Northern Tigers stun Sydney University to advance to Grand Final

The Northern Tigers booked their place in next Sunday’s #NPLWNSW Grand Final with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Premiers Sydney University. 

Shadeene Evans was the star of the show, scoring a first half brace before Beth Bernardi put any Uni hopes of a second half come back to rest with an early goal in the second period.

Jake Stephenson’s team came into this one with fire in the belly and were phenomenal across the park, in particular Malia Steinmetz who put in another first-class performance.

Steinmetz’s dominance in defence was underlined by the fact that Uni’s top scorer Rola Badawiya was resigned to attempts from distance, unable to get a proper look in all game.

Similar to the previous semi-final last night, both sides spent the opening minutes feeling each other out until halfway through the half.

With the first real chance of the match, the Northern Tigers hit the front.

Winning possession inside the Uni half, Ash Brodigan played through an excellent pass for Evans who shot first time on the turn with her right foot, finding Courtney Newbon’s far bottom corner in what was a delightful strike.

Just as the Premiers began lifting the tempo and seemingly taking control, they were struck down by Evans once more.

If her first goal was a display of perfect technique the next was just as sublime. Evans again on the right side of the box, cut onto her left and from the corner of the box curled her shot with her left foot into the far top corner this time.

Uni looked to respond and almost immediately pulled a goal back. The Tigers gave away possession on the edge of the area, Holly Caspers picking up the ball but unable to lob it over Aquino.

Emily Husband had 15 minutes to shake things up for Uni at the break, ringing a few changes also.

It would not be though as any plans went out the window for Uni only minutes after the restart.

Evans was at the centre of it again, this time assisting for Bernardi who broke through the Uni defence before volleying the ball beyond a hapless Newbon goal.

Ash Brodigan could have put the game to bed with just over half an hour to go, receiving the ball all alone on the edge of the area, only to put her effort well wide and high of the target.

The Premiers pushed to get themselves back into the game but had to settle for shots from distance, unable to break down the stubborn and well organised Tigers defence.

They had a final chance late on for a consolation through Tara Baudana, but the substitute wasn’t able to find the back of net.

Macarthur Rams await the Northern Tigers in next week’s Grand Final as Sydney Uni’s magnificent season comes to an end.

Match Stats 

Sydney University 0

Northern Tigers 3 (Evans 24’, 44’, Bernardi 48’)

Sunday, 11 September, 2022

Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood

Sydney University: 1. Courtney Newbon, 2. Gabrielle Peak, 3. Annabel Martin, 4. Ashley Irwin, 6. Hannah Jones, 7. Holly Caspers, 9. Rola Badawiya, 12. Sarah Morgan, 14. Brianna Oliverio, 15. Emma Ilijoski, 39. Frances Lechner.

Substitutes: 11. Maxine Peak, 16. Cushla Rue, 23. Tara Baudana, 25. Ashley Dribbus, 47. Jaime Beaufils.

Yellow Cards: Oliverio

Red Cards: Nil

Northern Tigers: 1. Morgan Aquino, 2. Josie Wilson, 4. Abbey Green, 6. Isabel Gomez, 7. Hannah McNulty, 8. Maddie Bart, 9. Shadeene Evans, 10. Malia Steinmetz, 14. Beth Bernardi, 18. Ashlee Brodigan, 19. Teal Kilbride.

Substitutes: 5. Ariella Cabezas, 15. Sienna Fraser, 16. Tess Rickard, 17. Lily McMahon, 36. Sabine Montenegro, 41. Danielle Bartels.

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief Writer and Commentator Nikola Pozder