Tara Murray
As Calder United’s dream for a fifth straight Nike F.C Cup title remains on track, coach Mark Torcaso said this one would be the most special.
United won through to the grand final on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win against Bulleen Lions in the knock-out competition.
Calder will now face South Melbourne in the grand final, a repeat of last year’s final which Calder won 3-0.
Torcaso said if they could claim this one, it would be pretty special. Having promoted a number of younger players this season, the coaching staff had no expectations this season.
“It is crazy,” he said. “Some of the girls have been part of everyone, all five, while others are part of it for the first time.
“This one is really special. There’s a lot of young girls, which is really exciting. The young players have done really well and every player in the squad has contributed.”
The semi final against the Bulleen Lions was a tough one at ABD Valley Stadium in Broadmeadows was a tough one.
Torcaso said they needed to have some extra run in their legs, with the stadium bigger than what they were used to playing on.
The game was headed for an extra time until a goal from Mel Taranto in the 80th minute gave Calder the lead.
It was enough, as Calder won 1-0.
“It was a really tough game,” Torcaso said. “We had a few out with injury and it being a mid-week game as well.
“The game was going to be decided by something special. Mel got the ball inside the box and turned her opponent before finding the top corner of the next.
“It was the difference.”
Calder don’t have much time to rest, with the side back in action on Saturday against the Emerging Matildas.
Calder is sitting on top of the table, two points clear of Heidelberg United.
“We’ll continue juggling both competitions, which is always a good thing at Calder,” Torcaso said.
