One victory away from being crowned first tournament winners since 2011
The Earlwood Wanderers Football Club (EWFC) Under 16/1A’s Boys team are just one victory away from their first male Champions of Champions tournament since 2011.
A spokesperson for the club said it hadn’t been an easy journey.
“The road to the grand final for the team has been tough, as is to be expected from such a prestigious tournament, but deserved,” he said.
Earlwood reached the Champion of Champions final following a thrilling extra time penalty shoot-out win against Forest Killarney FC after the scores were levelled at 1-1 at the end of regular and extra time.
Both sides created a number of chances throughout the game, displaying plenty of great sportsmanship, desire and effort.
James Melki scored the game’s opening goal in the 9th minute to give Earlwood the lead before Forest Killarney equalised in the 50th minute.
Earlwood’s penalty takers, Apostolos Tatsis, Connor Stock and Chris Theodorou, were clinical as they made their shots, while goalkeeper, Michael Maher, made a number of brilliant saves, and was swamped by teammates when his final save wrapped up the shoot-out and the 3-1 win.
On Saturday, the EWFC Under 16s will take on the University of Wollongong JFC at 9.45am, while Canterbury’s other team in the competition, the Inter Lions over 45 Mens team, will be up against the Hurstville City Minotaurs at 4.30pm.