BALLARAT Eureka Strikers remain the only undefeated team in Football Federation Victoria women’s state league one at the halfway point of the season.
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Their latest encounter was a tense 1-1 draw with table toppers Melbourne University on Sunday.
The Strikers dominated the first half.
Aggression in the press, led by central midfielders Tessa Curtain and Hannah Kozaris, allowed the Strikers to restrict Melbourne University’s possession of the ball.
It also forced a plethora of corners and goal-scoring chances with both wide midfielders, Jordan Ivey and Natalie Barbara, peppering the ball into the box.
A lack of polish in the attacking third meant the Strikers were only able to capitalise once, when Lulu Al-Huneidi pounced on a poor ball from Melbourne University’s goalkeeper and struck home from 30 yards.
Half-time led to a shift in momentum.
The Strikers were sluggish from the restart and Melbourne University found its rhythm, attacking with numbers and putting the defence under extreme pressure.
The result means that at the halfway mark the Strikers remain three points behind Melbourne University on the division ladder and four points behind North Geelong.
The Strikers will be looking to reduce the number of drawn games in the second half of the season.
After nine games, they have won five and drawn four.
Their next challenge will be against Monbulk Rangers as the Strikers hit the road again.
The Strikers should have a full squad to pick from after Lily McLean came through the development game unscathed.