THE Swan Hill men’s soccer team have fallen short in their bid to win consecutive titles, succumbing to La Trobe University Red 4-2 in Sunday’s BASL Division 2 grand final.
The Swans were underdogs, having lost both encounters against La Trobe this season, and their task was made harder when an early injury to striker Faizal Amran forced a reshuffle.
Swan Hill nonetheless themselves in front in the 16th minute, when Anyueer Buol scored the opening goal.
But it was La Trobe University who were controlling the game, maintaining possession and pushing forward into their attacking half regularly.
Swan Hill’s defence of Jim De Grigorio, Blaze Hamiliton, Jacob Thompson and George Hardwell held firm, denying La Trobe until the 36th minute, when Josh Naunton was able to get in behind them and score past a diving Riley McCosh.
With scores at 1-1, Swan Hill coach Tony Di Palma at half-time implored his team to attack the game and leave nothing in the tank, as warm conditions started to take their toll on both sides.
Despite a lift in the Swans’ intensity, it was La Trobe who drew first blood in the second half through a second goal to Naunton.
Swan Hill attacked the game and placed La Trobe’s defence under pressure with the several opportunities, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Stephen Whittaker was dominant through the midfield and was creating havoc for the La Trobe defence, along with Gareth Johansen and Jason Stokes, while skipper Cooper Fox and Conner Brown were also working hard up front.
Swan Hill’s task was made all the harder in the 80th minute, however, when Ryan Stevenson scored La Trobe’s third goal of the match.
Just two minutes later, Stokes found the back of the net to breathe life back into the match – and the Swans’ season.
Over the ensuring 10 minutes, Swan Hill were able to create several opportunities to score, including Fox hitting the post with a stunning strike.
La Trobe’s Seth Bish then ended any hope for the Swans with a goal deep into injury time.
While disappointed with the result, veteran coach Di Palma was proud of his team after the match, including their effort and commitment.
“They gave their all, there’s nothing more than you can ask than that,” Di Palma said.
“We may not have won, but we earned a lot of respect from everyone here today, the boys just never gave in.”
