Open Girls Knockout Soccer – Wed 29 May

On Wednesday 29 May, the Open Girls Soccer team travelled to Underdale High School to compete in the opening round of the Statewide Knockout Competition.

On paper, the girls were faced with tough opponents in Henley High along with hosts, Underdale, with all teams battling it out for one progression spot through to round 2.

NIHS vs Henley High School – (Match #1)

Up against a soccer powerhouse in Henley first up, who had just come off of a 2-1 win against Underdale in the opening fixture, the NIHS girls were phenomenal from start to finish. Monique (Year 9) put the team ahead in the first half with an outrageous free kick that cannoned in off of the cross bar whilst goalkeeper Mia (Year 7) showed why she is one of the state’s best with a number of remarkable saves.

The second half witnessed the girls showcase their fortitude as they repeatedly fought off Henley whilst creating chances of their own. With only 1 minute of playing time remaining, heartbreak ensued as a penalty was awarded to Henley and converted to even the scores at 1-1. Unfortunately, not even a stellar penalty save from Mia to start the shootout could steer the girls over the line, who ultimately fell agonisingly short.

Final Score
NIHS 1 – 1 Henley High School (Henley won on Penalties)

NIHS vs Underdale High School – (Match #2)

With Henley winning both their matches and therefore guaranteeing progression, the last match acted as a ‘dead rubber’ between NIHS and Underdale. Despite this, the manner in which the girls quickly responded from a heart-breaking defeat and turned up to play again was a credit to their character. This was typified by superstar Lilly (Year 7) who made dribbling opposition look easy despite the discrepancy in age that existed.

In what was a cagey affair for the most part, Olivia (Year 7) broke the deadlock when cutting in from the left side to coolly dispatch the ball into the bottom right corner, putting the girls ahead 1-0. This was a lead that was ultimately never pegged back by Underdale, as NIHS held on to claim a well-deserved 1-0 win against a far more experienced team.

Final Score
NIHS 1 – 0 Underdale High School

Overall, despite not progressing, we are extremely proud of the efforts of all involved, especially given the number of middle years students (8, including 5 year 7 girls) who played in an open team, against opposition years older than themselves. It is safe to say that the future is bright at Norwood…

A big thanks to soccer coach Amadeus Bagnara who continues to be a valuable asset to the school’s soccer development.