MATCH DAY
vs Adelaide City
07.08.26 / Away
First Team 7:30pm
08.08.26
Reserves 12:15pm
U18’s 10:00am
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WOMEN’S RESULTS
U14’s: BAROSSA UNITED 6-0
Last week the girls played an amazing brand of football to draw 1-1 away versus second placed Adelaide Olympic and retain a 4 point lead at the top of the table. This week saw us back home against a very strong and talented Barossa United in what was another MUST WIN game. Every week is a MUST WIN game at the moment.
The pre-game talk was about shutting down the attacking runs of Barossa United. Their striker is ranked No.2 in the league and had to be stopped. The back four in Pendeza Mabilo (vice captain), Keira Bowes, Lisa David and Savannah Balawakula were outstanding. They kept their structure, backed each other up, filled up the space and intercepted thru balls the whole match. Savannah’s first half performance against that highly rated striker was pivotal to us controlling the game. I have no doubt that the efforts of these four defenders in addition to Maddison Machin having a solid game as keeper, is what propelled us to what ended up being an amazing day for the team.
Up front, Leilah Kaneza was simply on fire. Both teams started a little slow, but Leilah nailed the opening goal running past the defenders into a 1-on-1 and slotting home. Less than 10 minutes later, Liya Ratthanachan crossed from the right and Leilah pounced and guided the ball inbetween a mass of players to put us 2-0 up. That put us in control of the game, but then Matiyah Ocampo ended the contest. Matiyah received a pass from midfield and did a back heel and turn to bamboozle her much larger opponent and run on goal. While Matiyah was run down, she managed to scramble the ball past the challenging defender and keeper to make it 3-0 after 24 minutes. Less than a minute later, keeper error and Leilah had her hat-trick and it was 4-0.
HT 4-0
Second half was an arm wrestle, but we were mostly in control. There were a number of half chances but eventually we broke through again with Acacia Baggendorf netting her 11th of the season when she jumped on a parried ball from the keeper and tapped it in for 5-0. Leilah scored her 4th and made it 6-0 when she tackled hard, won the ball, pushed past defenders, left foot to just inside the left upright.
Amazing.
A draw today would have been a respectable result. But we got a win and a convincing win at that. Best players? Hard to go past Leilah Kaneza when she scores 4 in a massive game. Helen Constance (captain) fought hard all day and everywhere as usual, but the back four in Pendeza, Keira, Lisa and Savannah. An awesome foursome today!
We are another step closer to glory.
Patriot Girl Power!
Div 2: After edging Metro 2–1 in our previous meeting, the Lady Patriots travelled to Metro’s home ground determined to take another three points.
From the opening whistle, the intent was clear — score early. Within the first five minutes, the Lady Patriots moved the ball beautifully through the middle before Riziki burst down the wing. Her one-on-one effort was well saved by the Metro goalkeeper, but Priscilla reacted first to smash home the rebound and give the Lady Patriots a dream start and a 1–0 lead.
Metro responded strongly, taking control of large periods of the first half by overloading the wide areas and exploiting the space. This forced the Lady Patriots into a tactical reshuffle to counter Metro’s attacking threat.
Despite the pressure, the Lady Patriots went into the break leading 1–0 after what proved to be a shortened 40-minute first half.
The second half saw the tactical changes take effect. The Lady Patriots matched Metro’s style, keeping possession, playing quick triangles, and letting the ball do the work. As the half wore on, it felt considerably longer than the first, with what seemed like nearly 50 minutes of football testing the composure and resilience of both sides.
Defensively, the team held a disciplined high line, forcing Metro into long-range efforts. When Metro earned a penalty for a handball inside the box, it looked like the perfect chance to equalise. But Pamela had other ideas. Standing tall, she produced a brilliant penalty save that lifted the entire team and kept the momentum with the Lady Patriots.
With the intensity rising, the Lady Patriots were forced into several changes after a number of players were left dazed following strong headers, requiring the referee to pause play while they were assessed before leaving the field.
The repeated stoppages led the Lady Patriots coaching staff to question the pressure of the match ball. “Rock hard” would be an understatement, with the ball feeling exceptionally firm throughout the game. Despite the interruptions, the Lady Patriots dug deep, stayed organised, and defended with courage right until the final whistle.
Full Time: Metro 0 – 1 Lady Patriots
It was another complete team performance. From Pamela’s outstanding penalty save, to the defence standing strong, the midfield controlling possession, and the forwards creating opportunities, every player played their part.
Another hard-fought three points keeps the Lady Patriots pushing towards their goal. Well done, ladies!
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