A goal from 17 year old Makayla Clifton secured a hugely important 1-0 win for the Girls Youth Team over Sydney Olympic at a rainy LMRFF.
The opening 20 minutes consisted of an exchange of several half-chances as both sides felt their way into the match. Sydney Olympic had a chance to capitalise from a set-piece, but the ball into the box was lofted too far in front of the onrushing attackers, as the ball bounced out for a goal kick.
Alexis Collins had a chance to open the scoring just minutes later. Aaliyah Kilroy picked up a loose ball before driving towards goal. She played the ball to Alexis, who turned away from one defender before being tackled by another right as she was about to take her shot.
Ally Boertje did well to deal with a ball in behind the Jets defence from Sydney Olympic, clearing the ball whilst under pressure from the Olympic attacker. Collins had another chance to score on the half-hour mark, but her shot from a tight angle narrowly went over the crossbar.
Halftime came soon, with both sides deadlocked at 0-0. According to the FNSW stats, each team only had two shots, showing how tight the first half was. During the break, Makayla Clifton was brought on for Kate Heap.
The Jets came out with more energy than Olympic in the second half, and it paid off almost instantly. Alexis Collins received the ball with her back to goal. She turned before dropping the ball back to Emma Dundas, who span away from two defenders before splitting a gap and finding Collins again. Alexis drove down the right side of the box before cutting the ball across the 6-yard box to substitute Makayla Clifton, who tapped into the empty net from point blank, 1-0 Jets!
Just moments later, Collins almost doubled the lead, but the Sydney keeper was able to make a comfortable save in the end. Sydney Olympic finally began to show some fight, but the girls youth team did well to deny them.
Every single attack from Olympic was sternly shut down by the backline of Threlfo, Bates, Karipidis and Walandouw. Crofton and Dundas in the midfield did plenty of defensive work as well, pressing and breaking up play whilst also working hard to retain the ball and continue to create chances. Ally Boertje continued to sweep up well, whilst simultaneously running the clock down as the girls sought out to get their fourth win of the season.
The full time whistle finally came, with the girls snatching a 1-0 win from Sydney Olympic. Zoe Karipidis was awarded the Doughheads Player of the Match award for her dominating performance marshalling the defence.
The Youth girls are back in action next Sunday, 10th of August as they take on Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC at Popondetta Park.
