Central City FC are the Victorian Champions League Open Women 2009/10 Champions after defeating the Gippsland Knights in penalties at Harvest Home Reserve today.
The match went straight to penalties after the scores were locked at 2-2 at full time.
Madelaine Richardson scored the first goal for the Gippsland Knights on the 27 minute mark after she lobbed the keeper from 35 yards out.
After their first goal, Gippsland looked well on top, having all the attacking play as Central City struggled to get it past the centre line.
Scores were 1-0 at half time.
Central City came out a different team in the second half, looking more determined.
Central had their first shot at goal within the first minute of the second half, signalling their intentions after a lacklustre first 45 minutes.
Emma Johnson and Esther La Greca were becoming lively up forward for Central City, with Johnson scoring from a low corner kick to level the scores.
After dominating the first half, Gippsland were now struggling to mount any attacks on goal as Central City stepped up their play.
Johnson and La Greca teamed up for Central’s second goal on the 68 minute mark. Johnson kicked the ball in from a corner kick and La Greca headed the ball into the top right corner, giving the keeper no chance.
Gippsland responded immediately to level the scores after some patient and skilful play from captain Kirstie Shearing. Shearing held the ball in the corner until a teammate came to assist, with the ball then sent to the top of the box where Mollie Emond was waiting to put the ball away and equal the scores.
The match was played with great skill and determination and the full time 2-2 scores were befitting of how close the match was.
Penalties had to be taken to decide the winner.
Unfortunately Gippsland were unable to capitalise on any of their penalties, handing Central City the 2009/10 Open Women’s Championship.
Gippsland coach, Gene Parini, said he was pleased with the way his team fought back.
“They got on top of us in the second half, but we did well to fight back in the latter part of the second half and the game could’ve gone either way."
Winning coach, Central City’s Marco Palacio, said he knew his team would come back in the second half.
“We’re a second half team; we have been like that all year, that’s when we score most of our goals."
Palacio paid credit to his team's performance during the entire VCL season.
“We lost a lot of players during the course of the season, but we have a lot of talent and experience.”
Last updated: Sunday December 20, 2009 5:49PM
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