Queensland claimed the FFA Futsal National Championship women’s open title with a 3-1 victory over a more experienced ACT Cobras outfit at the AIS Arena on Friday.
It was a just reward for a hard working outfit that was down to the bare bones.
The loss of Lorena Maggio with a knee injury and Diana Kubick through suspension, Kubick was sent off in the semi-final victory on penalties over NSW Thunder, ensured that coach Justin Morrison was down to just eight fit players, including two goalkeepers. It wasn’t noticeable though as the Queensland youngsters played with a style and elegance that belied their tender years to wear down an older Cobras team. Relying on the panache of Georgie Bridges, Brooke Skelly, Kate Orkild and Rebekah Stott, allied with the unsung heroics of goalkeeper Tegan McKee, Jade Gray, back-up stopper Amy Higgins and Renae Badham, the Maroons took the match to the home team. Kate Orkild opened the scoring after a swift counter attack, sliding the ball beneath the advancing Klare Manenica to the delight of the large band of Queensland support behind the goal in which she scored.
The response from the ACT was immediate. From a short corner, Luisa Marzotto scuffed a shot goalwards that was stabbed over the line from close range by Rachel Crittenden to level the scores. An unfortunate injury to ACT Cobras Michelle Aurrousseau was the turning point. Aurrousseau collapsed in agony with a knee injury just inside her own half and Queensland’s Georgie Bridges took full advantage to race clear and slot the second Maroons goal of the match. An eleventh competition goal to Rebekah Stott sealed the victory when the striker pounced to lash home a loose ball with only moments to spare.
Sunshine Coast Futsal Association would like to specifically congratulate the eight Sunny Coast players, Coach and Manager.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Face Book
