Grand Final heartbreak spurring Canberra Croatia on in 2020
It has been nearly six months since Caitlin Munoz scored in the 118th minute to ensure that Belconnen United won the 2019 NPLW Grand Final.
But for Canberra Croatia FC coach Nik Brozinic, it still stings like it was yesterday.
"Last season still stings for me and stings for everyone in the team but we are all going to use that as motivation to go one better for this season," Brozinic said.
"There is no better motivation than losing a Grand Final, especially one that was that close.
"Our goal and our aspirations this season is to go one better and win the Grand Final this season."
The core of CCFC's squad is still intact from last season, minus a few key outs and a couple of key acquisitions.
"The squad is a really strong bunch and they have been training really well and they have been really impressive in the preseason games that we have played," Brozinic said.
"I am just excited and can't wait to get started."
A key out this season is Rachael Goldstein, who scored 13 goals and was an influential player in CCFC's midfield in 2019, as she moves to New South Wales NPLW competition.
"It is always tough losing players of her quality but she wanted to test herself in the NSW competition," Brozinic said.
"We support her aspirations especially after being a part of Canberra United's W-League squad this season and we wish her all the best."
A huge in for Deakin based side is former Canberra United captain and W-League winner Grace Field.
"Grace brings W-League experience & Canberra United experience into the squad," Brozinic said. "You can never have too many of those types of players, especially with some of the young players around her.
"She is a big in for us this year."
Canberra Croatia FC | Finished 2nd on 2019 NPLW Ladder, Runner Up
Coach: Nik Brozinic
Squad: Georgia Stewart (GK), Alexandra Hinson (GK), Cecilia Matic, Amy McLachlan, Rhiannon Fensom, Alice Churchill, Lara Agnew, Krista Hagen, Jamie Berkley, Grace Gill (C), Grace Field, Sharron Chao, Brittany Palombi, Jordan Ujdur, Anna Mihalyka & Anna Bennett
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