Senior women run riot on state cup debut
Maccabi FC Caulfield – Women's have reached the last 32 of the Nike FC Cup in their inaugural campaign after thrashing Moreland Eagles FC 10-1 in the second round of the women's state knockout cup last Sunday night.
Maccabi FC Caulfield – Women’s have reached the last 32 of the Nike FC Cup in their inaugural campaign after thrashing Moreland Eagles FC 10-1 in the second round of the women’s state knockout cup last Sunday night.
Coming off a bye in round one, Maccabi came out firing led by centre forward Rebecca Rubenstein who kicked off her side’s goal-scoring spree with a brace.
Nat Gabriel and debutante Elise Martini were busy on the wings and relentless in front of goal, with Gabriel finishing from close range to bring the score to 3-0.
Maccabi midfielders Jeannie Susser, Genia Avram and Camila Fresneda took control of the centre of the park. Avram delivered a stunning corner accepted by defender Ellie Kras who smashed a header home.
Goalkeeper Nicola Hajncl made a spectacular save at the other end, ensuring Moreland remained goalless for the first 45 minutes.
A fifth goal was added before the main break, courtesy of a perfectly executed Fresneda free kick.
A disappointing lapse in concentration early in the second half allowed the Eagles onto the scoresheet, but the host’s celebrations stopped there as Maccabi clicked into top gear.
A new-look defence of Anna Duong, Charlotte Clements, Romy Sacks and Kras denied the Eagles’ forwards time on the ball.
The relentless attacking pressure materialised into more goals, this time to first-game players Martini and Hannah Schauer, who both showed composure and class in front of goal.
Fresneda proceeded to singlehandedly take on and take down Moreland’s defence on more than one occasion to finish with a hat-trick.
Avram’s long-range strike capped off a stunning season opener and a 10-1 victory.
Captain Susser had nothing but praise for the squad. “Our first ever Nike FC Cup Clash marked a pivotal moment for the club, as we look toward competing at the highest level in the state in 2019,” she said.
“With some strong new player signings and a revitalised club profile, 2019 is on track to be our most successful campaign yet.”
The Maccabi women will face NPLW side Southern United FC and for some a former teammate, Casey Aarons, when the two clubs do battle for a place in the fourth round of the Nike FC Cup next month.
AJN STAFF
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