By Lance Jenkinson
The signs were there 39 seconds into the match that Calder United was going to prove a handful for rivals South Melbourne in the NPL Women’s soccer at Lakeside Stadium on Friday night.
Without even a minute on the clock, Angela Beard netted the quickest goal of the season to set United on its way to a 4-0 road victory.
Calder president Eric Psarianos could not believe his eyes.
“It was the quickest goal I’ve ever seen,” Psarianos said. “She lobbed it over the keeper from about 35 yards out.
“It was fantastic to see.”
United scored two goals in each half and were stern defensively.
“To play them on their own home turf and put a strong performance in like that was amazing,” Psarianos said. “It was a very complete performance by the girls.
“I can’t tell you the name of one player on the night who didn’t perform.”
This has become a trend for Calder United.
United is 11 points clear on top of the ladder – though second-placed Bulleen Lions have two games in hand – and riding a five-game win streak.
This incredible run from United is not simply about talent.
“They are absolutely playing for one another at the moment,” Psarianos said.
“The spirit amongst the team is nothing like I ever seen before.”
Stacey Papadopoulos doubled Calder United’s lead in the 23rd minute.
United had motored out of sight after goals to Aleks Sinclair and Catherine Zimmerman in the second half.
If there was a stand out for Calder United, it was full back Virginia Sroba who offered plenty of drive out of defence.
Calder United will host Senior NTC at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve on Friday night. The last time the two sides met, United won 12-0.
Psarianos is expecting a much tougher encounter this time around.
“It’s not going to be an easy game because they’ve got a couple of their Emerging Matildas back,” he said.
