In Round 13, the Sydney Olympic FC women’s teams travelled to David Phillips Field to take on the Eastern UNSW Lions.

The under 12’s began the proceedings at 9.00am on Sunday 19 June and obtained a 2-2 draw with only ten players, in what was a courageous and great effort by the girls. The defensive partnership of Zeinab Hijazi and Ebony McCue-Shore was solid with both girls playing exceptional. The opposition had various chances; however goal keeper Stephanie Grimbilos was indestructible. Olympic gained a 1 nil lead soon after courtesy of a great well-timed strike by Demi Karahlis. The lions equalized moments later when an unmarked player was able to slam the ball into the top of the net. In the second half, striker Demi Karahlis was causing the opposition all sorts of problems. However, a defensive error and poor marking led to the Lions receiving a 1-2 lead. Nevertheless, Olympic preserved and Karahlis got her second to draw the game with an unstoppable volley.

The Under 14’s also obtained a draw, 1-1, with luck clearly not on their side. Olympic dominated the game and played some great football. The defence was solid with the following girls Analise Limnios, Audrey Pry and Samantha Kontogiorgis winning various challenges. The midfield was also solid and created various chances for Sienna Pigna. Olympic continued to dominate and almost got their first goal of the match in the 2^nd half courtesy of a beautiful half volley that was fired by the skillful Brandi-Lee Windle. Pigna almost provided Olympic with the lead minutes later, however her shot travelled inches over the bar. Stephanie Kontakos finally gave Olympic the lead with a well-timed and clinical finish. In the closing minutes of the game, the Lions obtained a late equaliser with Olympic unlucky to have won the game.

An injury ravaged Reserve Grade team took on 3rd place Eastern UNSW Lions and pressed their opposition immediately upon kick- off closing down their opposition’s routine clinical passing game.  Sydney Olympic dominated the entire first half and had several chances but were unable to capitalise. Olympic continued to pressure their opponents in the second half and created two great chances, the first was cleared off the line and the other a well-timed header by Yasmin Elrich hit the cross bar. Olympic finally gained the lead courtesy of Faye Hammoud. Olympic was able to hold off their opponents for the remainder of the game and escaped as well-deserved victors.

The women’s first grade team has had a difficult few weeks versing the top 4 teams in the competition who are either at full strength or are undefeated, this weekend was no different. Olympic took on an undefeated UNSW side, whose fitness dominated the first half. Nevertheless, Olympic came back firing pressuring their opponents defence in the second half. Despite various chances the girls were unable to capitalize and in the 70^th minute the UNSW Lions obtained a 1 nil lead. Olympic persevered and searched for an equalizer for the remainder of the game with the Lions goal not a clear indication of the game. Several players picked up injuries due to the poor condition of the field, yet the girls should be commended for their spirit and tremendous character as they look forward to their remaining 9 fixtures, with victory in mind.

The results of each fixture were as follows:

Under 12’s

Eastern UNSW 2-2 Sydney Olympic

Under 14’s

Eastern UNSW 1-1 Sydney Olympic

Under 16’s

Eastern UNSW 2-3 Sydney Olympic

Reserves

Eastern UNSW 0-1 Sydney Olympic

1^st Grade

Eastern UNSW 1-0 Sydney Olympic

Just a reminder that you can find the results and tables of all FNSW Women’s Super League age groups on our website by clicking HERE