Galaxy goes down gallantly in GF

GALAXY United FC has contested its second consecutive WNPL grand final but again come away without the silverware, losing to South Melbourne FC in a penalty shootout.

In Sunday’s game at ABD Stadium, the Surf Coast-based senior women’s soccer side fought back repeatedly to level the scores not only in regular time but also in extra time and the penalty shootout, but lost on penalties 5-4.

South Melbourne first took the lead in the 21st minute after Lisa De Vanna scored, and doubled their advantage before half time through a goal to Natalie Martineau.

Galaxy got one back in the 61st minute after midfielder Kariah White was knocked over in the box, Laura Spiranovic duly converting the penalty. White slotted home a goal of her own in the 72nd minute, squaring the scores at 2-2 and forcing the game into extra time.

It only took minutes after the restart for South Melbourne to pull ahead again, Caitlin Greiser knocking the ball in from a rebound.

Starting the second period of extra time down 3-2, Lujeyn Al-Huneidi equalised for the Galaxy to level the scores again and sparking frantic attacking play from both sides for no result.

The game would be decided by penalties, and it was high drama as South Melbourne took an early 3-2 lead, before a save by Galaxy keeper Emily Kenshole and a goal from Al-Huneidi made it 3-3.

Akeisha Sandhu put Galaxy ahead before South Melbourne’s Alex Cheal levelled scores again at 4-4.

Leigh Gray missed her shot for Galaxy, and Greiser nailed her penalty to give South Melbourne the win.