Vassi 2 - 1 Spindles
65' - Piperata (Geczy)
On Thursday Night, the Spins had the chance to get to a second straight CDSL Final.
However, the night did not quite go to plan.
Spindles United took on Vassi Realty in the Semi-Finals last week, a rematch of last year's final.
The winner booked their spot in the CDSL Semi-Final on July 30.
Hopes and energy were high amongst the players and supporters going into the match.
Our previous meeting with Vassi came mid-season where the Spins won 3-1, the club's first time beating the 3-time champs.
In this edition, the game started back and forth with both teams finding chances.
However, things quickly went south.
Just 10 minutes in, a Spindles defensive error led to a 1-on-1 chance for Vassi.
Goalkeeper Ryan Taylor made the stop before a Vassi player followed up on the rebound.
On the goal-line, defender Cole Rust stopped the shot with 2 hands.
A straight red for Rust, and a penalty to Vassi.
The Vassi player stepped up confidently but managed to hit the bottom right post.
He then followed the deflection up to bury it in the net, before the referee called no goal as the ball did not hit any other players before he hit it a second time.
0-0, 10'. Spindles down to 10 men for the rest of the match.
A gritty second half showed that Spindles was not out of it.
After keeping the score level at 0 at the half, things were gearing up for an eventful second half.
10 minutes into the second, the high press by Vassi was too much, giving the champs the first lead of the night.
However, Spindles continued to connect, work, and create chances. Despite being down a man all game.
Soon after, Luke Geczy holds the ball perfectly at the midfield before sending Joe Piperata in on goal.
His fake shot sends the defender to the shops, letting Pip calmly slot it through the keeper's legs, bringing Spindles level while down a man. 1-1, 65'.
More chances continued to pour on, allowing Spindles to dominate most of the second half.
An even match with extra time in sight. Looks like it will be a late one.
However, a dominant performance was quickly shattered in the 89th minute.
A challenge at the edge of the box saw Vassi be awarded a penalty, ultimately deciding the game.
The Spins lose 2-1 and head out of playoffs earlier than we hoped.
A heartbreaking result.
The players did everything they could to stay in a game that most teams would have given up in the 10th minute.
It was a true sign of the boy's effort and determination all season long, and we couldn't be prouder of their fight.
Seeing another great crowd come out to support that night, was a testament to all the things we look forward to achieving on and off the field.
Although our 2024 CDSL season is over, the work to build a community-based club will not be stopped.
Continue to follow us this summer and off-season as we prepare several exciting announcements for the future of Spindles.
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