The Zebras’ senior women clinched a 1-0 win over State 1 side Bundoora United yesterday in Round 2 of the Victorian Team App Cup. The disciplined display now extends our streak to 4 games in a row without conceding a goal. It was an excellent defensive display from all players including our forward third constantly pressuring Bundoora. A strong start by the Zebras limiting Bundoora to a handful of half-chance. The Zebras’ persistence paid off in the first 15 minutes with Diarna Cartwright’s strike hitting the crossbar and great first time finish by Maneesha Patterson slotting the ball home giving the Zebras a 1 nil lead. Amira Idris was excellent in her number 10 role with her class bringing players into the game as was Maneesha Patterson up front working tirelessly putting the Bundoora defence under pressure. Half time 1-0.

The second half saw Bundoora pushing for an equaliser however they could not breakdown the structured Zebras defence marshalled by keeper Julia Mezzatesta. Julia provided some excellent saves and commanded her area very well. The bulk of scoring opportunities went Moreland’s way with captain Celeste Gallina’s one on one with the keeper going Bundoora’s way and the Zebras were very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Maneesha Patterson was brought down heavily in the penalty area by the Bundoora keeper. The Zebras continued to be disciplined with one and two touch football, ball speed and constant pressure on Bundoora especially in the middle of the park. Coach Stephan Achilleos once again stressed after the game that his side ‘must keep their feet firmly on the ground as there is still plenty of work & improvement to come’. He also emphasized that ‘the character the girls showed today was brilliant with many girls stepping up as leaders and supporting each other’. The team’s game plan is coming together with quick transition being a major factor in the result. Achilleos also added ‘We changed our formation today and focused on our defensive duties first and foremost with the team showing great discipline against a higher ranked opposition and keeping calm and composed for the full 90 minutes. A great day for the Club with hopefully more to come.’ 
Moreland Zebras 1 - Bundoora United 0 
(goal Maneesha Patterson 15’) 
(Hillsview Reserve) 
Player of the match: Julia Mezzatesta 
Next week the Zebras start their State 3 season away to Brunswick Zebras.

Lets Go Zebras, Keep it Going.

#COYZ #MZFC