In a tightly contested U21 Women's match, Ancaster Legacy FC edged out Woodbridge Strikers in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a scoreless draw in regular time. The action unfolded Sunday afternoon at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan as part of the 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup Finals.
The match began with Ancaster's Simona Febbraro making a bold attempt from distance in the 3rd minute, but the shot was too high, landing on top of the netting. Ancaster continued to press, and in the 21st minute, Florina Keller set up Miranda DiSalvo for another long-range shot, which went over the net as well.
Woodbridge mounted their first serious attack in the 28th minute, but Ancaster’s goalkeeper Hope Fair was quick to thwart the threat. Ancaster remained persistent, with Annaleisse Nichol shooting from distance in the 36th minute, followed by another chance in the 37th minute. Keller's pass to Alia Breukelman resulted in a close miss, with Breukelman's shot just grazing the post.
Woodbridge began to find their rhythm toward the end of the first half. In the 39th minute, Grace Makarewicz made a promising approach, but a clean challenge from an Ancaster defender halted her advance. Isabella Spinnelli's shot from distance in the 41st minute was easily caught by Fair, and Makarewicz's attempt in the 45th minute also failed to find the net.
By halftime, the score remained nil-nil.
Woodbridge's Natalie Clemenzi took a shot from range in the 50th minute, but it missed the mark. In the 54th minute, Erin Cheng's shot after a throw-in was blocked by Fair, and Spinnelli's follow-up shot once again sailed over the net.
A pivotal moment in the match came in the 69th minute when Woodbridge was awarded a penalty kick. Clemenzi stepped up to take the shot, but Fair made a crucial save to keep the game level.
As fatigue set in, the pace of the game slowed. Woodbridge’s Spinnelli had one last attempt in the 85th minute, but Fair was once again up to the task, making the save.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw, leading straight into a penalty shootout. It was an even start as Fair saved the first Woodbridge shot, and the Striker’s keeper Gemma Greco saved Ancaster’s second attempt. The tension peaked when Woodbridge missed their final shot, setting the stage for Ancaster's Febbraro. She calmly secured the victory with a low corner shot, clinching the win for Ancaster Legacy FC.
Watch the match on the Ontario Soccer YouTube Channel.
Championship Photo
