Match Recap – Round 7: Strong Efforts Across the Board
It was another big Sunday of football for Murray United as our CPL Girls hosted at Baranduda Fields while our JB NPL1 & 2 Boys hit the road to take on strong Melbourne opposition. Across all teams, there were moments of brilliance, resilience, and growth as we edge closer to the mid-point of the season.
JB NPL 1 – Round 7
U17 Boys vs Northcote FC
Final Score: 3-1 Loss
Goalscorer: PJ
A tough start saw Northcote pounce early with two goals in the opening minutes. PJ gave us hope with a tidy finish midway through the first half, sparking a strong response from the team as we dominated possession and tempo leading into the break. Despite creating several chances in the second half – including Archie rattling the crossbar and good efforts from Ash and Thomas – a controversial penalty pushed Northcote further ahead. Credit to the boys who never gave up, showing great character right to the final whistle. A tough injury to Ash capped off a challenging day.
High Performers: Pieter, PJ, Archie, Oli
JB NPL 2 – Round 7
U14 Boys vs Brimbank Stallions FC
Final Score: 1-1 Draw
Goalscorer: Cameron Harb
A hard-fought battle in tricky conditions saw the boys push through with resilience. Cam Harb continued his scoring streak with a sensational free-kick just before halftime. The second half became a grind with strong winds and a rough surface making flowing football difficult. Brimbank found an equaliser and while both sides had chances, the match finished all square. We’re proud of the boys’ grit in challenging conditions.
High Performers: Andrew Reckless, James Griffith, Ruben Hackett, Cameron Harb
U15 Boys vs Brimbank Stallions FC
Final Score: 4-1 Loss
Goalscorer: Christian Pasqualotto
Despite a solid start, questionable officiating and a few costly lapses saw us go down 3-0 before halftime. The boys regrouped and showed much more determination in the second half, with Christian finishing off a rebound after Jack’s header struck the crossbar. We created more chances late but couldn’t bridge the gap. A tale of two halves that showed the boys’ spirit despite a tough result.
High Performers: Christian Pasqualotto, Jack Webb, Liam O’Connor, Harry Norman
U16 Boys vs Brunswick Juventus FC
Final Score: 1-1 Draw
Goalscorer: Leroy Ogesare
Determined to build on recent momentum, the team put in a mature performance against top opposition. Leroy continued his outstanding form with a clinical finish – his ninth goal in seven matches. We were well-organised defensively, adjusting our game plan for a narrow and difficult pitch. Brunswick equalised from a free kick, but we stayed composed and pushed for a winner. That’s now four games unbeaten for our U16s – a huge step forward.
High Performers: Koby Shields, Leroy Ogesare, Keiran Flanagan
CPL Girls – Round 7
U13 Girls
Match Postponed
U15 Girls vs Caroline Springs George Cross
Final Score: 4-0 Win
Goalscorers: Sibel P., Zoe F., Carly O., Achol D.
A dominant home performance from our U15 girls who showed attacking flair and solid team cohesion. Achol broke the deadlock just before halftime and the girls carried that energy into the second half, adding three more through Sibel, Zoe and Carly. Strong link-up play and relentless pressure wore down the opposition. Carly was superb in midfield, while Ruby, Alexis and Emma made big contributions in key moments.
High Performance Player: Carly O.
Impact Players: Sibel P., Ruby O., Alexis I., Emma M.
U17 Girls vs Caroline Springs George Cross
Final Score: 0-0 Draw
In a true top-of-the-table clash, our girls stood tall against ladder-leaders Caroline Springs. A defensive masterclass led by goalkeeper Elsa, and centre backs Eve and Jenna, kept the visitors at bay despite sustained pressure in the first half. As the game wore on, we found more attacking rhythm with Louisa, Sade and Aman looking dangerous, but neither side could break through. A strong and disciplined team performance that showed why this group continues to be a contender.
High Performers: Elsa Wilkinson, Eve Lassey, Jenna Ruhbaum
Special Mention: Alexis I. (U15) – a fantastic debut stepping up to U17 level
Looking Ahead
With the season gathering momentum, we’re proud of the fight and development our teams continue to show each week. We return to action this coming weekend with Round 8 of CPL and NPL Boys – ready to keep pushing forward, the JB NPL Teams are at home while the CPL Girls are on the road for Round 8.