Article: Evelyn Karatzas
Photo: Lachlan Roberts 

Canberra Croatia FC 2 (Barac 84', Giampaolo 87') defeated Canberra Olympic FC 1 (Kelly 75')

Two late strikes from Daniel Barac and Domenic Giampaolo has ensured that Canberra Croatia remains undefeated in 2020, as the home side scored twice in the final six minutes to claim all three points against Canberra Olympic. 

Olympic looked destined to keep their impressive streak of wins at Deakin Stadium, but two goals in the space of three minutes turned the match on its head. 

Olympic started the stronger of the two in their rescheduled Round 4 match, as Canberra Croatia seemed content to sit deeper and focus on defence. Stephen Domenici had the best chances to open the scoring in the opening 45 minutes. 

After Croatia cleared a corner to the edge of the box, Domenici picked up the loose ball, but his right foot strike was saved by Sam Brown.  Six minutes later, Domenici was on the end of a great team move but he was once again thwarted by Brown, after a fantastic stop down to his right.

In the 53rd minute, an excellent cross by Michael Piccolo found Hristijan Tanoski, but his header was deflected into the waiting arms of Brown. Chances came thick and fast for Olympic, as Tanoski and then Kelly tried their luck from range but didn't put Brown to the test. 

Jay Kelly celebrated his first game since returning from a hamstring injury by scoring the opener in the 75th minute, after a brilliant assist by Daniel Sparrow. 

Olympic's lead lasted only nine minutes, as substitute Jason Ugrinic found space in behind Olympic's backline, before cutting the ball back for Daniel Barac to lash the ball home.

Three minutes later, referee Alex McConachie pointed to the spot despite the ball ending up the back of the net from a Canberra Croatia free-kick.

After consulting with his linesman, the referee confirmed that the goal did not stand and that the penalty must be taken, which Domenic Giampaolo calmly converted. 

The result leaves Canberra Olympic on six points in 4th while Canberra Croatia sits 2nd with ten points, tied for top spot with Gungahlin United. 

This Saturday (15 August), Canberra Croatia will take on Woden Weston at 3:45pm at Melrose Synthetic, while Canberra Olympic will face Tigers FC at 3pm at O’Connor Enclosed.