League One Women’s Major Semi-Finals Preview
After 30 weeks of the League One Womens season we head into the semifinals between four closely fought sides.
We have two wonderful games to play out this weekend which should provide drama, action and goals that has been the standard for this competition.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Major Semi Final 1: Hills United FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Saturday 17 September, 6pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
The first of our two semifinals see Hills United FC take on Northbridge Bulls FC in an exciting contest at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Saturday night.
These two teams split their results during the regular season. Hills United FC sent out an early message with their comeback 2-1 win over Northbridge Bulls FC in Round 1 before the Bulls won the return match 1-0 at their home ground.
Hills United FC were battling with Gladesville Ravens for the Premiership after they reeled off 14 games unbeaten but ultimately finished second. They won 24 games in the season with only a single draw (Nepean FC in Round 15) and five losses.
For Northbridge Bulls FC, they started the season slow but found their mojo mid-way through and did enough to finish third on the table. The Bulls won 21 games this year with three draws and lost six games which were mostly in the first half of the year.
This has been a dream debut campaign for Hills United FC. Their tagline for the year was to ‘make history’ which they have done to make the top four. Coach Alan Tasses is experienced in the finals and will hope to get his side through to the Grand Final.
Much of their success has been built on a rock solid defence for Hills United FC. They only conceded 14 goals across the 30 games which is a major achievement. The loss of custodian Sarah Easthope in Round 28 will hurt their chances but they will thrive.
Up front Hills United FC boast a wide array of options to find the back of the net. Stefanie Trovato, Imogen Lane, Annie Halls and Ellen Berios to name a few alongside the experience of Alix Roberts and Desiree Galea will make them a tough nut to crack.
Turning to Northbridge Bulls FC, the obvious spot is with Golden Boot Tamires Souza. She has been one of the signings of the season, scoring 43 goals and a fabulous highlight reel. That is not to forget Evelyn Chronis, Cate Gyzen and Rita Boateng who make up their attack.
Northbridge Bulls FC started the season inconsistent, but coach Bill Papas has found the right formula for the squad and they surged up the League One Womens ladder and take some big momentum into the contest on the weekend.
In a game where both teams have wonderful attacking options, the Bulls have the edge between the sticks with Trudy Burke. Her communication to her defence is important as is the fantastic saves she makes throughout the game which might be the difference.
What the Coaches said:
Hills United FC coach Alan Tasses:” It should be a good game between two such equal teams. I think whoever settles down first might take the win, but the one-on-one battles will be great to watch.”
Northbridge Bulls FC coach Bill Papas: “We have quiet confidence for the game, and we’ll be up for the game against a side which we have had two good battles with this season.”
Major Semi Final 2: Gladesville Ravens vs UNSW FC, Sunday 18 September, 3:45pm, Christie Park
Gladesville Ravens and UNSW FC do battle in the second semi-final in a titanic game at Christie Park on Sunday afternoon.
These two teams have played out two cracking contests in the regular season. Gladesville Ravens scored in stoppage time for a 2-2 draw in Round 2 while UNSW FC took the points in the other bout 1-0 as one of three sides to win at Christie Park.
It has been a season to remember for Gladesville Ravens. They have secured their promotion to NPLNSW Womens and taken out the Premiership. Now they look for the cherry on top with success in the next few weeks.
UNSW FC were a side that started off slowly, but the students crammed in the second half of the season and flew into fourth spot at the expense of St George FC to make the finals. They were goal difference away from finishing third showing how close it was between the four.
The Ravens have been flying high and part of it has been due to their dynamic duo up front. Gemma Woolley has fired home 28 goals while mid-season transfer Jess Wootton scored 14 making them a nightmare for defenders.
Both Georgia Vlangos and Keiko Tanaka are experienced campaigners and patrol the Ravens midfield and make it a tough ask for any team to play through them. Vlangos leads through her work and communication to lift the Ravens team.
These two teams both have fantastic goal keepers which will play key roles in getting their team through to the Grand Final. Romina Parraguirre for Ravens has played for Chile previously while Tiahna Robertson has featured for the Young Matildas.
UNSW FC will be confident headed into this game with their record against Gladesville and their own potent attack. Eve Hess and Marcella Santos headline their attack alongside Amanda Levaskevich as an option.
The students coach Guillermo Rubio has done a fantastic job with the UNSW FC team and it shows in their results against their fellow top four teams. Now we’re set up for a pulsating game on Sunday afternoon between two quality sides.
What the coaches said:
Gladesville Ravens coach Andrew Galbraith: “We head into this game full of confidence in our ability to turn around the results against UNSW FC. We have shown that we play the whole 90 minutes which shows in our results. Possibly taking out the Championship would be a good cherry on top to what has been a wonderful season.”
UNSW FC coach Guillermo Rubio: “The team is very excited to play after working hard all season to make it to the finals and they’re hungry for success. We have competed well against Gladesville Ravens and believe we can get a good result on the weekend. Hopefully we play to the same level, and it is going to be a great football game and atmosphere on Sunday afternoon.”
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
