Metro United WFC won its maiden Women’s Premier Cup after defeating Adelaide City WFC 1-0 at Elite Systems Football Centre on Sunday Night. It capped of a remarkable year for Metro who celebrated their 10 year anniversary by claiming the league and cup double.

Despite the attacking talent on the field, the game began in a tense manner with no side able to muster clean shots on goal.

City’s Valeria Guajardo had City’s best chance after some instinctive link up play with Dragana Kljajic but her shot was blocked by a last ditch tackle.

Metro’s lead scorer Marijana Rajci had a golden opportunity in the 39th minute. After finding herself on the edge of the box, Rajcic skied the ball over the crossbar.

The goal drought was broken in the 52nd minute with a bit of magic from Lauren Steer. Steer came in from the left with footwork that every footballer dreams of having. She blasted from the edge of the box into the bottom left hand corner.

City lifted and created a host of chances went agonosingly close. There was a goal mouth a scramble and Dragana Kljajic’s placed shot hit the left side post.

After being forced to start as a substitute due to injury, Zebras captain Daniela Di Bartolo said it was a hard night for her and the team.

“Very hard, I can’t be on the bench ever. I was itching to get on, I tried to change the game but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Di Bartolo talked about a tough encounter that the Zebras came close to winning.

“It’s really hard to say. I think we were much fitter by the end of it. We had more chances than they did but it’s hard to say really.”

And while they didn’t get the result they were after, Di Bartolo said there are plenty of positives for City.

“We have a very young team but we fight. We go up against bigger players than us; bigger, taller and older and we still go out each and every game and give it our all and I think it’s a big positive.”

“We are coming, we’re going to get back and we will show them that we’re back and we’re back in it.”

Best on field Lauren Steer said it was clear what brought Metro the result.

“I think everyone just pushed through to the last minute, everyone worked hard and showed what we’re about and fought to the end pretty much.

“We have all year, every game has been a final for us so to top it off with this one was pretty good.”

It was one of the goals of the year and Steer said it was just about keeping it simple.

“I just attacked it and thought it was the right time, there was space in front of me so I just kept on.”

Steer praised the efforts of every team mate in what has been a strong year for Metro.

“This bunch, everyone is amazing. Every single player has helped each other to develop. Each individual has proved that we deserved this and that we stood out and that’s how we got it.”

Article by Matthew Carcich - @Matt_Carcich