Friday Feature with Cristina Esposito
Cristina Esposito is the most prepared she’s ever been for an NPLW season.
“When you come off training with some of the best players in Australian football, how can you not get better?” the Belconnen United FC goalkeeper said.
The 22-year-old has spent the past six months as a train-on player with Canberra United. And this season she’s made the move across Canberra, from the West Canberra Wanderers to the Blue Devils.
“The timing’s worked out so well,” Esposito said.
“I’ve thought about Belconnen for a couple of years but it’s never been the right feeling for me and football is all about feeling.
“If you’re in a place that doesn’t feel right you have to do something about it. I had a feeling Michael Zakoski would be a good coach for me after I had a meeting with him and so far, so good.”
After claiming the minor premiership with the men’s Canberra Olympic U23 side, Michael Zakoski has this year made his coaching debut in the NPL Women’s competition, alongside Assistant Coaches Nicholas Zakoski and Mitch Parker.
“I think the experience that they have overseas and in the NPL1 is definitely helping us to be better footballers. They’ve had to adjust to coaching women but their playing and coaching style works really well for us and the support they give their players is incredible.”
Featuring in every NPLW Grand Final for the past 11 years, the Blue Devils are again off to an incredibly strong start in 2021, taking down the Wagga City Wanderers 8-1 in the opening round.
“You can really see their drive and their want to succeed.
“In the past, I’ve been in teams where I have had to focus on a lot of shot stopping but being with Belconnen I have played five games with them now and haven’t seen the ball much in terms of shot stopping.
“It’s giving me a chance to work on making the right choices in terms of distribution and also playing the game to the end. It’s great to stand there and make 10-12 saves in a game but when you only have to make one in the 85th minute, that’s more important.”
Belconnen United FC is hosting the Canberra United Academy at McKellar Park on Saturday, from 3pm.
Live Stream:https://www.bartvsports.com.au/competitions/npl-women-capital-territory/
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