Calder United’s title defence is over in the Women’s National Premier League Victoria soccer.
United’s dreams of back-to-back titles evaporated with a 3-1 upset loss to Geelong Galaxy in the preliminary final at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Saturday.
Calder United was trailing by two goals at half-time.
In United’s nightmares over the summer will be the Galaxy’s set piece combination of Adriana Taranto and Annebel Martin.
Taranto and Martin combined for both first-half goals in similar circumstances.
The goal came from a free kick with Taranto floating the ball over to an unmarked Martin, who looped it over the head of United goalkeeper Bethany Mason-Jones. The second goal saw a Taranto cross come in from the corner, but this time it was misjudged by Mason-Jones and Martin was able to score with a point-blank range header.
After a first half marred with some poor finishing, Calder United found a way to goal through Cindy Lay, who scored after a neat assist from youngster MelindaJ Barbieri.
But United’s joy was short-lived, with the Galaxy sealing the win through Leigh Gray, who had her initial shot parried away by Mason-Jones, but followed up and made no mistake with her second attempt.
The Women’s National Premier League Victoria grand final will be contested by minor premier South Melbourne and Geelong Galaxy at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Sunday from 5pm.
