Lady Zebras take all 3 points …

Sunday afternoon saw our Senior Women away to rivals Brunswick Zebras in round 1. Moreland started off the game on the front foot, with our high press leading to a chance from Sacha Philippou in the first minute, taking on one midfielder and her strike just going wide of the post. Unfortunately Moreland saw their captain Celeste Gallina down with an ankle injury in the third minute, leaving her out for the rest of the match. Her absence caused the team to lose their structure for the next ten minutes, however Moreland picked it back up and took control of the game again.

Moreland’s first goal came from a brilliant touch from Amira Idris, who laid off a pass to midfielder Diarna Cartwright who then switched the ball to the left wing with Liz Madsen taking a touch and finding the top corner of the net, giving the Brunswick keeper no chance.

A one on one with Georgia Loizides saw Brunswick’s keeper make a tough save and the second half saw Moreland pushing for that second goal that just wouldn’t come. Eventually, after many missed opportunities by Moreland, Melissa Casha took a long shot into the box, with the ball going over the keeper, giving Moreland a 2 goal lead.

Although the game wasn’t Moreland’s best performance, Brunswick did not have any chances to score, with the ball being in Moreland’s attacking half 90% of the game. This match saw another excellent defensive display led by Theothora Dimitropoulos and Sacha Philippou, with Ashley Jones performing brilliantly at right back showing composure on the ball under pressure. However Moreland’s streak of not conceding a goal came to an end after 7 hours and 28 minutes of game time, with an own goal due to lack of communication bringing Brunswick back into the game.

Coach Stephan Achilleos was happy to start off the season with a win, however he knows his side could have done much better on the park. “We weren’t at our best today, but still to be in control of the game even when it’s an off day shows you have a team that possesses quality. It was a frustrating day at times and we needed to stay patient and disciplined and that’s exactly what we did. It’s unfortunate to concede your first goal in five games from an own goal in the last minute, but as a squad we need to look at that and make sure it doesn’t happen again. We will keep working and keep learning, overall very pleased with the performance – a great way to start the season”.

The team would like to thank Club President Joe Sala for coming along to support the girls and joining in on the team victory song.

Moreland Zebras 2-1 Brunswick Zebras

Scorers: Liz Madsen, Melissa Casha

Player of the Match – Sacha Philippou

COYZ