Carina Rossi cemented her name in the history books for Box Hill United, guiding her side to a famous victory in the Senol NPL Women’s Grand Final at The Home of The Matildas.
Rossi, had a game to remember slotting two goals in quick succession in the early stages of the second half.
Having won in their previous encounter earlier in the year all eyes were on Box Hill to see if they could repeat their heroic efforts against the reigning champs, Heidelberg United and they did just that.
With 10 consecutive wins heading into the match, Box Hill were primed for the occasion, while Heidelberg were forced onto the back foot. It was a tight tussle for most of the match with neither side able to gain any ascendancy, in the opening half, working tirelessly in defence and attack to quell the influence of one another.
Box Hill created a number of early chances with Sofia Sakalis proving to be instrumental for her side, controlling the ball and setting the tempo in attack with her sharp ball movement.
Mia Bailey was proving to be an impenetrable force in goals for Heidelberg, propelling any on-target shots that came her way. Teammate and 2025 Golden Boot winner, Sawa Matsuda was in great touch for the Bergers, creating some clever attacking plays.
Asuka Miyata lit up the field for Heidelberg United pressuring in attack with her speed and evasiveness while Maia Heysen was a strong presence on the wing for the Bergers throughout the opening half.
But after half time, Box Hill came out with a renewed sense of intensity and flair, consistently propelling the ball forward. Despite scoring opportunities starting to open up for both sides it was Box Hill that struck first with Rossi cracking the game wide open at the 55-minute mark running into an open goal.
Heidelberg looked to the bench bringing on captain, Steph Galea in the 56th minute. But it wasn’t the fairytale finish that the Bergers had hoped for, for outgoing captain Galea who is hanging up the boots after an illustrious career.
The change didn’t seem to bother Box Hill, with Rossi doubling down moments later to score her second goal and ultimately the sealer for the club.
With their backs against the wall, Heidelberg needed an answer, and it came through none other than, Caitlin Karic who scored from a penalty to get her side back into the contest 1-2.
But with a taste of victory so close, Box hill United refused to give in, fending off any forward forays from their opposition to stand tall to win the ultimate prize.