Essendon Royals claimed the 2023 Nike F.C. Community Cup in dramatic fashion, defeating the Casey Comets 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
The two VPLW outfits couldn’t be split after 90 minutes, with both sides unable to find the back of the net in regulation time.
Essendon Royals Head Coach Vince Battiato was elated with his team’s efforts during the presentations.
“This team is an incredible bunch of women, everyone at the club has put in a mountain of effort," he said.
"Every single one of you is absolutely extraordinary, you never stop, and you set incredibly high standards. You have all been phenomenal not just today but all season.”
Casey Comets shot-stopper Brooke Bennett was named the player of the match for her heroics, keeping the VPLW ladder leaders Essendon scoreless for the full 90 minutes.
The match appeared to be going to script to start the game with Essendon dominating possession and peppering the goals.
The Royals came desperately close to opening the scoring with countless opportunities on goal in the first half, hitting the woodwork on two occasions.
In the second half, Casey's keeper continued her goal-saving form, making countless crucial saves including a terrific double effort in the 50th minute.
Essendon continued to push for the winning goal with Ayano Koizumi hitting the crossbar before Kayla McLeod provided Casey with a glimmer of hope on the counterattack.
With the match in its final moments, Essendon had a final chance on goal with Enza Barilla coming within inches of goal before Brooke Bennett made another miraculous save.
The full-time whistle sounded with the match locked at 0-0 apiece, forcing the game into a tense penalty shootout.
Casey started the shoot-out with Kate Bennett taking the first kick; however, Royals keeper Bethany Mason-Jones guessed correctly and saved the gift goal of the shoot-out to give her side the advantage.
Rebecca Davies then held her nerve and slotted the first goal for the Royals, giving her side a 1-0 advantage.
Casey’s striker Taryn Jacobs was next up, following a little stutter step the forward calmly slotted the goal – putting the pressure back on Essendon.
Essendon captain Rachel Alonso then stepped up and easily finished into the right side of the goal to give her side a 2-1 advantage.
Jacinda Anastasopoulos was then able to keep the Comets alive with a beautiful finish, taking the shoot-out to the fourth kick.
Ayano Koizumi walked to the spot and kicked to the bottom right corner, but then Casey keeper Brooke Bennett nearly became the hero, getting a hand to the powerful strike but it wasn’t enough as the ball found the back of the net.
Melanie Martinez calmly slotted Casey’s fourth goal, followed by Essendon’s Olivia Ristevski – putting all the pressure on the final kickers.
Ayen Anyieth then skied the ball above the cross-bar, handing Essendon Royals the victory 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out.