Friday, September 27 saw over 2000 spectators enjoy finals football under the lights of the VALO Football Centre as the Sportspower Zorich Group Junior Cup Grand Finals that took place.
Words by Sotiris Demitriou
The Under 17 Sportspower Zorich Group Cup Grand Final featured as the final game of the evening. Adelaide Victory and City played out a very close encounter as neither side could break the deadlock during the 80 minutes. In extra-time Adelaide Victory opened up the scoring, taking lead through Anei Garam’s goal in the 86th minute. Adelaide City left it late but equalised in the 98th minute courtesy of Noel Burkhardt. The two sides faced a tensed penalty shoot out. Adelaide Victory didn’t miss from the spot and claimed a Grand Final victory after a 1-1 AET (5-4) PENS. Congratulations to both sides after excellent cup runs and a memorable Grand Final.
The Under 16 Sportspower Zorich Group Cup Grand Final saw MetroStars take on Adelaide City. MetroStars brought in all the confidence after their emphatic semi-final victory and the Grand Final was much of the same. Cameron Dix (2), Leonard Ducaj, Joseph Sangu, Francesco Schimizzi, Marco Matto (2) and Patrick West (2) all featured on the scoresheet for Metros, and Youssef Zoheir scored for City. MetroStars found the back of the net nine times, claiming silverware with a 9-1 victory over Adelaide City.
Adelaide City and Adelaide Blue Eagles featured in the Under 15 Sportspower Zorich Group Cup Grand Final. Late in the second half, Adelaide City was the first to break the deadlock; in the 71st minute, Anthony Novia put his side 1-0 up. Adelaide Blue Eagles didn't wait long to level proceedings once again, Abdulahi Yusuf Isack scored a minute later. As the match ticked down to the final five minutes, Davis Pickering scored a penalty with two minutes remaining. City put the match beyond Blue Eagles in added time, when Isaac Illmer scored in the 80+3 minute to round out a 3-1 victory.
Following two confident semi-final victories, Adelaide City and West Adelaide met in the Under 14 Sportspower Zorich Group Cup Grand Final. Adelaide City was the side to put the pressure on early. All their possession and control put them in the driver's seat and by the 6th minute, Liam D’Aloia had scored the first goal of the evening. West Adelaide struggled to create meaningful opportunities and Adelaide City looked the most likely to convert again. Nicholas Malatesta extended City’s lead before half time, and they took a 2-nil lead into the break. The second half saw the tides turn but there were few notable chances to follow. Adelaide City held on and claimed silverware, lifting the cup in front of their families and friends.
MetroStars faced WT Birkalla in the Under 13 Sportspower Zorich Group Cup Grand Final. The hattrick hero for Birkalla in their semi-final, Seth Daly was the shining star once again. With four goals, he put his side in total control right from the start as he scored his first in the 19th minute. In the second half, Daly went one better than claiming another hattrick, with three goals in less than 15 minutes. Goals in the 44th, 51st and 59th minute were enough for WT Birkalla to claim victory in the Grand Final.
The Under 12 Sportspower Zorich Group Cup Grand Final started our day of finals action, MetroStars and Adelaide Comets aimed to end their season with silverware. Adelaide Comets took early control of the ball and Aaron Maru Desta made the most of Comets early pressure and creativity, Maru Desta scored in the 4th minute. Neither Metros nor Comets could create another chance on goal in the first half, the second half would prove different. Ruben Lawrie and Tosha Butenko extend the Comets lead in the 35th and 40th minute. Metro managed to get one on the scoresheet as Marcus Bakasetas scored with a calm finish. Merely a consolation as Adelaide Comets held onto their lead until the final whistle and claimed their title as cup winners.
Congratulations to all the teams involved in a fantastic day out for families and young footballers. A special mention to all the winners and finalists, congratulations and we look forward to seeing you for a brand new season in 2020.