Belconnen United claim NPLW championship after Canberra FC's controversial substitution
- Tim Warren
- Sep 26, 2019
- 2 min read
Tensions flared as goalkeeper Natasja Vasta stormed off the pitch, threw her gloves on the ground and refused to join Canberra FC's bench.
She had kept premier league powerhouse Belconnen United scoreless but in the 118th minute Canberra coach Nik Brozinic subbed on former W-League goalkeeper Chantel Jones in her place.
On paper it was a tactical masterclass. But hindsight is a fickle friend.
Vasta had barely reached the sideline before Belconnen's Caitlin Munoz struck the winning goal to hand the Blue Devils' the championship title on Saturday.
"I think that's the happiest I've been in years," Munoz grinned.
"I was just happy to get the ball in the net and not go to penalties. I knew as a team we could dig deep and put it together when we needed to."
Munoz sprinted alongside the grand stand at Deakin Stadium triumphant and pumped her fists in the air, while Canberra players raged with fury, questioning their coach's tactic.
"Hindsight can be funny thing. It could be a good decision if we go to penalties and win the game, but it can also be a poor decision," Brozinic admitted.
The premier league decider went into extra time after neither side were able to complete numerous opportunities in front of goal.
The see-sawing match halted when Canberra player Ivana Galic was sent off the pitch after receiving a second yellow.
But Belconnen still couldn't break through Canberra's defensive wall and capitalise on their one-player advantage. Departing coach Antoni Jagarinec said their opposition became harder to overcome as they fought relentlessly to stay in the match.
"They went down to ten and it's common when teams lose a player to play better," Jagarinec said.
"It was really hard for us to get through a quality Deakin side."
Jagarinec spurred on his players ahead of extra-time, reminding them of their undefeated season and the damage they could bring to the pitch.
The Blue Devils fought through another 28 minutes before Munoz's goal sealed their championship dream and completed Jagarinec's coaching reign on a high.
The triumph marked Jagarinec's seventh championship trophy as head coach, following nine consecutive premierships and seven Federation Cups.
"I don't think I've been prouder of the girls and what they've pulled out just then, that was ridiculous," Jagarinec said.
"I'm ecstatic that it's happened for us because that's exactly what the girls deserve."
But Jagarinec wasn't the only Blue Devil celebrating their swansong.
Match winner Munoz dropped a bombshell after the full-time whistle and announced her retirement from premier league.
"No one really knows this but I think it was my last game," Munoz said.
"Physically I've pushed my body to the limit, and I think that's probably me done."
Michaela Day was awarded with player of the match after an outstanding individual performance.
Belconnen United will take on Sydney University in the NTC Challenge Cup next weekend to round out their successful season.
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