Galaxy left to rue missed chances

GEELONG Galaxy was left to rue missed opportunities as it went down to Bulleen on Saturday night.

The Galaxy slipped further behind the Lions on the National Premier League women’s ladder, going down 2-1 at Kardinia Park.

Geelong coach Kat Smith admitted her side had plenty of chances to win, having attacked the net at will throughout the course of the game.

“We conceded one early, but we were still creating chances,” Smith said.

“On our day, we would’ve been two or three up going into the break. But they had periods of the game where they could’ve scored as well.

“In the second half we had it all to do to peg them back, which we did, but again we had our chances to go one up and that would have changed the game. Instead we were chasing the game.”

With Laura Spiranovic netting the equaliser in the second half, Galaxy pressed for victory. But a Tyla Vlajnic goal in the 82nd minute drove a dagger into the hearts of Geelong.

“It was very much against the run of play,” Smith said.

“I felt in both games it was that classic game where both sides held the ascendancy and had chances and at times both sides had their backs on the ropes.

“For them to get that late goal, that was a sucker punch for us. I feel we had our chances.

“It’s been a theme of our season that we’ve been able to create chances but not finish them off.

“Obviously that’s a concern, but you’d be even more concerned if you weren’t creating those chances in the first place.

“We’ve just got to keep building week in, week out and make sure the girls believe in what they’re doing but more importantly believe in themselves.”

Smith sung the praises of Bulleen goalkeeper Emily Shields, who swatted away a host of Galaxy shots at goal.

“I made a comment saying that their goalkeeper earns her wages,” Smith said.

“Emily Shields has been quite defiant in goals in both games. She made some really good saves, and nothing against the defence of Bulleen, but she has definitely been able to hold them through games by making those crucial saves.”

Picture: MARK WILSON FAST FEET: Galaxy United’s Adriana Taranto tries to get around Bulleen’s Daniela Gudelj at Kardinia Park on Saturday night as part of a bumper day of female soccer matches at the ground.