By Emma Burke
Heidelberg United have locked in a home semi-final against the Bulleen Lions after defeating them in a thrilling 3-2 win for the last game of the regular season.
Melbourne’s weather decided that it would also put on a show for the game. Unlike last weekend, it was a wonderfully sunny day, perfect for an afternoon of exciting football.
The ‘Bergers came out in the opening minutes performing like a well-oiled machine, which is what supporters of Johno Clemente’s side have come to expect to see.
While the ‘Bergers kept their lines tight and their presses well-conditioned and timed, the deadlock was broken half-way through the first half when Bulleen received a corner kick where the final touch came off Heidelberg’s Tijan Mckenna – a miss-hit that was intended to clear the ball.
Heidelberg were quick to counter, retaliating almost immediately after skipper Stephanie Galea was able to find the back of the net from the back post.
United closed out the first half with a 2-1 lead, when Kathryn Vlahopoulos picked up the ball in front of goal on the spot and sent it careening into the top left corner, just out of reach of Emily Shields in Bulleen’s goal.
The second half saw the ‘Bergers in control once again until Bulleen made a quick break away. In an effort to keep ‘Bulleen striker Lia Privitelli off the ball, Mckenna was pulled up for a foul and unfortunately the home side was awarded a penalty. Bulleen’s Alana Jancevski converted from the spot, sending Warrior’s keeper Melissa Maizels to the wrong side, and tying up the game at two goals apiece.
The game-winning goal came via midfielder Emily Roach, who was assisted by a selfless Danielle Wise. Roach was able to run onto the pass, take one touch and then finish strongly, making light work of Shields.
The ‘Bergers were able to then stand their ground for the final 10 minutes of play before the whistle sounded, holding out for the win and the promise of a home semi-final.
Heidelberg will meet Bulleen again next weekend on Saturday September 3 in a do or die semi-final. The game is slated to kick off at 2pm and will be played at Olympic Village. This game is going to be a big one, and every Heidelberg fan should do their best to get down to the ground in support of the women after their fantastic season.
Match Details:
FC Bulleen Lions 2 (T. Mckenna 24’ [OG], A. Jancevski 65’[P]) – Heidelberg United FC 3 (S. Galea 30’, K. Vlahopoulos 44’, E. Roach 81’)
1 – Melissa Maizels [GK]
2 – Emily Roach (19 – Deana Kotsabas 86’)
4 – Danielle Wise
5 – Elly Torre
6 – Felicity Georgopoulos
7 – Stephanie Galea [C] (29 – Catriona McDonald 86’)
8 – Kathryn Vlahopoulos (22 – Setarah Qasimi 86’)
9 – Keely Lockhart (3 – Maxine Diblasi 67’)
14 – Tijan Mckenna
16 – Isabella Wallhead
18 – Eve Tiktikakis (35 – Pearl Stevens 76’)
Subs not Used
20 – Natasha Stathopoulos [GK]
