That’s a wrap for the women in the 2022 Latrobe Valley Soccer League season.
Round 18 of the LVSL marked the conclusion of the 2022 season, as Sale United took on Fortuna and Falcons faced Monash.
It has been a somewhat disappointing season for women’s soccer, with numerous teams pulling out of the LVSL due to a lack of numbers and multiple forfeits due to sickness, particularly at the beginning of the season.
Nevertheless, the region’s soccer girls kept calm and carried on.
Traralgon City, Tyres Lighting and East Gippsland United all had byes in Round 18, leaving this year’s bottom of the ladder team, Monash, facing ladder leaders, Falcons 2000.
Despite not having won a game this season, Monash managed to score a goal against the league’s top team, but that is about as far as it got in terms of positives for Monash in the game played last Sunday.
Just as a falcon hunts, the ladder leaders locked onto their target, diving head-first towards a 10-1 victory.
Round 18 sealed the women’s LVSL victory for Falcons 2000, remaining undefeated this season.
Sale United headed to Morwell in what would be one of their toughest games of the season, taking on Fortuna 60.
The last time these teams faced each other in Round 9, Fortuna scrapped a 2-1 win over the Swans in a highly physical match.
Standing second on the ladder at the end of Round 17, Fortuna had sealed nine wins, one draw and one loss.
Sale, just one step behind in third, had won eight, drawn one and lost two.
The game was crucial for Sale United who needed to win by three or more goals to finish second on the ladder.
If they won by less than three, Fortuna retained second place on goal difference.
In pure Gippsland style, torrential rain and a blowing gale saw Sale United and Fortuna 60 take the field.
Step aside Ronaldo cause Dani Wilson’s in the house.
At 18 minutes, the young Sale United striker found the back of the net, putting the Swans in the lead.
And that is exactly where they stayed, flying off at 90 minutes with a 1-0 victory.
Unfortunately, the 1-0 win over Fortuna wasn’t enough to boost the Swans into second, locking their season standing at third.
Sale United Women’s coach, Madelaine Breakspear, finished the season a very proud coach.
“The conditions yesterday were some of the hardest to play a game of football in,” she said.
“The rain and wind were pretty constant all game which turned the pitch into a mud pit; there were parts where the ball would just stop completely in the mud.
“I am so incredibly proud of the effort the girls put in; tough opponents in tough conditions.
“They are a very physical team, but our young girls didn’t let it get to them.
“Dani Wilson scored a cracker of a goal after combining well with Hollie Ryan. We had a few more scoring opportunities throughout the game but didn’t manage to put any more away.
“Teagan Fairbrother was incredible in goals, best-on-ground for the day. She pulled off some amazing saves and was so reliable.
“Leyla Babuc also was a standout; she defended so well against the quick Fortuna forwards.
“Followed closely by Camille Japhary for her physical presence in the midfield and Hollie Ryan for her work rate attacking down the wing.
“It was fantastic to finish the regular season on a high with a great win.”
Sale United play Fortuna in two weeks in the inaugural round of the Browne Huizer Cup.
