Jukic magic caps MUM FC's special season
Report by Louis Granich
Murdoch University Melville celebrate their title success. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo
NPLWA Women’s champions Murdoch University rounded off their season with a 1-1 draw against Fremantle City last night – then celebrated in style as they lifted the league title.
Captain Kathryn Schubert received the trophy from Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes at Wauhop Park as MUM FC put the lid on a stellar campaign.
And if that wasn’t enough, Katarina Jukic saved the best til last by scoring arguably the NPL goal of the season – men’s or women’s.
The Golden Boot winner-in-waiting pulled off an outrageous rabona from the edge of the box which chipped Freo keeper Dayle Schroeder and dropped in just under the bar.
It was an incredible piece of vision and execution and earned her side a point.
Fremantle had led from the 32nd minute thanks to Mikayla Lyons’ penalty. The City skipper converted her ninth goal of the season after Annabelle Leek had been bought down.
Murdoch responded by putting plenty of pressure on Fremantle’s goal but Schroeder produced a couple of smart saves to keep the opposition out going into half-time.
Ellie La Monte and Jukic tried to wrestle back control after the restart, but Steffi Nadilo and particularly Laura Waltman looked composed at the back for Fremantle. Jukic and Waltman’s battle was a real highlight and City’s No. 10 seemed to have the upper hand against the Murdoch striker for most of the match.
However, Jukic then produced that moment of real quality to equalise on 78 minutes. After trying to push the ball past Waltman, it squirmed free at the edge of the area and she pulled off an audacious finish which will live long in the memory.
The match finished with a flurry of action as Rachel Gllies nearly scored and then was shown a red card minutes after dangerously sliding in on Schroeder. Georgie Ireland and Gemma Craine had chances to win it for Freo but couldn’t find the finishing touch as the regular season came to close.
Murdoch will head into the Top 4 Cup as favourites but Fremantle will be buoyed knowing they are the only side undefeated this season against the newly crowned league champions.
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