Earlwood Wanderers elated with U17s Deploy State Cup win
Proud Canterbury District Soccer Football Association side Earlwood Wanderers were ecstatic after the club’s Under 17 side defeated Sutherland Association outfit Lilli Pilli 3-1 on penalties to clinch the Deploy Football State Cup.
It was a fantastic and thrilling end to end match that saw a great flow of football played much to the delight of the parents and friends who made the trip to Valentine Sports Park.
After taking the lead midway through the first half, the Wanderers conceded early in the second making the score level at 1-1.
Superb goal keeping denied both teams any further goals during regular time and the result would have to be settled in extra time by golden goal, meaning the winner would be decided as soon as the first goal was scored. Following a goalless extra period of time, the result was to be finally settled by a penalty shoot-out.
A man of the match goalkeeping performance by Alexander Riddell who saved three of the four penalties he faced, saw Earlwood finish victorious and crowned Deploy State Cup Champions.
The Earlwood Wanderers coaching duo of Jim Athan and Jim Tatsis, friends for over 30 years were delighted with the result which also saw both their sons feature as starting defenders making the victory that much sweeter.
“The path to the Deploy State Cup Final was a tough one.
“We not only drew previous Deploy State Cup winners and Premier League teams, but we played every game at our opponents’ home grounds.
“Winning such a prestigious and tough knockout grassroots tournament is incredible.
“We are so proud of the team and their families that support us in our efforts and for sharing in the journey and victory.
“We thank and congratulate them for what they have achieved.”
Earlwood Wanderers U17 squad:
Alexander RIDDELL
Jonathon ATHAN
Dimitri VAVAYIS
Daniel MOLLICA
Christian D’ANGELO
Josh DIONYSIOU
Freddie AYOUB
Jordan SILVA
Nathan GUINAN
Michael MEDAGLIA
Evan MADENTZOGLOU
Christos TATSIS
Jordan MILESSIS
Patric HRONIS
