Sale United women are just one game away from claiming the Browne-Huizer Cup, after a spectacular win over Latrobe Valley Soccer League 2022 champions Falcons 2000 on Sunday.
After their stunning 5-1 win over Fortuna in the Browne-Huizer Cup quarter-finals the previous weekend, Sale proved they are a force to be reckoned with, causing trepidation for Falcons as teams headed into the semi-final.
In less than five minutes from the whistle’s blow, a goal from Hollie Ryan put Sale United in the lead.
Falcons fought back hard, but Sale was relentless. Every Swan worked with a burning tenacity, and this do-or-die attitude showed that Sale United was not giving up without a fight.
Another one: Take a bow Hollie frickin Ryan. Queen.
Ryan kicked a half-cross, half-shot screamer from 35 yards out, floating down inches below the crossbar and just out of the keeper’s reach, scoring her second goal of the match in the 33rd minute in what can only be described as the best goal of the 2022 season.
Falcons retaliated with a goal from Remi Bailie just 60 seconds later, ending Sale’s prospects of keeping a clean sheet.
Savannah Lapenta took advantage of a frazzled Sale, evening the score at 39 minutes.
Teams returned to the field after the break, and Lapenta was quick to score for Falcons, seeing the team in blue to a 3-2 lead.
Sale United flew into top gear, and it was playing coach Madelaine Breakspear who evened the score with a header.
Ryan again; in less than five minutes after Breakspear had evened the scores, found the back of the net, earning herself a hat-trick and putting Sale back in the lead.
The score was now 4-3.
Sale supporters clutched at each other as the Battle of the Birds continued.
Twenty minutes left. Could Sale United hold on?
Ten minutes left. Still in front.
Five, four, three, two, one.
Cheers from the stands were deafening as the whistles blow signalled victory for Sale United, and their passage to the Browne-Huizer Cup Grand Final.
Sale United take on East Gippsland United Football Club this Sunday in the Browne-Huizer Cup Grand Final; the Swanettes’ first Grand Final match in more than 10 years.
Game time: 11am
Location: Sale United Football Club, 313-321 Raglan Street, Sale, VIC, Australia, Victoria.
