It took a penalty shootout, but Macarthur Rams secured a third consecutive championship after defeating APIA Leichhardt in the National Premier Leagues Women’s grand final at Commbank Stadium.
In a lively start to the match, Rams scored first two minutes in, but APIA hit back just six minutes later for 1-1.
Nine minutes later the girls from Macarthur grabbed a 2-1 lead thanks to their captain, Madison McComasky.
APIA, who were playing in their first grand final, looked the stronger side in the second half and generated several opportunities before scoring to make it 2-2.
From that point, both teams were consigned to capitalising with speed on the counterattack, however neither side’s defence gave an inch, leading to the match heading to extra time.
In the 98th minute, Trew unleashed her speed on the counterattack and came close to putting Brown through, however her chance was cleared for a corner by the APIA defence.
APIA remained intent on building up and utilising their wingers, with the Rams alternatively content to create through opportunities on the counter.
Trew then gave her side an advantage as the first stage of extra time came to a close, putting on the afterburners to race past Hayward before being dragged down by the APIA left-back on the edge of the box, with Hayward receiving a red card for her actions.
Penalties appeared the likely destination for these two sides as the second period of extra time carried on, with chances limited by the incredible defensive efforts of both teams.
A match this even was always destined for penalties, and it began in a positive fashion for the Rams as Caceres rifled her spot kick into the top left corner to make it 1-0.
Lancaster, who was APIA’s sole substitute in their semi-final victory over the Stingrays last weekend, stepped up to bury her penalty and make it 1-1.
Captain McComasky, goal scorer in regular time, then eased her penalty into the bottom right corner for 2-1.
Morrissey stood strong and stepped well to save Fragale’s strike. Fragale would have then been delighted to see Sally James save from Chelsea Barton.
APIA captain Charlotte Young smashed the ball into the bottom left corner, giving her side a way back in at 2-2.
Next up for the Rams was Brown, who was unfortunate not to score in regular and extra time, however she was able to notch her penalty with aplomb.
Morrissey then made an important save to deny Pipino, making it 3-2 in favour of the Rams.
Finally, substitute Libby Morris took the decisive spot kick, giving Macarthur their third championship in a row with a lethal penalty.
It was a brilliant day of football, and a fantastic way to cap off what was a closely fought NPL Women’s season all the way to the very end, with Rams coach Stephen Peters heading to Perth Glory with a three-peat under his belt.
