Semi-finals await NSW Metro teams at National Youth Championships

Semi-final fixtures have been confirmed following a thrilling day of action at the 2024 National Youth Championships Girls.

Fans in attendance at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne hardly used their seats as the end-to-end action continued to provide enthralling matches with a place in the semi-finals on the line.

Football NSW’s U15 Metro team continued their winning form, downing South Australia 3-0 to convincingly earn a semi-final berth. Zoe Panagopoulos scored a brace for a second consecutive match, setting up a clash against Northern NSW on Sunday (9.55am AEST).

The Invitational XI, featuring a large contingent of Football NSW representatives, fought out a 3-3 draw with Queensland Maroon before heartbreakingly being knocked out on penalties.

In the U16s, NSW Country came up against tough Northern NSW competition, going down 4-0 and marking the end of their campaign.

Meanwhile, NSW Metro, having skipped the quarter-final phase, now await Queensland Maroon for their semi-final clash at 2.10pm AEST Sunday.

If you can’t make it to the Home of the Matildas – where entry is free – make sure to tune in via Kommunity TV as all matches will feature live commentary.

Defence keeping Metro on track

Most coaches would be thrilled to hear their side has advanced to the semi-finals of the National Youth Championships with only one goal conceded, but NSW Metro U15 Coach Anissa Tann sees room for improvement.

“I would rather have no goals scored against us,” she said.

“It was a mistake, that goal, but I’m someone who wants none scored against us, and the girls are aware of that.”

This defensive mentality is paying dividends, as the NSW Metro side qualified for the semi-finals following a strong 3-0 victory over South Australia.

For Tann, who also coached the side in last year’s National Youth Championships, it’s handy to compliment a defensive mindset with attacking threats like Zoe Panagopoulos, who netted two long range goals in the Quarter Final.

“Zoe’s a good kid and duel footed as well. She’s got great tekkers (skills) and we’ve been working on her being a complete player so she’s gradually improving. We’re hoping in the near future there’s good things to come from her.”

Day 4 Results

U15, QF1:

NSW Metro: 3 (Zoe Panagopoulos x2 & Mikaela Gavranic)
South Australia: 0

U15, QF3:

Queensland Maroon: 2 (5 on pens)
Invitational XI: 2 (4 on pens)

U15, PGM 1-6:

NSW Country: 1 (Mikayla Blake)
Capital Football: 1 (Phoebe Gordon)

U16, QF1:

Northern NSW: 4 (Isabella Nunes, Kealah Boldery, Laura Knipe & Makayla Clifton)
NSW Country: 0

More on the 2024 National Youth Championships:

CLICK HERE to view the Official National Youth Championships 2024 Girls’ Tournament Digital Program with Fixtures
CLICK HERE to watch* the National Youth Championships 2024 Girls’ Tournament thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)
CLICK HERE to view the live tables and results