions League and Europa League football, was a magnificent addition to the NPL and often had opposition manager’s purring. Blessed with acceleration from a standing start, the perceptive ability to play in a tight, enclosed space, and the creative skills to open the tightest of defences, Rattel was the Rhinos best player and one of the best in the whole competition. That he only ended up with four goals was no blight on his personal season which was littered with outstanding contributions as the Riverina side found their feet at this level. Surely destined for greater things, the playmaker boasts two good feet and, in an environment surrounded by players of equal talent, would undoubtedly thrive. The Rhinos diamond will look to kick on again in 2019.

Matt GRBESA (Canberra FC) The defensive rock upon which Canberra FC’s remarkable treble was founded. Matt Grbesa was a strong, solid and all-consuming presence in Head Coach Paul Macor’s allconquering Red Army. Those that watch football in Canberra wouldn’t have been surprised by Grbesa’s performances throughout 2018 however, as he as oozed class and maturity over several seasons at this level. Leading by example, Grbesa thundered into tackles, sprayed passes around the park and even found the time to score three times, including of course a magnificently placed volley in the FFA Cup Qualifying Final, a goal that helped to win the Federation Cup. A virtual ever-present in the side, Grbesa was one of the first names on the team sheet and was a vital presence in the march towards Canberra FC regaining the League title, the competition they hold most dear. Showing no sign of slowing down, the ageless Grbesa will be around to torment strikers for many years to come.

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Daniel COLBERTALDO (Canberra Olympic) The man that makes Canberra Olympic tick, Daniel Colbertaldo’s importance to the Olympic set-up was no more fully illustrated than during his absence from the Grand Final where Canberra FC was able to overturn a 1-0 deficit and come away with the final part of the treble. In the Qualification Final it was Colbertaldo who, before his injury, had inspired his side to a lightning start, building a 3-0 lead that could have been more, the midfielder himself rattling the frame of the goal with a bullet of a shot from range. Of the fourteen matches that Colbertaldo played in 2018 he only tasted defeat twice, to Riverina Rhinos away and in the Championship decider against Canberra FC. With Colbertaldo, Olympic are a different proposition and it’s no surprise that Head Coach Frank Cachia, and those in the know, rate Colbertaldo as the most effective midfielder in the region.

OFFICIAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

1. Jordan THURTELL (Canberra FC), 2. Tim BOBOLAS (Canberra Olympic), 3. Ivan PAVLAK (Canberra FC), 4. Matt GRBESA (Canberra FC), 5. Jack GREEN (Gungahlin United), 6. Dustin WELLS (Belconnen United), 7. Olaide YINKA-KEHINDE (WodenWeston FC), 8. Shane MURRAY (Tuggeranong United), 9. Nicolas VILLAFANE (Tigers FC), 10. Daniel COLBERTALDO (Canberra Olympic, 11. Thomas JAMES (Canberra FC) 127

WNPL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Aofie COLVILL (Canberra United Academy) The league’s leading goalscorer, Aofie Colvill started the season scoring goals and rarely let off throughout a super-productive 2018 campaign. The sheer volume of goals tells its own story as the young prodigy, who has tasted W-League football with Canberra United, weighed in with 42 league goals and 45 in total to record simply astonishing figures. Colvill rattled in seven hat-tricks over the course of the season, including two six-goal games and a five-goal haul. Incredibly, Colvill scored against every team apart from four matches against her nemesis, Belconnen United, whose defensive nous snuffed out the goal threat. Colvill’s pace is her main weapon, but her intelligent use of space and ability to run the channels offers an outlet for her team mates when under pressure. There’s sure to be loads more strikes to come from this goal-machine in forthcoming years.

Grace GILL (Canberra FC) A simply outstanding season from Canberra FC midfielder Grace Gill was punctuated by seventeen goals, a superb return for a player not usually noted for her goal output. Positioned in a more advanced role in 2018, Gill was the fulcrum around which Canberra FC ticked, her precise passing and venomous shooting being the primary source of goal threat from the Deakinbased side. The injury to Chantel Jones placed even more emphasis on Gill’s workload, but she shouldered the responsibility and was the go-to player when her team needed her the most. A double in the dramatic Preliminary Final win over Canberra United Academy was a season highlight, including a rasping matchwinning free-kick, and, although she was unable to drag her team to Grand Final glory once more, there could be little doubting her personal contribution across a brilliant season.

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Karly ROESTBAKKEN (Canberra United Academy) The heartbeat of the Canberra United Academy side and fast becoming a mainstay of the Canberra United WLeague team, the efforts of Karly Roestbakken in 2018 deserve to be mentioned. Her drive from midfield, ability to pick a pass, relentless determination and a not inconsiderable eye for goal, she bagged thirteen in all competitions last season, make for almost the perfect player. Her dynamism in the middle of the park was certainly missed in the Preliminary Final when, due to injuries, she was deployed as a central defender, but she still almost found the key to unlocking the Canberra FC defence as the game went into extra time. Still incredibly young, the sky appears to be the limit for this grounded, but exceptional footballer who will no doubt continue to excel as she matures into what is, likely, a future international career.

Lauren KEIR (Belconnen United) Cool, calm and collected in the Belconnen United defence, the return to action of Lauren Keir after injury added another layer of steel to an already teak-tough Blue Devils rear-guard. A classy and elegant passer of the ball, Keir was the marshal in Head Coach Antoni Jagarinec’s team, willingly and diligently holding the fort whilst her fellow defenders added to the potent Belconnen attack. Unfortunately injured in a freak accident in the end of season challenge match with the Sydney University team, team mate Jessie Rasschaert fell on her exposed ankle, Keir still attended Canberra United trials as she strived to make the step up to the next level. An amiable player, her distribution skills kick-started wave upon wave of Blue Devils attacks whilst her defensive nous helped the side to a record of only six goals conceded in the league all season.

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Lily DAWSON (Canberra Olympic) The diminutive Lily Dawson impressed whenever she took to the field for Canberra Olympic during the season showcasing her skills and pace and causing havoc in opposition defences.

Used mainly as a full-back in the games that we commentated on, she did venture into a more central role a couple of times and was extremely unlucky not to register a goal. It certainly wasn’t for the want of trying!

A tireless and energetic worker, one piece of outrageous skill stands out when she created a goal from nothing for Meg McLaughlin against WodenWeston FC at O’Connor Enclosed, spinning away from her marker in limited space and picking the correct option at the right time. There should be plenty more to come from Dawson over the next few seasons.

OFFICIAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

1. Christina ESPOSITO (Tuggeranong United), 2. Lauren KEIR (Belconnen United), 3.

Bronte PYKE (Belconnen United), 4. Rebecca KITING (Canberra Olympic), 5. Karen CLARKE (Belconnen United), 6. Grace GILL (Canberra FC), 7. Karly ROESTBAKKEN (Canberra United Academy), 8. Madelyn WHITTALL (Belconnen United), 9. Aoife COLVILL (Canberra United Academy), 10. Laura HUGHES (Canberra United Academy, 11. Meg MCLAUGHLIN (Canberra Olympic) 130

NPL RESULTS 2018 Charity Shield Friday 16 March Canberra Olympic 3 (Popovich 24’, Habtemariam 35’, 88’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Crkovski 42’) Round 1 Saturday 24 March Belconnen United 1 (Barac 16’) Gungahlin United 0 Riverina Rhinos 2 (Catanzariti 37’, 59’) Tuggeranong United 3 (Pagett 15’, Turek 70’, Coggan 87’) Sunday 25 March Tigers FC 3 (Shields 67’, Oloriegbe 79’, Tonini 84’) Woden-Weston FC 4 (Deng 6’, Vlazlovski 44’, Adams 57’, Yinka-Kehinde 71’) Round 2 Friday 6 April Canberra Olympic 0 Monaro Panthers 1 (Smith 7’) Saturday 7 April Riverina Rhinos 2 (Pavese 20’, Scarfone 66’) Gungahlin United 1 (O’Dwyer 35’) Woden-Weston FC 4 (Darwich 24’, Adams 27’, Yinka-Kehinde 46’, 73’) Belconnen United 2 (Barac 20’, 44’) Sunday 8 April Tuggeranong United 4 (Ihegie 37’, Jadric 64’, Crkovski 74’, Pagett 81’) Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 21’ (pen), 90+2’, Oloriegbe 32’) Round 3 Friday 13 April Woden-Weston FC 2 (Mendah 54’, Juach 65’) Canberra Olympic 3 (John 45+2’, Habtemariam 58’, Cattanach 87’) Saturday 14 April Belconnen United 0 Tuggeranong United 2 (Crkovski 33’, Ihegie 77’) Sunday 15 April Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra FC 3 (Borgna 42’, Taurasi 47’, James 52’) FFA Cup Wednesday 18 April ANU FC 2 (Manley 33’, Lopez 68’) Canberra FC 4 (Taurasi 42’, Grbesa 53’, Keir 114’, Pavlak 119’) – after extra time Tuggeranong United 1 (Crkovski 84’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (Deng 87’, Vlazlovski 90+3’) Canberra Olympic 1 (Cattanach 51’) Tigers FC 0 131

Round 4 Friday 20 April Canberra Olympic 3 (John 11’, Wiederkehr 46’, Giamapolo 53’) Belconnen United 2 (Ugrinic 45+1’, Barac 84’) Saturday 21 April Monaro Panthers 0 Riverina Rhinos 3 (Rattel 53’, 56’, Pavese 81’) – result overturned and awarded as 3-0 Monaro Panthers win as Rhinos fielded three visa players Sunday 22 April Canberra FC 3 (James 19’, 34’, Lamb 84’) Gungahlin United 1 (Obst 7’) Tuggeranong United 2 (De Franceschi (og) 44’, Barisic 66’) Woden-Weston FC 0 FFA Cup Tuesday 24 April Queanbeyan City 1 (McCarron 72’ (p)) Gungahlin United 2 (Obst 16’, Ayuel 48’) UC Pumas 0 Belconnen United 5 (Macor 5’, Barac 7’, 33’, Whithear 70’, Raines 80’) Woden Valley 0 O’Connor Knights 9 (Hawker 28’, 40’, 72’, Krajacic 53’, 87’, Rukavina 48’, 55’, Cummins 57’, Rogic 81’) Wednesday 25 April Riverina Rhinos 0 Monaro Panthers 1 (Smith 85’) Round 5 Saturday 28 April Canberra FC 2 (Danning 83’, James 90’) Riverina Rhinos 0 Woden-Weston FC 1 (Yinka-Kehinde 78’) Gungahlin United 1 (Green 33’) Sunday 29 April Tuggeranong United 1 (Barisic 16’) Canberra Olympic 3 (Colbertaldo 17’, John 78’, Cattanach 90+2’) Tigers FC 3 (Kalfas 20’ (p), Oloriegbe 25’, Maddafari 80’) Monaro Panthers 0 Tuesday 1 May FFA Cup Burns FC 1 (Smith 29’) Gungahlin Juventus 4 (Ison 18’, 44’, Flanigan 19’, Salloum 67’) Round 6 Saturday 5 May Gungahlin United 4 (Timotheou 17’, 44’, Rinaudo 66’, Krklec 68’) Tuggeranong United 2 (Ihegie 15’, Gayer 90’) Canberra Olympic 4 (T. Bobolas 36’, John 63’, Cattanach 87’, Habtemariam 90+2’) Riverina Rhinos 2 (Bailey 43’ (p)), Rattel 73’) Sunday 6 May Canberra FC 7 (Subasic 13’, James 20’ 55’, 79’, Danning 77’, Keir 86’, 89’) Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 11’, 38’) 132

Monaro Panthers 0 Belconnen United 1 (Mauragis 81’) Round 7 Saturday 12 May Woden-Weston FC 4 (Mandah 5’, Deng 48’, Yinka-Kehinde 77’, Juach 83’ (p)) Monaro Panthers 4 (Smith 55’, Kocak 60’, McCarthy 81’, Piccolo 90’) Riverina Rhinos 0 Tigers FC 7 (Shields 8’, 70’, Colucciello 21’, Villafane 52’, Kalfas 67’, Tonini 73’, Ormeno 86’) Belconnen United 0 Canberra FC 5 (Waters 28’, Lamb 37’, James 59’, 75’, Vrkic 83’) Wednesday 16 May FFA Cup Quarter Final Canberra FC 2 (James 80’ (p), 90+4’) Canberra Olympic 0 Round 8 Saturday 19 May Riverina Rhinos 0 Belconnen United 0 Sunday 20 May Canberra FC 4 (Danning 4’, Waters 52’, Grbesa 63’, Graham 79’) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Yinka-Kehinde 44’) Tigers FC 1 (Shields 62’) Canberra Olympic 3 (Colbertaldo 9’, Cattanach 18’, John 63’) Monaro Panthers 3 (Smith 21’, Neou 41’ (p), Stegavik 51’) Tuggeranong United 4 (Murray 68’ (p), Ihegie 77’, 89’, Slavich 83’) Tuesday 22 May FFA Cup Quarter Final Gungahlin United 6 (Katsoulis 25’, O’Dwyer 29’, 45’, 77’, Timothoeu 30’, Muller 83’) Gungahlin Juventus 0 Wednesday 23 May Belconnen United 8 (Wells 20’ (p), 45+4’ (p), 51’, Macor 64’, Whithear 73’, Reinhart 79’, Mauragis 82’, Habtemariam 83’) O’Connor Knights 5 (Krajacic 23’, Rukavina 27’, Ritchie 44’, Hrstic 54’, Hawker 90+1’) Thursday 31 May FFA Cup Quarter Final Monaro Panthers 2 (Kocak 45+1’ (p), De Franceschi (og) 89’) Woden-Weston FC 4 (Yinka-Kehinde 5’, 47’, Adams 17’, Juach 81’) Round 9 Saturday 2 June Gungahlin United 3 (Muller 2’, 37’, Gaspari 24’) Monaro Panthers 1 (Smith 34’) Woden-Weston FC 4 (Deng 10’, 78’, Adams 28’ (p), Yinka-Kehinde 68’) Riverina Rhinos 1 (Arnold 57’) 133

Belconnen United 2 (Raines 4’, Ugrinic 44’) Tigers FC 1 (Villafane 16’) Sunday 3 June Tuggeranong United 2 (Kiddey 3’, Pagett 58’) Canberra FC 2 (Graham 55’, Taurasi 77’) Tuesday 5 June FFA Cup Semi-Final Gungahlin United 4 (Muller 19’, Timotheou 34’, 49’, Gaspari 112’) Woden-Weston FC 3 (Yinka-Kehinde 2’, 23’, Deng 77’) - after extra time Thursday 7 June FFA Cup Semi-Final Canberra FC 3 (Danning 4’, James 59’, 90+3’) Belconnen United 0 Round 10 Saturday 9 June Tuggeranong United 3 (Barisic 2’, Murray 25’ (p), Ihegie 58’) Riverina Rhinos 0 Woden-Weston FC 2 (Bill 16’, Juach 64’) Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 11’, 22’ (p), Shields 90+2’) Sunday 10 June Canberra FC 0 Canberra Olympic 1 (John 21’) Gungahlin United 2 (Muller 33’, O’Dwyer 52’) Belconnen United 1 (Barac 10’) FFA Cup Final Saturday 16 June Canberra FC 3 (Grbesa 17’, Danning 45’, 90’) Gungahlin United 2 (Rinaudo 13’, Subasic 90+3’ (og)) Wednesday 20 June Gungahlin United 1 (Megic (og)) Canberra Olympic 0 Round 11 Saturday 23 June Gungahlin United 0 Riverina Rhinos 1 (Rattel 55’) Belconnen United 1 (Mauragis 82’) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Yinka-Kehinde 23’) Sunday 24 June Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 28’, Shields 72’, 77’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Ihegie 46’) Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra Olympic 5 (Giampaolo 31’, 71’, John 84’, Strika 89’, Domenici 90+3’) Round 12 Sunday 1 July Canberra FC 5 (James 18’, 50’, Keir 34’, 79’, Waters 57’) Monaro Panthers 0

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Tuggeranong United 2 (Ihegie 19’, Barisic 63’) Belconnen United 4 (Wells 28’ (p), Sparrow 33’, Barac 74’, Raines 78’) Gungahlin United 2 (Bangura 19’, Obst 90+7’) Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 45’ (p), Junna 90+4’) Canberra Olympic 4 (John (2), Giampaolo, Domenici) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Lawless) Round 13 Saturday 7 July Woden-Weston FC 1 (Yinka-Kehinde 6’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Murray 75’) Riverina Rhinos 3 (Bailey 40’, Preece 71’, Bagiante 73’) Monaro Panthers 2 (Felizzi 13’, Smith 31’) Belconnen United 4 (Borgeaud 16’, Wells 26’, 89’, Raines 36’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Colbertaldo 6’, Domenici 8’ (p)) Sunday 8 July Gungahlin United 0 Canberra FC 1 (Taurasi 33’) Round 14 Saturday 14 July Riverina Rhinos 0 Canberra FC 3 (James 20’, 44 (p)’, 48’) Sunday 15 July Monaro Panthers 1 (Smith 19’) Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 18’, 90+7, Shields 72’) Gungahlin United 1 (Naumoski 12’) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Juach 66’ (p)) Canberra Olympic 3 (John 33’, Popovich 70’, Giampaolo 90’) Tuggeranong United 2 (Ihegie 35, Turek 39’) Round 15 Saturday 21 July Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 9’, Ibarra 65’) Canberra FC 1 (Mensah 88’) Riverina Rhinos 1 (Scarfone 89’) Canberra Olympic 0 Tuggeranong United 2 (Murray 24’, Walsh 34’) Gungahlin United 1 (King 69’ (og)) Belconnen United 3 (Barac 28’, Whithear 64’, 66’) Monaro Panthers 0 Wednesday 25 July FFA Cup: Round of 32 Canberra FC 1 (James 12’) Broadmeadow Magic 4 (Bradbery 21’, Majurovski 41’, 47’, Fajkovic 78’) Round 16 Friday 27 July Canberra Olympic 2 (Domenici 47’, T. Bobolas 62’) Gungahlin United 1 (Griffiths 2’) Saturday 28 July Tigers FC 3 (Villafane 13’, 85’, Colucciello 54’) Riverina Rhinos 2 (Preece 65’, 71’) Sunday 29 July 135

Canberra FC 2 (Pavlak 47’, Mensah 83’) Belconnen United 2 (Reinhart 10’, 86’) Monaro Panthers 2 (Bain 64’, Smith 90+4’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (Yinka-Kehinde 10’, Paesler 60’) Round 17 Friday 3 August Canberra Olympic 0 Tigers FC 2 (Kalfas 11’, Villafane 28’) - abandoned at half-time Saturday 4 August Woden-Weston FC 2 (Yinka-Kehinde 14’, 17’) Canberra FC 3 (James 24’, 60’, Mensah 77’) Belconnen United 5 (Wells 39’ (p), 90’, Whithear 48’, Barac 53’, Ugrinic 86’) Riverina Rhinos 2 (Preece 56’, 64’) Sunday 5 August Tuggeranong United 1 (Ihegie 69’) Monaro Panthers 0 Wednesday 8 August Tigers FC 2 (Colucciello 44’, Shields 80’) Gungahlin United 0 Round 18 Saturday 11 August Riverina Rhinos 1 (Mulrooney-Castellano 35’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (Adams, M. Deng) Sunday 12 August Canberra FC 3 (Mensah 24’, Subasic 65’, James 90+3’) Tuggeranong United 0 Tigers FC 3 (Shields 58’, Deeley 70’, Villafane 85’ (p)) Belconnen United 2 (Whithear 28’, Ugrinic 85’) Monaro Panthers 3 (own goal 3’, Neou 54’, Stegavik 57’) Gungahlin United 3 (BasserSilk 40’, Rinaudo 66’, Denham 90+7’ (p)) Wednesday 15 August Canberra Olympic 7 (Popovich 13’, 52’, Giampaolo 29’, Strika 41’ (p), Domenici 56’, 84’, Sarwan 79’) Tigers FC 0 Sunday 19 August Canberra Olympic 0 Canberra FC 2 (Vrkic 22’, Danning 41’)

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FINAL LEAGUE TABLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Canberra FC Canberra Olympic Tigers FC Tuggeranong United Belconnen United Gungahlin United Woden-Weston FC Riverina Rhinos Monaro Panthers

P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

W 12 11 9 8 7 4 4 4 2

D 2 0 1 2 3 4 6 1 3

L 2 5 6 6 6 8 6 11 11

F 46 40 41 32 30 21 32 17 20

A 13 21 38 32 29 25 36 42 43

GD +33 +19 +3 0 +1 -4 -4 -25 -23

PTS 38 33 28 26 24 16 15 13 9

Saturday 25 August Elimination Final Tigers FC 2 (Villafane 10’, 17’) Tuggeranong United 2 (Murray 22’, Walsh 90+1’) – after extra time, Tigers FC win 3-2 on penalties Qualification Final Canberra FC 3 (Waters 45+2’, Mensah 54’, Subasic 89’) Canberra Olympic 5 (John 14’, Giampaolo 18’, Domenici 44’, Strika 84’, 90+2’ (p)) Saturday 1 September Preliminary Final Canberra FC 5 (Waters 27’, James 72’, 85’, Danning 80’, 90+2’) Tigers FC 0 Saturday 8 September Grand Final Canberra Olympic 1 (Megic 29’) Canberra FC 2 (James 78’, 86’) Saturday 15 September NPL Finals Canberra FC 0 Campbelltown City 3 (M. Mullen 6’, Ditroia 79’, 90+7’)

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NPL GOLDEN BOOT 2018 NAME Thomas JAMES Nicolas VILLAFANE Olaide YINKA-KEHINDE Michael JOHN Aisosa IHEGIE Mark SHIELDS Daniel BARAC Stephen DOMENICI Domenic GIAMPAOLO Sam SMITH

CLUB Canberra FC Tigers FC Woden-Weston FC Canberra Olympic Tuggeranong United Tigers FC Belconnen United Canberra Olympic Canberra Olympic Monaro Panthers

LEAGUE 21 18 12 11 10 10 8 7 7 7

OVERALL 26 18 15 11 10 10 10 7 7 8

138

NPL GOALS BY TEAM 2018 BELCONNEN UNITED NAME Daniel BARAC Dustin WELLS Sam WHITHEAR Jason UGRINIC Marty RAINES Lucas MAURAGIS Cameron REINHART Adrian MACOR Phil BORGEAUD Samuel HABTEMARIAM Daniel SPARROW

LEAGUE 8 5 4 4 3 2 2 1 1

CUP 2 3 2 1 1 1 2 1 -

TOTAL 10 8 6 4 4 3 3 2 1 1 1

CUP 5 3 1 1 2 1 -

TOTAL 26 9 5 5 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 1

CANBERRA FC NAME Thomas JAMES Kofi DANNING Ryan KEIR Michael MENSAH Matthew WATERS Michael TAURASI Matt GRBESA Daniel SUBASIC Ian GRAHAM Jordan LAMB Ivan PAVLAK Marko VRKIC Julian BORGNA

LEAGUE 21 6 4 5 5 3 1 3 2 2 1 2 1

139

CANBERRA OLYMPIC NAME Michael JOHN Stephen DOMENICI Domenic GIAMPAOLO Robbie CATTANACH Roko STRIKA Daniel COLBERTALDO Nikolas POPOVICH Tim BOBOLAS Jeremy HABTEMARIAM Nathen MEGIC Ali SARWAN Oliver WIEDERKEHR

LEAGUE 11 7 7 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1

CUP 1 -

TOTAL 11 7 7 5 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1

CUP 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 1

TOTAL 5 5 5 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3

GUNGAHLIN UNITED NAME Thomas MULLER Jason O’DWYER Antoni TIMOTHEOU Ben OBST Michael RINAUDO Josh GASPARI Jacob AYUEL Augustine BANGURA Ben BASSER-SILK Jason DENHAM Jack GREEN Lachlan GRIFFITHS Mikey KATSOULIS Tomas KRKLEC Misko NAUMOSKI Own GOAL

LEAGUE 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

140

MONARO PANTHERS NAME Sam SMITH Borak KOCAK Adam NEOU Ole STEGAVIK Jarrad BAIN Daniel FELIZZI Ed MCCARTHY Michael PICCOLO Own GOAL

LEAGUE 7 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

CUP 1 1 1

TOTAL 8 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2

CUP -

TOTAL 5 4 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

RIVERINA RHINOS NAME Joe PREECE Artur RATTEL Darren BAILEY Roy CATANZARITI George PAVESE Samuel SCARFONE Danyon ARNOLD Mitch BAGIANTE Alexander MULROONEYCASTELLANO

LEAGUE 5 4 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

141

TIGERS FC NAME Nicolas VILLAFANE Mark SHIELDS Dom COLUCCIELLO Alex OLORIEGBE Nikos KALFAS Jared TONINI Robbie DEELEEY Jeremias IBARRA Christian JUNNA Tony MADDAFARI Kyle ORMENO

LEAGUE 18 10 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

CUP -

TOTAL 18 10 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

TUGGERANONG UNITED NAME Aisosa IHEGIE Shane MURRAY Mate BARISIC Daniel CRKOVSKI Tom PAGETT Jono TUREK Regan WALSH Eddie COGGAN Marco GAYER Josip JADRIC Sean KIDDEY Andrew SLAVICH Own GOAL

LEAGUE 10 5 4 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

CUP 1 -

TOTAL 10 5 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

142

WODEN-WESTON FC NAME Olaide YINKA-KEHINDE Martin DENG Michael ADAMS Bul JUACH Phakedi MENDAH Blaise VLAZLOVSKI Connor BILL Elie DARWICH Joe LAWLESS Jordan PAESLER

LEAGUE 12 5 4 4 2 1 1 1 1 1

CUP 3 2 1 1 1 -

TOTAL 15 7 5 5 2 2 1 1 1 1

143

NPL SEASON AT-A-GLANCE 2018 BELCONNEN UNITED R1: Gungahlin United (h) W 1-0 (Barac 16’) R2: Woden-Weston FC (a) L 2-4 (Barac 20’, 44’) R3: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0-2 R4: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2-3 (Ugrinic 45+1’, Barac 84’) FFA Cup: UC Pumas (h) W 5-0 (Macor 5’, Barac 7’, 33’, Whithear 70’, Raines 80’) R5: Bye R6: Monaro Panthers (a) W 1-0 (Mauragis 81’) R7: Canberra FC (h) L 0-5 R8: Riverina Rhinos (a) D 0-0 FFA Cup QF: O’Connor Knights (h) W 8-5 (Wells 20’ (p), 45+4’ (p), 51’, Macor 64’, Whithear 73’, Reinhart 79’, Mauragis 82’, Habtemariam 83’) R9: Tigers FC (h) W 2-1 (Raines 4’, Ugrinic 44’) FFA Cup SF: Canberra FC (a) L 0-3 R10: Gungahlin United (a) L 1-2 (Barac 10’) R11: Woden-Weston FC (h) D 1-1 (Mauragis 82’) R12: Tuggeranong United (a) W 4-2 (Wells 28’ (p), Sparrow 33’, Barac 74’, Raines 78’) R13: Canberra Olympic (h) W 4-2 (Borgeaud 16’, Wells 26’, 89’, Raines 36’) R14: Bye R15: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-0 (Barac 28’, Whithear 64’, 66’) R16: Canberra FC (a) D 2-2 (Reinhart 10’, 86’) R17: Riverina Rhinos (h) W 5-2 (Wells 39’ (p), 90’, Whithear 48’, Barac 53’, Ugrinic 86’) R18: Tigers FC (a) L 2-3 (Whithear 28’, Ugrinic 85’)

144

CANBERRA FC R1: Canberra Olympic (a) – Postponed R2: Bye R3: Monaro Panthers (a) W 3-0 (Borgna 42’, Taurasi 47’, James 52’) FFA Cup: ANU FC (a) W 4-2 (Taurasi 42’, Grbesa 53’, Keir 114’, Pavlak 119’) – aet R4: Gungahlin United (h) W 3-1 (James 19’, 34’, Lamb 84’) R5: Riverina Rhinos (h) W 2-0 (Danning 83’, James 90’) R6: Tigers FC (h) W 7-2 (Subasic 13’, James 20’ 55’, 79’, Danning 77’, Keir 86’, 89’) R7: Belconnen United (a) W 5-0 (Waters 28’, Lamb 37’, James 59’, 75’, Vrkic 83’) FFA Cup QF: Canberra Olympic (h) W 2-0 (James 80’ (p), 90+4’) R8: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 4-1 (Danning 4’, Waters 52’, Grbesa 63’, Graham 79’) R9: Tuggeranong United (a) D 2-2 (Graham 55’, Taurasi 77’) FFA Cup SF: Belconnen United (h) W 3-0 (Danning 4’, James 59’, 90+3’) R10: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0-1 FFA Cup F: Gungahlin United (n) W 3-2 (Grbesa 17’, Danning 45’, 90’) R11: Bye R12: Monaro Panthers (h) W 5-0 (James 18’, 50’, Keir 34’, 79’, Waters 57’) R13: Gungahlin United (a) W 1-0 (Taurasi 34’) R14: Riverina Rhinos (a) W 3-0 (James 20’, 44’ (p), 48’) R15: Tigers FC (a) L 1-2 (Mensah 88’) FFA Cup Ro32: Broadmeadow Magic (h) L 1-4 (James 12’) R16: Belconnen United (h) D 2-2 (Pavlak 47’, Mensah 83’) R17: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 3-2 (James 24’, 60’, Mensah 77’) R18: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-0 (Mensah 24’, Subasic 65’, James 90+3’) R1: Canberra Olympic (a) W 2-0 (Vrkic 22’, Danning 41’) QF: Canberra Olympic (h) L 3-5 (Waters 45+2’, Mensah 54’, Subasic 89’) PF: Tigers FC (n) W 5-0 (Waters 27’, James 72’, 85’, Danning 80’, 90+2’) GF: Canberra Olympic (n) W 2-1 (James 78’, 86’) NPL FINALS: Campbelltown City (h) L 0-3

145

CANBERRA OLYMPIC CS: Tuggeranong United (n) W 3-1 (Popovich 24’, Habtemariam 35’, 88’) R1: Canberra FC (h) – Postponed R2: Monaro Panthers (h) L 0-1 R3: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 3-2 (John 45+2’, Habtemariam 58’, Cattanach 87’) FFA Cup: Tigers FC (h) W 1-0 (Cattanach 51’) R4: Belconnen United (h) W 3-2 (John 11’, Wiederkehr 46’, Giamapolo 53’) R5: Tuggeranong United (a) W 3-1 (Colbertaldo 17’, John 78’, Cattanach 90+2’) R6: Riverina Rhinos (H) W 4-2 (T. Bobolas 36’, John 63’, Cattanach 87’, Habtemariam 90+2’) R7: Gungahlin United (a) – Postponed FFA Cup QF: Canberra FC (a) L 0-2 R8: Tigers FC (a) W 3-1 (Colbertaldo 9’, Cattanach 18’, John 63’) R9: Bye R10: Canberra FC (a) W 1-0 (John 21’) R7: Gungahlin United (a) L 0-1 R11: Monaro Panthers (a) W 5-0 (Giampaolo 31’, 71’, John 84’, Strika 89’, Domenici 90+3’) R12: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 4-1 (John (2), Giampaolo, Domenici) R13: Belconnen United (a) L 2-4 (Colbertaldo 6’, Domenici 8’ (p)) R14: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-2 (John 33’, Popovich 70’, Giampaolo 90’) R15: Riverina Rhinos (a) L 0-1 R16: Gungahlin United (h) W 2-1 (Domenic 47’, T. Bobolas 62’) R17: Tigers FC (h) A 0-2 – ABANDONED R17: Tigers FC (h) W 7-0 (Popovich 13’, 52’, Giampaolo 29’, Strika 41’ (p), Domenici 56’, 84’, Sarwan 79’) R18: Canberra FC (h) L 0-2 QF: Canberra FC (a) W 5-3 (John 14’, Giampaolo 18’, Domenici 44’, Strika 84’, 90+2’ (p)) GF: Canberra FC (n) L 1-2 (Megic 29’)

146

GUNGAHLIN UNITED R1: Belconnen United (a) L 0-1 R2: Riverina Rhinos (a) L 1-2 (O’Dwyer 35’) R3: Tigers FC (a) – Postponed R4: Canberra FC (a) L 1-3 (Obst 7’) FFA Cup: Queanbeyan City (a) W 2-1 (Obst 16’, Ayuel 48’) R5: Woden-Weston FC (a) D 1-1 (Green 33’) R6: Tuggeranong United (h) W 4-2 (Timotheou 17’, 44’, Rinaudo 66’, Krklec 68’) R7: Canberra Olympic (h) – Postponed FFA Cup QF: Gungahlin Juventus (h) W 6-0 (Katsoulis 25’, O’Dwyer 29’, 45’, 77’, Timothoeu 30’, Muller 83’) R8: Bye R9: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-1 (Muller 2’, 37’, Gaspari 24’) FFA Cup SF: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 4-3 (Muller 19’, Timotheou 34’, 49’, Gaspari 112’) - after extra time R10: Belconnen United (h) W 2-1 (Muller 33’, O’Dwyer 52’) FFA Cup F: Canberra FC (n) L 2-3 (Rinaudo 13’, Subasic 90+3’ (og)) R7: Canberra Olympic (h) W 1-0 (Megic (og)) R11: Riverina Rhinos (h) L 0-1 R12: Tigers FC (h) D 2-2 (Bangura 19’, Obst 90+7’) R13: Canberra FC (h) L 0-1 R14: Woden-Weston FC (h) D 1-1 (Naumoski 12’) R15: Tuggeranong United (a) L 1-2 (King 69’ (og)) R16: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1-2 (Griffiths 2’) R17: Bye R3: Tigers FC (a) L 0-2 R18: Monaro Panthers (a) D 3-3 (Basser-Silk 40’, Rinaudo 66’, Denham 90+7’ (p))

147

MONARO PANTHERS R1: Bye R2: Canberra Olympic (a) W 1-0 (Smith 7’) R3: Canberra FC (h) L 0-3 R4: Riverina Rhinos (h) L 0-3* FFA Cup: Riverina Rhinos (a) W 1-0 (Smith 85’) R5: Tigers FC (a) L 0-3 R6: Belconnen United (h) L 0-1 R7: Woden-Weston FC (a) D 4-4 (Smith 55’, Kocak 60’, McCarthy 81’, Piccolo 90’) R8: Tuggeranong United (h) L 3-4 (Smith 21’, Neou 41’ (p), Stegavik 51’) FFA Cup QF: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 2-4 (Kocak 45+1’ (p), De Franceschi (og) 89’) R9: Gungahlin United (a) L 1-3 (Smith 34’) R10: Bye R11: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0-5 R12: Canberra FC (a) L 0-5 R13: Riverina Rhinos (a) L 2-3 (Felizzi 13’, Smith 31’) R14: Tigers FC (h) L 1-3 (Smith 19’) R15: Belconnen United (a) L 0-3 R16: Woden-Weston FC (h) D 2-2 (Bain 64’, Smith 90+4’) R17: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0-1 R18: Gungahlin United (h) D 3-3 (own goal 3’, Neou 54’, Stegavik 57’) *result overturned and awarded as 3-0 Monaro Panthers win as Rhinos fielded three

visa players

148

RIVERINA RHINOS R1: Tuggeranong United (h) L 2-3 (Catanzariti 37’, 59’) R2: Gungahlin United (H) W 2-1 (Pavese 20’, Scarfone 66’) R3: Bye R4: Monaro Panthers (a) W 3-0 (Rattel 53’, 56’, Pavese 81’)* FFA Cup: Monaro Panthers (h) L 0-1 R5: Canberra FC (a) L 0-2 R6: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2-4 (Bailey 43’ (p)), Rattel 73’) R7: Tigers FC (h) L 0-7 R8: Belconnen United (h) D 0-0 R9: Woden-Weston FC (a) L 1-4 (Arnold 57’) R10: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0-3 R11: Gungahlin United (a) W 1-0 (Rattel 55’) R12: Bye R13: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-2 (Bailey 40’, Preece 71’, Bagiante 73’) R14: Canberra FC (h) L 0-3 R15: Canberra Olympic (h) W 1-0 (Scarfone 89’) R16: Tigers FC (a) L 2-3 (Preece 65’, 71’) R17: Belconnen United (a) L 2-5 (Preece 56’, 64’) R18: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 1-2 (Mulrooney-Castellano 35’) *result overturned and awarded as 3-0 Monaro Panthers win as Rhinos fielded three

visa players

149

TIGERS FC R1: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 3-4 (Shields 67’, Oloriegbe 79’, Tonini 84’) R2: Tuggeranong United (a) L 3-4 (Villafane 21’ (pen), 90+2’, Oloriegbe 32’) R3: Gungahlin United (h) – Postponed FFA Cup: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0-1 R4: Bye R5: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-0 (Kalfas 20’ (p), Oloriegbe 25’, Maddafari 80’) R6: Canberra FC (a) L 2-7 (Villafane 11’, 38’) R7: Riverina Rhinos (a) W 7-0 (Shields 8’, 70’, Colucciello 21’, Villafane 52’, Kalfas 67’, Tonini 73’, Ormeno 86’) R8: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1-3 (Shields 62’) R9: Belconnen United (a) L 1-2 (Villafane 16’) R10: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 3-2 (Villafane 11’, 22’ (p), Shields 90+2’) R11: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-1 (Villafane 28’, Shields 72’, 78’) R12: Gungahlin United (a) D 2-2 (Villafane 45’ (p), Junna 90+4’) R13: Bye R14: Monaro Panthers (a) W 3-1 (Villafane 18’, 90+7’, Shields 72’) R15: Canberra FC (h) W 2-1 (Villafane 9’, Ibarra 65’) R16: Riverina Rhinos (h) W 3-2 (Villafane 13’, 85’, Colucciello 54’) R17: Canberra Olympic (a) W 2-0 (Kalfas 11’, Villafane 28’) – ABANDONED R3: Gungahlin United (h) W 2-0 (Colucciello 44’, Shields 80’) R17: Tigers FC (h) A 2-0 – ABANDONED R18: Belconnen United (h) W 3-2 (Shields 58’, Deeley 70’, Villafane 85’ (p)) R17: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0-7 EF: Tuggeranong United (a) D 2-2 (Villafane 10’, 17’) – aet, won 3-2 on pens PF: Canberra FC (n) L 0-5

150

TUGGERANONG UNITED CS: Canberra Olympic (n) L 1-3 (Crkovski 42’) R1: Riverina Rhinos (a) W 3-2 (Pagett 15’, Turek 70’, Coggan 87’) R2: Tigers FC (h) W 4-3 (Ihegie 37’, Jadric 64’, Crkovski 74’, Pagett 81’) R3: Belconnen United (a) W 2-0 (Crkovski 33’, Ihegie 77’) FFA Cup: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 1-2 (Crkovski 84’) 2 R4: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 2-0 (De Franceschi (og) 44’, Barisic 66’) 0 R5: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1-3 (Barisic 16’) R6: Gungahlin United (a) L 2-4 (Ihegie 15’, Gayer 90’) R7: Bye R8: Monaro Panthers (a) W 4-3 (Murray 68’ (p), Ihegie 77’, 89’, Slavich 83’) R9: Canberra FC (h) D 2-2 (Kiddey 3’, Pagett 58’) R10: Riverina Rhinos (h) W 3-0 (Barisic 2’, Murray 25’ (p), Ihegie 58’) R11: Tigers FC (a) L 1-3 (Ihegie 46’) R12: Belconnen United (h) L 2-4 (Ihegie 19’, Barisic 63’) R13: Woden-Weston FC (a) D 1-1 (Murray 75’) R14: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2-3 (Ihegie 35’, Turek 39’) R15: Gungahlin United (h) W 2-1 (Murray 24’, Walsh 34’) R16: Bye R17: Monaro Panthers (h) W 1-0 (Ihegie 69’) R18: Canberra FC (a) L 0-3 EF: Tigers FC (a) D 2-2 (Murray 22’, Walsh 90+1’) – aet, L 2-3 on pens

151

WODEN-WESTON FC R1: Tigers FC (a) W 4-3 (Deng 6’, Vlazlovski 44’, Adams 57’, Yinka-Kehinde 71’) R2: Belconnen United (h) W 4-2 (Darwich 24’, Adams 27’, Yinka-Kehinde 46’, 73’) R3: Canberra Olympic (h) L 2-3 (Mendah 54’, Juach 65’) FFA Cup: Tuggeranong United (a) W 2-1 (Deng 87’, Vlazlovski 90+3’) R4: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0-2 R5: Gungahlin United (h) D 1-1 (Yinka-Kehinde 78’) R6: Bye R7: Monaro Panthers (h) D 4-4 (Mandah 5’, Deng 48’, Yinka-Kehinde 77’, Juach 83’ (p)) R8: Canberra FC (a) L 1-4 (Yinka-Kehinde 44’) FFA Cup QF: Monaro Panthers (a) W 4-2 (Yinka-Kehinde 5’, 47’, Adams 17’, Juach 81’) R9: Riverina Rhinos (h) W 4-1 (Deng 10’, 78’, Adams 28’ (p), Yinka-Kehinde 68’) FFA Cup SF: Gungahlin United (h) L 3-4 (Yinka-Kehinde 2’, 23’, Deng 77’) - after extra time R10: Tigers FC (h) L 2-3 (Bill 16’, Juach 64’) R11: Belconnen United (a) D 1-1 (Yinka-Kehinde 23’) R12: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1-4 (Lawless) R13: Tuggeranong United (h) D 1-1 (Yinka-Kehinde 6’) R14: Gungahlin United (a) D 1-1 (Juach 66’) R15: Bye R16: Monaro Panthers (a) D 2-2 (Yinka-Kehinde 10’, Paesler 60’) R17: Canberra FC (h) L 2-3 (Yinka-Kehinde 14’, 17’) R18: Riverina Rhinos (a) W 2-1 (Adams, M. Deng)

152

WNPL RESULTS 2018 Round 1 Saturday 17 March Belconnen United 4 (Whittall 21’, Pyke 52’, Murphy 64’, Day 90+1’) Canberra FC 0 Sunday 18 March Tuggeranong United 0 Woden-Weston FC 2 (Raap 36’, McGlashan 45+1’) Monaro Panthers 1 (Giorgi) Gungahlin United 2 (Garrity, Pennyfield) Canberra United Academy 3 (Hughes 12’, 85’, Roestbakken 55’) Canberra Olympic 5 (Maher 8’, 62’, 82’, Basser-Silk 20’, Guo 32’) Round 2 Sunday 25 March Canberra United Academy 3 (Illijoski 26’, Roestbakken 50’, Taylor-Young 64’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Ilheo 17’) Monaro Panthers 0 Belconnen United 5 (Whittall 29’, 37’, Williams 31’, 63’, Day 90+1’) Gungahlin United 0 Canberra FC 1 (Grauer-Kompos 89’) Round 3 Saturday 7 April Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra Olympic 5 (Guo 1’, Maher 16’, 67’, Field 37’, Ryan 74’) Sunday 8 April Belconnen United 3 (Day 33’, Murphy 43’, Maguire 65’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (McGlashan 33’, Mackenzie 52’) Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra FC 5 (Bardsley (2), Genovesi, Gill, Goldstein) Gungahlin United 2 (Pennyfield 55’, 76’) Canberra United Academy 4 (Hughes 17’, 38’, Roestbakken 33’, Colvill 47’) Round 4 Saturday 14 April Canberra United Academy 7 (Hughes 13', 79', 86', Roestbakken 21', Barac 44', Colvill 55', 59') Monaro Panthers FC 1 (Szeremet 1') Sunday 15 April Canberra FC 5 (Berkeley 3', Bardsley 14', 34', Genovesi 44', Gill 80') Woden-Weston 0 Gungahlin United v Tuggeranong United – POSTPONED Canberra Olympic 1 (Maher 48’) Belconnen United 3 (Day 22’, Murphy 63’, 88’) Round 5 Saturday 21 April Belconnen United 3 (Whittall 28', 65', Williams 72') Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra United Academy 2 (Colvill 23', 82') Canberra FC 3 (Jones 12', Genovesi 19', Wright 89') 153

Sunday 22 April Monaro Panthers 0 Woden-Weston FC 3 (McGlashan 52’ (p), 86’, Chong 68’) Gungahlin United 4 (Jacobson 24', 46', 68', Pennyfield 70') Canberra Olympic 2 (Ryan 61', 73') Round 6 Saturday 28 April Belconnen United 1 (Rasschaert 64’) Canberra United Academy 0 Sunday 29 April Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra FC 5 (Gill 5', Goldstein 6', 20', Jones 18', Berkeley 48') Canberra Olympic 2 (Kiting 43', Rojahn 84') Monaro Panthers 3 (Szeremet 21', 55', 90') Woden-Weston 1 (McGlashan 90') Gungahlin United 1 (Lynch 50') Round 7 Saturday 5 May Belconnen United 2 (Jalocha 5’, Murphy 12’) Gungahlin United 0 Sunday 6 May Monaro Panthers 3 (Whiteley 7’, Szeremet 24’, Zabel 65’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Ilheo 10’) Canberra Olympic 0 Canberra FC 3 (Gill 5', Goldstein 22', 23') Woden-Weston FC 2 (Vandenbroucke 26', Raap 86') Canberra United Academy 8 (Colvill 30', 33', 38', 54', 60', Morgan 48', Taylor-Young 69', Roestbakken 72') Round 8 Saturday 12 May Canberra United Academy 3 (Barac 6’, 57’, Colvill 24’) Gungahlin United 1 (Jacobsen 36’) Sunday 13 May Canberra FC 4 (Evans 18’, Gill 25’, Jones 47’, Berkeley 68’) Monaro Panthers 0 Tuggeranong United 0 Belconnen United 3 (Whittall 36’, 73’, Williams 72’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Rojahn 9’, Basser-Silk 39’) Woden-Weston FC 1 (Conroy 70’) Round 9 Saturday 19 May Canberra United Academy 5 (Hughes 24’, Colvill 55’, 59, 81’, Morgan 84’) WodenWeston FC 1 (McGlashan 45+1’) Belconnen United 16 (Maguire 11’, 20’, Price 17’, Williams 19’, 32’, 34’, 41,’ Whittall 27’, 48’, Day 38’, Raymond 56’, Pyke 66’, Clarke 70’, Carnegie 75’, Rasschaert 79’, Murphy 82’) Monaro Panthers 0 Sunday 20 May Gungahlin United 1 (Humphries 69’) Canberra FC 3 (Wallis 61’, Jones 81’, Gill 87’) Canberra Olympic 9 (McLaughlin 6’, 38’, 56’, 67, 81, 90+1’, Ryan 14’, Forner 65’, Field 76’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Ilheo 45’) 154

Round 10 Sunday 3 June Canberra Olympic 1 (McLaughlin 72’) Canberra FC 2 (Gill 17’, 51’) Monaro Panthers 0 Gungahlin United 1 (Jacobson 89') Woden-Weston FC 2 (McGlashan 15', Plummer 62') Tuggeranong United 1 (Helmers 77') Round 11 Sunday 10 June Woden-Weston FC 0 Canberra FC 1 (Gill 30’) Tuggeranong United 0 Gungahlin United 3 (Lynch 7’, Bunker 33’, Humphries 77’) Canberra Olympic 0 Belconnen United 7 (Munoz 13’, 43’, Raymond 26’, Pyke 41’, Price 60’, Roff 68’, Rasschaert 82’) Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra United Academy 7 (Colvill (6), Hughes) Round 12 Saturday 16 June Belconnen United 5 (Maguire 8’, 29’, Munoz 29’, Whittall 54’, Carnegie 77’) WodenWeston FC 0 Sunday 17 June Canberra FC 1 (Wright 53’) Canberra United Academy 1 (Colvill 51’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Helmers 60’) Monaro Panthers 3 (Szeremet 29’, 78’, Meuronen 48’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Chong 80’, Guo 90’) Gungahlin United 3 (Jacobsen 5’, 58’, Lynch 38’) Tuesday 19 June Woden-Weston FC 2 (Schoo 74’, McGlashan 86’) Canberra Olympic 2 (McLaughlin 45’, Gaspari 55’) Gungahlin United 3 (Jacobsen 32’, Bunker 78’, 81’) Tuggeranong United 0 Round 13 Saturday 23 June Monaro Panthers 1 (Meuronen 54') Canberra Olympic 4 (Field 14', Guo 20', McLaughlin 25', Gaspari 31') Sunday 24 June Canberra FC 0 Belconnen United 2 (Pyke 20’, Roff 51’) Woden-Weston FC 3 (Millar-Carton 10', McGlashan 38', 82') Gungahlin United 0 Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra United Academy 4 (Mulhall 6', Colvill 28', TaylorYoung 31', Morgan 57')

155

Round 14 Saturday 30 June Canberra United Academy 6 (Colvill 22', 42', 44', 69', 83', 85') Canberra Olympic 2 (McLaughlin 36', Basser-Silk 55') Tuggeranong United 1 (Bui 21') Canberra FC 2 (Genovesi 23', Goldstein 66') Belconnen United 1 (Munoz 62’) Gungahlin United 1 (Bunker 67’) Sunday 1 July Woden-Weston FC 1 (Longo 51') Monaro Panthers 2 (Meuronen 37', Szeremet 78') Round 15 Saturday 7 July Canberra United Academy 1 (Barac 4’) Belconnen United 5 (Rasschaert 34’, Williams 57’, Whittall 60’, 74’, Munoz 61’) Sunday 8 July Canberra FC 2 (Gill 41', Genovesi 80') Canberra Olympic 4 (Maher 7', McLaughlin 39', 50', 66’) Tuggeranong United 2 (Own Goal 15', R. Daisley 70') Woden-Weston FC 3 (Raap 34', Longo 68', Vandenbroucke 77') Gungahlin United 3 (Bunker 5’, 49’, 60’) Monaro Panthers 1 (Hemmings 66’) Round 16 Saturday 14 July Belconnen United 3 (Whittall 7’, Jalocha 56’, Own Goal 79’) Monaro Panthers 0 Sunday 15 July Canberra FC 1 (Palombi 65’) Gungahlin United 1 (Lynch 27’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (Vandenbroucke 41', 51') Canberra United Academy 5 (Barac 3', 81', Taylor-Young 21', Morgan 32', Hughes 45') Tuggeranong United 1 (R. Daisley) Canberra Olympic 5 (McLaughlin 11', 32', Field 40', Guo 62', Maher 63') Round 17 Sunday 22 July Canberra Olympic 8 (McLaughlin 4’, 7’, 22’, 53’, 80’, 90+2’, Maher 23’, Rojahn 40’) Woden-Weston FC 2 (Vandenbroucke 46’ (p), Whitfield 68’) Tuggeranong United 0 Belconnen United 6 (Maguire 7', Munoz 29', Williams 45', Pyke 60', 73', Carnegie 70') Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra FC 3 (Wallis 31', Goldstein 80', 86') Gungahlin United 2 (Bunker, De Marco) Canberra United Academy 4 (Hughes (2), Colvill (2))

156

Round 18 Saturday 28 July Canberra United Academy 11 (Barac 7', Morgan 13', Colvill 25', 42', 65', 68', Roestbakken 26', 65', 68', 87', Taylor-Young 60') Monaro Panthers 0 Belconnen United 5 (Maguire 6’, Whittall 29’, 70’, 82’, Argento 90’) Canberra Olympic 0 Sunday 29 July Woden-Weston FC 1 (Bain 75') Canberra FC 2 (Gill 12', 60') Gungahlin United 0 Tuggeranong United 0 Round 19 Sunday 5 August Gungahlin United 1 (De Marco 85’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Forner 11’, 46’) Monaro Panthers 1 (Bangita) Tuggeranong United 0 Woden-Weston 0 FC Belconnen United 4 (Pyke 9', 44', 81', Maguire 22') Canberra FC 2 (Gill 10’, Wallis-Caporn 18’) Canberra United Academy 4 (Colvill 4’, 45’, 69’, 72’) Federation Cup Tuesday 7 August Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra FC 4 (Genovesi 2’, Carlin 39’, Panagiotopoulos 67’, 71’) Thursday 9 August Canberra Olympic 8 (Guo (2), McLaughlin (3), Rojahn (3)) Monaro Panthers 2 (Szeremet (2)) Woden-Weston FC 0 Canberra United Academy 5 (Matic, Roestbakken, Hughes (2), Colvill) Round 20 Saturday 11 August Canberra United Academy 6 (Colvill 9', 14', 33', 46', Grove 25', Hughes 45') Tuggeranong United 1 (Coates 71') Belconnen United 2 (Maguire 11’, McLachlan 37’ (og)) Canberra FC 0 Sunday 12 August Gungahlin United 1 (Pennyfield 43’) Woden-Weston FC 0 Canberra Olympic 3 Monaro Panthers 0 - forfeit Federation Cup Semi-Finals Tuesday 14 August Belconnen United 1 (Jalocha 64’) Canberra Olympic 0 Wednesday 15 August Canberra United Academy 2 (Colvill 4’, 78’) Canberra FC 1 (Galic 63’)

157

Round 21 Saturday 18 August Canberra United Academy 7 (Roestbakken 4’, 19’, Grove 30’, 89’, Matic 37’, 73’, Hughes 41’) Canberra Olympic 3 (Guo 22’, Kiting 24’, McLaughlin 70’) Sunday 19 August Woden-Weston FC 4 (McGlashan 19', Vandenbroucke 22', Longo 38', Bain 87') Monaro Panthers 1 (Bangita 34') Canberra FC 2 (Wallis-Caporn, Gill) Tuggeranong United 1 (S. Daisley) Gungahlin United 0 Belconnen United 3 (Williams 34', Rasschaert 51', Murphy 87') Federation Cup Final Wednesday 22 August Belconnen United 2 (Whittall 45+1’, Munoz 69’ (p)) Canberra United Academy 1 (Mulhall 19’) Round 10 - Rearranged Saturday 25 August Canberra United Academy 1 (Hughes 5') Belconnen United 3 (Clarke 62', 85', Day 70') FINAL LEAGUE TABLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Belconnen United CU Academy Canberra FC Canberra Olympic Gungahlin United Woden-Weston FC Monaro Panthers Tuggeranong United

P 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

W 20 15 14 10 8 6 5 0

D 1 1 2 1 4 2 0 1

L 0 5 5 10 9 13 16 20

F 86 92 47 65 30 32 17 11

A 6 38 25 57 34 58 86 73

GD +80 +54 +22 +8 -4 -26 -69 -62

PTS 61 46 44 31 28 20 15 1

158

Saturday 1 September Qualification Final Belconnen United 5 (Jalocha 4’, Maguire 34’, Clarke 42’, Day 63’, Munoz 69’) Canberra United Academy 2 (Taylor-Young 13’, Morgan 38’) Sunday 2 September Elimination Final Canberra FC 2 (Evans 62’, Gill 90+1’) Canberra Olympic 0 Sunday 9 September Preliminary Final Canberra United Academy 2 (Hughes 29’, Halse 55’) Canberra FC 3 (Gill 40’, 110’, Langtry 90+1’) – after extra time Sunday 16 September Grand Final Belconnen United 3 (Jalocha 21’, Clarke 74’, Munoz 87’) Canberra FC 1 (Genovesi 33’)

159

WNPL GOLDEN BOOT 2018 NAME Aofie COLVILL Meg MCLAUGHLIN Grace GILL Madelyn WHITTALL Laura HUGHES Karly ROESTBAKKEN Cassia MCGLASHAN Jessie WILLIAMS Jasmine MAGUIRE Bronte PYKE Grace MAHER Melissa BUNKER Rachael GOLDSTEIN Freyja JACOBSEN Caitlin MUNOZ Zoe SZEREMET

CLUB Canberra United Academy Canberra Olympic Canberra FC Belconnen United Canberra United Academy Canberra United Academy Woden-Weston FC Belconnen United Belconnen United Belconnen United Canberra Olympic Gungahlin United Canberra FC Gungahlin United Belconnen United Monaro Panthers

LEAGUE 42 22 17 16 16 12 11 11 10 9 9 8 8 8 8 8

OVERALL 45 25 17 17 18 13 11 11 10 9 9 8 8 8 9 10

160

WNPL GOALS BY TEAM 2018 BELCONNEN UNITED NAME Madelyn WHITTALL Jessie WILLIAMS Jasmine MAGUIRE Caitlin MUNOZ Bronte PYKE Michaela DAY Gemma MURPHY Karen CLARKE Nicole JALOCHA Jessie RASSCHAERT Leah CARNEGIE Samantha PRICE Ellie RAYMOND Samantha ROFF Acacia ARGENTO Own GOAL

LEAGUE 16 11 10 8 9 7 7 5 4 5 3 2 2 2 1 2

CUP 1 1 1 -

TOTAL 17 11 10 9 9 7 7 5 5 5 3 2 2 2 1 2

CUP 1 2 1 1 -

TOTAL 17 8 7 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

CANBERRA FC NAME Grace GILL Rachael GOLDSTEIN Diarna GENOVESI Lily BARDSLEY Chantel JONES Marcia WALLIS-CAPORN Jamie BERKELEY Sophia EVANS Alexa PANAGIOTOPOLOUS Brigitte WRIGHT Bronte CARLIN Christina GRAUER-KOMPOS Ivana GALIC Zoe LANGTRY Brittany PALOMBI

LEAGUE 17 8 6 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 1 1

161

CANBERRA OLYMPIC NAME Meg MCLAUGHLIN Grace MAHER Emma GUO Sally ROJAHN Grace FIELD Vanessa RYAN Grace BASSER-SILK Alexia FORNER Kiara GASPARI Rebecca KITING Shaquielle CHONG

LEAGUE 22 9 6 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 1

CUP 3 2 3 -

TOTAL 25 9 8 6 4 4 3 3 3 2 1

CANBERRA UNITED ACADEMY NAME Aoife COLVILL Laura HUGHES Karly ROESTBAKKEN Isabella BARAC Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG Sarah MORGAN Sacha GROVE Cecilija MATIC Courtney HALSE Emma ILLIJOSKI Isabel MULHALL

LEAGUE 42 16 12 7 6 5 3 2 1 1 1

CUP 3 2 1 1 1

TOTAL 45 18 13 7 6 5 3 3 1 1 1

162

GUNGAHLIN UNITED NAME Melissa BUNKER Freyja JACOBSEN Erika PENNYFIELD Charlotte LYNCH Natalie DE MARCO Manessah HUMPHRIES Ashlyn GARRITY

LEAGUE 8 8 5 4 2 2 1

CUP -

TOTAL 8 8 5 4 2 2 1

CUP 2 -

TOTAL 10 3 2 1 1 1 1

CUP -

TOTAL 3 2 2 1 1 1 1

MONARO PANTHERS NAME Zoe SZEREMET Alicia MEURONEN Cynthia BANGITA Mia GIORGI Ella HEMMINGS Darby WHITELEY Jasmine ZABEL

LEAGUE 8 3 2 1 1 1 1

TUGGERANONG UNITED NAME Adriana ILHEO Rhiannon DAISLEY Kristy HELMERS Sophie BUI Stephanie COATES Sarah DAISLEY Own GOAL

LEAGUE 3 2 2 1 1 1 1

163

WODEN-WESTON FC NAME Cassia MCGLASHLAN Anna VANDENBROUCKE Geraldine LONGO Loretta RAAP Alana BAIN Shaquille CHONG Kath CONROY Alex MCKENZIE Jemima MILLAR-CARTON Bridget PLUMMER Annica SCHOO Sarah WHITFIELD

LEAGUE 11 6 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

CUP -

TOTAL 11 6 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

164

WNPL SEASON AT-A-GLANCE 2018 BELCONNEN UNITED R1: Canberra FC (h) W 4-0 (Whittall 21’, Pyke 52’, Murphy 64’, Day 90+1’) R2: Monaro Panthers (a) W 5-0 (Whittall 29’, 37’, Williams 31’, 63’, Day 90+1’) R3: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 3-2 (Day 33’, Murphy 43’, Maguire 65’) R4: Canberra Olympic (a) W 3-1 (Day 22’, Murphy 63’, 88’) R5: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-0 (Whittall 28', 65', Williams 72') R6: Canberra United Academy (h) W 1-0 (Rasschaert 64’) R7: Gungahlin United (h) W 2-0 (Jalocha 5’, Murphy 12’) R8: Tuggeranong United (a) W 3-0 (Whittall 36’, 73’, Williams 72’) R9: Monaro Panthers (h) W 16-0 (Maguire 11’, 20’, Price 17’, Williams 19’, 32’, 34’, 41,’ Whittall 27’, 48’, Day 38’, Raymond 56’, Pyke 66’, Clarke 70’, Carnegie 75’, Rasschaert 79’, Murphy 82’) R10: Canberra United Academy (a) – Postponed R11: Canberra Olympic (a) W 7-0 (Munoz 13’, 43’, Raymond 26’, Pyke 41’, Price 60’, Roff 68’, Rasschaert 82’) R12: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 5-0 (Maguire 8’, 29’, Munoz 29’, Whittall 54’, Carnegie 77’) R13: Canberra FC (a) W 2-0 (Pyke 20’, Roff 51’) R14: Gungahlin United (h) D 1-1 (Munoz 62’) R15: Canberra United Academy (h) W 5-1 (Rasschaert 34’, Williams 57’, Whittall 60’, 74’, Munoz 61’) R16: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-0 (Whittall 7’, Jalocha 56’, Own Goal 79’) R17: Tuggeranong United (a) W 6-0 (Maguire 7', Munoz 29', Williams 45', Pyke 60', 73', Carnegie 70') R18: Canberra Olympic (h) W 5-0 (Maguire 6’, Whittall 29’, 70’, 82’, Argento 90’) R19: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 4-0 (Pyke 9', 44', 81', Maguire 22') R20: Canberra FC (h) W 2-0 (Maguire 11’, McLachlan 37’ (og)) FCSF: Canberra Olympic (h) W 1-0 (Jalocha 64’) R21: Gungahlin United (a) W 3-0 (Williams 34', Rasschaert 51', Murphy 87') FCF: Canberra United Academy (n) W 2-1 (Whittall 45+1’, Munoz 69’ (p)) R10: Canberra United Academy (a) W 3-1 (Clarke 62', 85', Day 70') QF: Canberra United Academy (n) W 5-2 (Jalocha 4’, Maguire 34’, Clarke 42’, Day 63’, Munoz 69’) GF: Canberra FC (n) W 3-1 (Jalocha 21’, Clarke 74’, Munoz 87’) Challenge: Sydney University (h) L 0-1

165

CANBERRA FC R1: Belconnen United (a) L 0-4 R2: Gungahlin United (a) W 1-0 (Grauer-Kompos 89’) R3: Monaro Panthers (a) W 5-0 (Bardsley (2), Genovesi, Gill, Goldstein) R4: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 5-0 (Berkeley 3', Bardsley 14', 34', Genovesi 44', Gill 80') R5: Canberra United Academy (a) W 3-2 (Jones 12', Genovesi 19', Wright 89') R6: Tuggeranong United (a) W 5-0 (Gill 5', Goldstein 6', 20', Jones 18', Berkeley 48') R7: Canberra Olympic (a) W 3-0 (Gill 5', Goldstein 22', 23') R8: Monaro Panthers (h) W 4-0 (Evans 18’, Gill 25’, Jones 47’, Berkeley 68’) R9: Gungahlin United (a) W 3-1 (Wallis-Caporn 61’, Jones 81’, Gill 87’) R10: Canberra Olympic (a) W 2-1 (Gill 17’, 51’) R11: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 1-0 (Gill 30’) R12: Canberra United Academy (h) D 1-1 (Wright 53’) R13: Belconnen United (h) L 0-2 R14: Tuggeranong United (a) W 2-1 (Genovesi 23', Goldstein 66') R15: Canberra Olympic (h) L 2-4 (Gill 41’, Genovesi 80’) R16: Gungahlin United (h) D 1-1 (Palombi 65’) R17: Monaro Panthers (a) W 3-0 (Wallis-Caporn 31', Goldstein 80', 86') R18: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 2-1 (Gill 12', 60') R19: Canberra United Academy (h) L 2-4 (Gill 10’, Wallis-Caporn 18’) FC1: Tuggeranong United (a) W 4-0 (Genovesi 2’, Carlin 39’, Panagiotopoulos 67’, 71’) R20: Belconnen United (a) L 0-2 FCSF: Canberra United Academy (h) L 1-2 (Galic 63’) R21: Tuggeranong United (h) W 2-1 (Wallis-Caporn, Gill) EF: Canberra Olympic (n) W 2-0 (Evans 62’, Gill 90+1’) PF: Canberra United Academy (n) W 3-2 (Gill 40’, 110’, Langtry 90+1’) – after extra time GF: Belconnen United (n) L 1-3 (Genovesi 33’)

166

CANBERRA OLYMPIC R1: Canberra United Academy (a) W 5-3 (Maher 8’, 62’, 82’, Basser-Silk 20’, Guo 32’) R2: Woden-Weston FC (a) – Postponed R3: Tuggeranong United (a) W 5-0 (Guo 1’, Maher 16’, 67’, Field 37’, Ryan 74’) R4: Belconnen United (h) L 1-3 (Maher 48’) R5: Gungahlin United (a) L 2-4 (Ryan 61', 73') R6: Monaro Panthers (h) L 2-3 (Kiting 43', Rojahn 84') R7: Canberra FC (h) L 0-3 (Gill 5', Goldstein 22', 23') R8: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 2-1 (Rojahn 9’, Basser-Silk 39’) R9: Tuggeranong United (h) W 9-1 (McLaughlin 6’, 38’, 56’, 67, 81, 90+1’, Ryan 14’, Forner 65’, Field 76’) R10: Canberra FC (h) L 1-2 (McLaughlin 72’) R11: Belconnen United (h) L 0-7 R12: Gungahlin United (h) L 2-3 (Chong 80’, Guo 90’) R2: Woden-Weston FC (a) D 2-2 (McLaughlin 45’, Gaspari 55’) R13: Monaro Panthers (a) W 4-1 (Field 14', Guo 20', McLaughlin 25', Gaspari 31') R14: Canberra United Academy (a) L 2-6 (McLaughlin 36', Basser-Silk 55') R15: Canberra FC (a) W 4-2 (Maher 7’, McLaughlin 39’, 50’, 66’) R16: Tuggeranong United (a) W 5-1 (McLaughlin 11', 32', Field 40', Guo 62', Maher 63') R17: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 8-2 (McLaughlin 4’, 7’, 22’, 53’, 80’, 90+2’, Maher 23’, Rojahn 40’) R18: Belconnen United (a) L 0-5 R19: Gungahlin United (a) W 2-1 (Forner 11’, 46’) FC1: Monaro Panthers (h) W 8-2 (Guo (2), McLaughlin (3), Rojahn (3)) R20: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-0 – forfeit FCSF: Belconnen United (a) L 0-1 R21: Canberra United Academy (a) L 3-7 (Guo 22’, Kiting 24’, McLaughlin 70’) EF: Canberra FC (n) L 0-2

167

CANBERRA UNITED ACADEMY R1: Canberra Olympic (h) L 3-5 (Hughes 12’, 85’, Roestbakken 55’) R2: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-1 (Illijoski 26’, Roestbakken 50’, Taylor-Young 64’) R3: Gungahlin United (a) W 4-2 (Hughes 17’, 38’, Roestbakken 33’, Colvill 47’) R4: Monaro Panthers (h) W 7-1 (Hughes 13', 79', 86', Roestbakken 21', Barac 44', Colvill 55', 59') R5: Canberra FC (h) L 2-3 (Colvill 23', 82') R6: Belconnen United (a) L 0-1 R7: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 8-2 (Colvill 30', 33', 38', 54', 60', Morgan 48', Taylor-Young 69', Roestbakken 72') R8: Gungahlin United (h) W 3-1 (Barac 6’, 57’, Colvill 24’) R9: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 5-1 (Hughes 24’, Colvill 55’, 59, 81’, Morgan 84’) R10: Belconnen United (h) – Postponed R11: Monaro Panthers (a) W 7-0 (Colvill (6), Hughes) R12: Canberra FC (a) D 1-1 (Colvill 51’) R13: Tuggeranong United (a) W 4-0 (Mulhall 6', Colvill 28', Taylor-Young 31', Morgan 57') R14: Canberra Olympic (h) W 6-2 (Colvill 22', 42', 44', 69', 83', 85') R15: Belconnen United (h) L 1-5 (Barac 4’) R16: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 5-2 (Barac 3', 81', Taylor-Young 21', Morgan 32', Hughes 45') R17: Gungahlin United (a) W 4-2 (Hughes (2), Colvill (2)) R18: Monaro Panthers (h) W 11-0 (Barac 7', Morgan 13', Colvill 25', 42', 65', 68', Roestbakken 26', 65', 68', 87', Taylor-Young 60') R19: Canberra FC (a) W 4-2 (Colvill 4’, 45’, 69’, 72’) FC1: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 5-0 (Matic, Roestbakken, Hughes (2), Colvill) R20: Tuggeranong United (h) W 6-1 (Colvill 9', 14', 33', 46', Grove 25', Hughes 45') FCSF: Canberra FC (a) W 2-1 (Colvill 4’, 78’) R21: Canberra Olympic (h) W 7-3 (Roestbakken 4’, 19’, Grove 30’, 89’, Matic 37’, 73’, Hughes 41’) FCF: Belconnen United (n) L 1-2 (Mulhall 19’) R10: Belconnen United (h) L 1-3 (Hughes 5’) QF: Belconnen United (n) L 2-5 (Taylor-Young 13’, Morgan 38’) PF: Canberra FC (n) L 2-3 (Hughes 29’, Halse 55’) – after extra time

168

GUNGAHLIN UNITED R1: Monaro Panthers (a) W 2-1 (Garrity, Pennyfield) R2: Canberra FC (h) L 0-1 R3: Canberra United Academy (h) L 2-4 (Pennyfield 55’, 76’) R4: Tuggeranong United (h) – Postponed R5: Canberra Olympic (h) W 4-2 (Jacobsen 24', 46', 68', Pennyfield 70') R6: Woden-Weston FC (a) D 1-1 (Lynch 50') R7: Belconnen United (a) L 0-2 R8: Canberra United Academy (a) L 1-3 (Jacobsen 36’) R9: Canberra FC (h) L 1-3 (Humphries 69’) R10: Monaro Panthers (a) W 1-0 (Jacobson 89') R11: Tuggeranong United (a) W 3-0 (Lynch 7’, Bunker 33’, Humphries77’) R12: Canberra Olympic (a) W 3-2 (Jacobsen 55’, 58’, Lynch 38’) R4: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-0 (Jacobsen 32’, Bunker 78’, 81’) R13: Woden-Weston FC (a) L 0-3 R14: Belconnen United (a) D 1-1 (Bunker 67’) R15: Monaro Panthers (h) W 3-1 (Bunker 5’, 49’, 60’) R16: Canberra FC (a) D 1-1 (Lynch 27’) R17: Canberra United Academy (h) L 2-4 (Bunker, De Marco) R18: Tuggeranong United (h) D 0-0 R19: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1-2 (De Marco 85’) R20: Woden-Weston FC (h) W 1-0 (Pennyfield 43’) R21: Belconnen United (h) L 0-3

169

MONARO PANTHERS R1: Gungahlin United (h) L 1-2 (Giorgi) R2: Belconnen United (h) L 0-5 R3: Canberra FC (h) L 0-5 R4: Canberra United Academy (a) L 1-7 (Szeremet 1') R5: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 0-3 R6: Canberra Olympic (a) W 3-2 (Szeremet 21', 55', 90') R7: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3-1 (Whiteley 7’, Szeremet 24’, Zabel 65’) R8: Canberra FC (a) L 0-4 R9: Belconnen United (a) L 0-16 R10: Gungahlin United (h) L 0-1 R11: Canberra United Academy (h) L 0-7 R12: Tuggeranong United (a) W 3-1 (Szeremet 29’, 78’, Meuronen 48’) R13: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1-4 (Meuronen 54’) R14: Woden-Weston FC (a) W 2-1 (Meuronen 37', Szeremet 78') R15: Gungahlin United (a) L 1-3 (Hemmings 66’) R16: Belconnen United (a) L 0-3 R17: Canberra FC (h) L 0-3 R18: Canberra United Academy (a) L 0-11 R19: Tuggeranong United (h) W 1-0 (Bangita) FC1: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2-8 (Szeremet (2)) R20: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0-3 – forfeit R21: Woden-Weston FC (a) L 1-4 (Bangita 34’)

170

TUGGERANONG UNITED R1: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 0-2 R2: Canberra United Academy (a) L 1-3 (Ilheo 17’) R3: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0-5 R4: Gungahlin United (a) – Postponed R5: Belconnen United (a) L 0-3 R6: Canberra FC (h) L 0-5 R7: Monaro Panthers (a) L 1-3 (Ilheo 10’) R8: Belconnen United (h) L 0-3 R9: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1-9 (Ilheo 45’) R10: Woden-Weston FC (a) L 1-2 (Helmers 77') R11: Gungahlin United (h) L 0-3 R12: Monaro Panthers (h) L 1-3 (Helmers 60’) R4: Gungahlin United (a) L 0-3 R13: Canberra United Academy (h) L 0-4 R14: Canberra FC (h) L 1-2 (Bui 21') R15: Woden-Weston FC (h) L 2-3 (own goal 15’, R. Daisley 70’) R16: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1-5 (R. Daisley) R17: Belconnen United (h) L 0-6 R18: Gungahlin United (a) D 0-0 R19: Monaro Panthers (a) L 0-1 FC1: Canberra FC (h) L 0-4 R20: Canberra United Academy (a) L 1-6 (Coates 71’) R21: Canberra FC (a) L 1-2 (S. Daisley)

171

WODEN-WESTON FC R1: Tuggeranong United (a) W 2-0 (Raap 36’, McGlashan 45+1’) R2: Canberra Olympic (h) – Postponed R3: Belconnen United (a) L 2-3 (McGlashan 33’, Mackenzie 52’) R4: Canberra FC (a) L 0-5 R5: Monaro Panthers (a) W 3-0 (McGlashan 52’ (p), 86’, Chong 68’) R6: Gungahlin United (h) D 1-1 (McGlashan 90') R7: Canberra United Academy (h) L 2-8 (Vandenbroucke 26', Raap 86') R8: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1-2 (Conroy 70’) R9: Canberra United Academy (a) L 1-5 (McGlashan 45+1’) R10: Tuggeranong United (h) W 2-1 (McGlashan 15', Plummer 62') R11: Canberra FC (h) L 0-1 R12: Belconnen United (a) L 0-5 R2: Canberra Olympic (h) D 2-2 (Schoo 74’, McGlashan 86’) R13: Gungahlin United (h) W 3-0 (Millar-Carton 10', McGlashan 38', 82') R14: Monaro Panthers (a) L 1-2 (Longo 51') R15: Tuggeranong United (a) W 3-2 (Raap 34’, Longo 68’, Vandenbroucke 77’) R16: Canberra United Academy (h) L 2-5 (Vandenbroucke 41', 51') R17: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2-8 (Vandenbroucke 46’ (p), Whitfield 68’) R18: Canberra FC (h) L 1-2 (Bain 75’) R19: Belconnen United (h) L 0-4 FC1: Canberra United Academy (h) L 0-5 R20: Gungahlin United (a) L 0-1 R21: Monaro Panthers (h) W 4-1 (McGlashan 19', Vandenbroucke 22', Longo 38', Bain 87')

172