Late Scarfone strike sees Rhinos stun Olympic
An 89th minute goal from Samuel Scarfone was enough for the Riverina Rhinos to steal three points from under the nose of Canberra Olympic on Saturday night at Solar Mad Stadium.
It was the third win for the Rhinos in their last four matches and moved them six points clear of bottom, while it was a great chance for Olympic squandered after ladder leaders Canberra FC went down to Tigers earlier in the afternoon.
The first half was a very quiet affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side as both teams appeared to be settling into the match.
Stephen Domenici and Domenic Giampaolo challenged the home defence at times throughout the half as the aerial ball proved to be a threat, but Olympic were unable to finish chances as they popped up and a strong rear guard effort from the Rhinos’ backline and goalkeeper Caleb Biondo kept them out.
The second half saw the game open up a bit more, with plenty of running as both sides pushed for an opener.
Tim Bobolas had a good chance nine minutes in to the half but was unable to capitalise, mistiming his shot and allowing the Rhinos to clear the ball.
13 minutes later Domenici swept in a cross from the right only for Biondo to claim the ball and time began to run out for both teams.
The Rhinos created a threat 10 minutes later after an error at the back, but Nathan Battocchio sprayed his shot over the bar after beating the surrounding defenders.
Olympic had a couple more quick chances as the match entered the final 10 minutes but they were broken down by a stout Rhinos defence, and they would strike with just a minute left in the game.
After an Olympic throw-in deep in their own territory the ball came to Scarfone inside the box on the right hand side of goal, and he took a touch before rifling the ball past Mason Interlandi and into the back of the net to give his side an unexpected lead.
The hosts held on against a determined visiting outfit from there, and despite a few nervous moments finished 1-0 victors.
The result keeps Olympic one point behind Canberra FC for first, while the Rhinos moved up to seventh spot with their victory.
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