Canberra Croatia claimed the inaugural Men’s U18 Charity Shield defeating Canberra Olympic 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out following a dramatic conclusion to the eighty-minute match when Olympic levelled at 1-1 with the last kick of the encounter.
The repeat of the U18 Grand Final commenced with a bit of feeling as the two protagonists went toe-to-toe with some fearless challenges and no holds barred moments, belying the term ‘friendly’ adding a bite of competitiveness to the pre-season competition.
Goalscoring opportunities were at a premium on a warm day, neither goalkeeper particularly troubled in the opening forty-five minutes, Croatia going closest with a pair of strikes from range which flashed past Olympic stopper Vanna McAlister’s woodwork.
The second-half continued in much the same vein, a midfield battle being evenly contested with nothing between the sides, Steve Nealon firing a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the penalty area for Croatia, whilst the Olympic attack worked hard to crack the resolute Croatia rearguard for little reward.
Croatia finally broke the stubborn Olympic resilience with a fine goal netted ten minutes from time when Xandy Lulic volleyed home left-footed from the edge of the six-yard box following a pin-point cross from the right flank, the finish flashing high into the top right corner of Joshua Smith’s net.
Olympic though weren’t to be denied however and stole a leveller with the last kick of the match. A free-kick dropped into the Croatia box and was scrambled over the line by Qais Mustafa sending the contest into a penalty shoot-out where Croatia prevailed.
MATCH DETAILS
Canberra Croatia (0) 1 (Lulic 70’) Canberra Olympic (0) 1 (Mustafa 80’) – after extra-time, Canberra Croatia win 5-4 on penalties
TEAMS
Canberra Croatia: 1. Joshua SMITH, 4. Lucas CARY, 5. Jebediah JEFFERY, 6. Luke SAKAMOTO, 7. Steve NEALON, 9. Ali SOHANI, 10. Anthony RAKIC, 15. Leo VANDERPOL, 16. Kody GILL, 18. Andrija RAKIC, 20. Mateo ARMUA
Substitutes (Interchange): 11. Nicholas SPIROVSKI, 12. Michael LO PILATO, 14. Dario TURCIC, 17. Xandy LULIC, 21. Luciano RUBERTO, 23. Oliver VAN HAGEN, 79. Jure LEMEZINA
Canberra Olympic: 1. Vanna MCALISTER, 3. Coen STORER, 4. Nicolas PULCIANI, 6. Evan RICHARDS, 7. Archie VARNES, 11. Noah MILCZAREK, 14. Nikolas MAMATAS, 15. William NESS, 16. Johnny MOUSTAKAS, 17. Anish ATMAKUR, 25. Dylan TIMMER
Substitutes (Interchange): 2. Qais MUSTAFA, 5. Llandan VERGANO, 10. Liam SWANN, 13. Connor MOIR, 23. Cooper TOMLIN, 24. Oliver HAWKINS
DISCIPLINE
Yellow Cards: 9. Ali SOHANI, 16. Kody GILL, 21. Luciano RUBERTO (Canberra Croatia), 4. Nicolas PULCIANI, 6. Evan RICHARDS (Canberra Olympic)
Red Cards: C: Hani SOHAIL (Canberra Croatia)
OFFCIALS
Referee: Scott BOON, Assistant Referees: Harrison CRACKNELL, Harold SPANNER, Fourth Official: Vince COSENTINI