by Owais Lateef
Melbourne: Carina Rossi cemented her name in the history books with a dazzling performance in the Senol NPL Women’s Grand Final. Her two second-half goals sealed a famous Box Hill United victory over reigning champions Heidelberg United at The Home of The Matildas.
First Half: A Tight Battle
Box Hill came into the final with confidence after 10 straight wins and an earlier-season triumph over Heidelberg. Yet the opening half was a tense affair. Both sides pressed hard, leaving little room for mistakes.
Sofia Sakalis was instrumental for Box Hill, dictating play with her vision and quick ball movement. Her sharp passes created opportunities, but Heidelberg goalkeeper Mia Bailey stood firm. She denied every attempt, proving why she is regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the competition.
For Heidelberg, Golden Boot winner Sawa Matsuda was lively in attack. Alongside her, Asuka Miyata added pace and flair, constantly challenging Box Hill’s defence. Maia Heysen also made her presence felt on the wing, ensuring Heidelberg carried plenty of threat going into the break.
Rossi Sparks Box Hill United Victory
After halftime, Box Hill returned with greater intensity. At the 55th minute, Carina Rossi found herself in space and calmly slotted home the opener. Just moments later, she doubled the advantage, scoring her second goal and putting her side firmly in control. Her quick-fire brace became the defining moment of the Box Hill United victory.
Heidelberg tried to respond immediately by bringing on their captain Steph Galea, playing her final match before retirement. However, the tactical change failed to shift momentum. Instead, Rossi’s dominance and Box Hill’s relentless energy pushed Heidelberg onto the defensive.
Heidelberg’s Late Fightback
With their hopes fading, Heidelberg earned a lifeline when Caitlin Karic converted a penalty to make it 2-1. The goal lifted the Bergers, but Box Hill’s defence refused to buckle. Every forward surge from Heidelberg was repelled as Box Hill dug deep, determined to hold their ground.
At the final whistle, the Box Hill United victory was complete. Rossi’s two-goal heroics and her team’s resilience handed the club one of its greatest triumphs. For Heidelberg, it marked the end of captain Galea’s illustrious career, while for Box Hill, it signaled the rise of new champions ready to write more history.
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