11 Jun 2025
Caringbah 1-1 (3-1 penalties) Sydney Boys.
Tension loomed in the week preceding as the victor would gain passage to the last 16 in the state! Qualification would mean travelling outside of Sydney, potentially to the far corners of New South Wales. The match began as a scrappy affair, and nerves naturally took time to settle. Within minutes, Milo T claimed the ball and drove forward. He beat three players and caught the keeper by surprise with a quickly taken shot which curled in. 1-0. The boys were ecstatic and Caringbah’s defence proved to be unbreachable for the remainder of the first half. Excellent performances from all the seasoned defenders with Michael P proving to be an anchor, sent Caringbah into the second half still in front. Early in the second half however, Sydney Boys equalised with a well-placed header. Momentum shifted. Sydney Boys gained possession and the upper hand. For the remainder of normal time the backline was called into action and they held the score at 1-1 with some defensive brilliance. Extra time began and the idea of a golden goal was ever present. As the match progressed the boys had to call on their fitness and mental strength. Caringbah dug deep and a penalty shootout was needed to determine the winner. Sydney Boys stepped up first. 1-0. Sean C equalised. And then, Lachlan A happened. He wonderfully saved three consecutive penalties, and with Milo T and Sean C both scoring, Caringbah claimed a 3-1 victory on penalties! Well done boys! Country here we come!
