Women's Team lose to Zurich

by Ayrton Galea - 25th August 2017

Birkirkara FC produced an improved performance on their first match in the UEFA Women's Champions League, but this wasn't enough to avoid a 5-0 defeat against FC Zurich Frauen.

The Stripes produced a tactical disciplined display for most of the ninety minutes while they also were more adventurous to surge forward when in possession. However, Zurich still proved to be too strong by scoring three in the first half and adding another two late goals.

Coach Melania Bajada opted for two forwards up-front in a 4-4-2 formation as the Birkirkara Coach refused to sit back and defend. Kelly Agius Pace and Mariah Sciberras were both ruled out injured and they were replaced by Raina Giusti and Michela Felice.

The First Half

Birkirkara opened well but Zurich surged ahead after twelve minutes. Sandrine Mauron found Patricia Wili unmarked inside the box and the Zurich forward placed the ball at the back of the net, past goalkeeper Xuereb.

Zurich continued to dictate matters, but the Stripes held strong. Centre-backs Said and Farrugia were now enjoying a much better performance from the first match, while Felice and Vella were closing the gaps on the sides.

On the other hand, the Stripes were also doing an excellent job up-front, mainly by their three offensive players namely Sultana, Teuma and Urpani, who made continuous pressing on the Zurich defence. Winger Giusti was holding more back to support the compact midfield composed of Parnis and Zahra.

However, Zurich scored two goals in the last five minutes inside the second half to cancel out all Birkirkara's fine work in the first half when Julia Stierli scored a wonderful direct free-kick, and three minutes later, the same player made them three with an accurate shot.

The Second Half

Birkirkara stepped-up their tempo in the second half, and they were playing improved football. Just past the hour mark, Tracy Teuma almost pulled one back for the Stripes when she won possession and tried to lob over goalkeeper Friedli, but the latter recovered in time to save her attempt.

The Stripes' efforts in the second were undone with a soft goal on the seventy-third minute. From a corner-kick from the left, Martina Moser slightly deflected the ball which was enough for the ball to get past goalkeeper Xuereb.

Zurich wrapped-up their victory with the fifth goal and made the score look harsher on the Stripes one minute from time. Ann-Marie Said lost balance which resulted into a foul inside the box and the referee ordered the penalty. From the spot, Moser made no mistake.

Defender Nicole Zammit became the seventh player from the Under-19's Team to make her debut in the UEFA Women's Champions League, when she was included as a substitute on the second minute of added time of the second half by replacing Sarah Urpani.

Birkirkara will be involved in the third and last match on Monday against hosts ZNK Olimpija Ljubljana.

BIRKIRKARA: Janice Xuereb, Gabriella Zahra, Ann-Marie Said, Kim Parnis, Stephania Farrugia, Tracy Teuma, Alishia Sultana, Sarah Urpani (90+2' Nicole Zammit), Raina Giusti (67' Samantha Zarb), Yasmeen Vella, Michela Felice (55' Sonia Schembri).

ZURICH: Seraina Friedli, Martina Moser, Julia Stierli, Patricia Wili (59' Fabienne Humm), Rahel Moser, Barla Deplazes (59' Meriame Terchoun), Malin Gut, Karin Bernet, Nathalie Lienhard (65' Caroline Abbe), Seraina Piubel, Sandrine Mauron.

Yellow Cards: 85' Fabienne Humm (Zurich).

Scorers: 12' Patricia Wili, 40', 43' Julia Stierli, 73, 89' Martina Moser.

comments powered by Disqus