United tops off Galaxy’s horror
GALAXY United FC’s week of hell on the road culminated with an unfortunate but tenacious 1-2 loss to fifth placed Southern United on Saturday.
Having endured a “doomsday treble” of road trips to the other side of Melbourne in the space of seven days — Bulleen last weekend, then Knox midweek to play Alamein before Saturday’s visit to Frankston’s Monterey Reserve — the gallant Galaxy fought to the end but just couldn’t overcome a determined Southern United.
Saturday’s task was made all the harder with the unavailability of five standard first team players.
But it was the Galaxy that took the lead in the 18th minute when Kariah White intercepted a defensive error and slotted into an empty net.
In the second half the Galaxy simply ran out of legs as the home team piled on a double to capture all three points.
With two games remaining, the Galaxy cannot be dislodged from third spot but are unlikely to trouble reigning champions Calder United for the coveted second spot as they are five points adrift of the western suburbs-based outfit.
“It wasn’t our best day today and the loss has virtually ended any chance we had of finishing second and earning the double chance,” a deflated Galaxy United coach Kat Smith said after the game.
“But we have drawn and/or beaten the top two teams (Calder and first placed South Melbourne) this year, so given an opportunity . . . we will be a force to be reckoned with come finals’ time.”
Meanwhile, a late goal from Zoe Tizard helped the Galaxy’s under-18 side beat Southern United 2-1. With scores tied, Georgia Atkinson passed to Tizard who converted to grab all three points for the Galaxy.