Jukic: MUM FC must build on Redbacks cup win
Report by Tommy Doleman
Katarina Jukic has urged Murdoch University Melville to repeat their State Cup win over Northern Redbacks when the sides meet in the league on Sunday. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo
The NPLWA – Women’s competition delivers a blockbuster clash on Sunday with Northern Redbacks looking to reclaim top spot from leaders Murdoch University Melville.
The match at Celebration Park will be the second meeting in four days between the sides following Wednesday’s Women’s State Cup semi-final, which saw MUM FC prevail 5-2 after extra-time.
Katarina Jukic and Thalia Organ scored twice after Tia Stonehill had opened the scoring, as MUM FC set up a final against Balcatta a week on Saturday at Inglewood Stadium.
“I think we played really well. We came out with a strong side and had a few good chances early but struggled to put the ball in the back of the net,” she said.
“It was frustrating having been 2-0 up that we let them back in. Then to have to go to extra-time, we just didn’t want to lose that game when we thought we deserved to win, and after having lost to them earlier in the season (in the league).
“We fought hard and to hit back and score three goals in extra-time, which is something that doesn’t happen often, and it felt amazing at the end of the game.
“These cup games are always different to the league, so it’s going to be really exciting and will be a different atmosphere with a buzz about it.”
MUM FC’s 7-0 win over Curtin University last Saturday was the only Round 13 fixture to take place, with the other three games postponed.
The win moved the defending champions to the top of the league for the first time this season and two points clear of Redbacks, having played a game more.
Jukic believes there is more to come from the team and hopes the experiences of winning the last season will benefit them in the second half of 2021.
“It was a bit frustrating earlier in the season because a few of the points we’d given up had been of our own making,” Jukic said.
“In the last league game where we played Redbacks, we should have put them game to bed earlier and in the second half we sat off and got countered. I feel we could be doing better to this point and that’s partly down to finishing opportunities in those games.
“We’ve had to fight our way back and now we’ve got to work hard to finish off the season, which is the aim for us now. Coming off this cup win, we’re on a high, but definitely don’t want to let them back into the game again, so I believe the cup game can be a lesson for us.
“The Redbacks always fight hard until the end and never die, so going into Sunday’s game we can’t afford to sit back and have to make sure we play the full 90 minutes.”
Jukic is the reigning Gold Medal and Golden Boot holder in the Women’s NPL and has 11 goals already to lead the standings ahead of team-mate Tia Stonehill on eight goals.
Last season Stacey Learmont and Ellie La Monte were also regular scorers, while the likes of Stonehill, Grace Betti, Marianna Tabain and Thalia Organ have all chipped in this year.
“We have a lot of depth in the squad at the moment, so there’s more variety to move players around and change things up when we have to,” Jukic said.
“It’s provided more opportunity and helped us strengthen the team as a whole, which I’ve really enjoyed a lot. In my eyes, if the team are winning and we’re putting points on the board that’s all that matters and I’m always happy.”
Also on Sunday, Balcatta meet Fremantle City at Grindleford Reserve in a repeat of Wednesday’s other State Cup semi-final. Goals from Christi Astorp and Bolton Yangi gave Tim Cash’s side a 2-0 win, and three points at the weekend may move them into the top four, provided other results go their way.
Hyundai NTC defeated Balcatta a fortnight ago to move above them into fourth spot and they face Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval in Sunday’s late kick-off. Dom Gangemi’s side are still looking for their first win of the campaign, but they did draw their two previous matches with Redbacks and Subiaco prior to last Saturday’s heavy loss against MUM FC.
Finally, Subiaco host Perth SC at Rosalie Park still in search of their first win in the NPLW era. Caitlin Doeglas scored a late winner seconds after Subiaco had equalised when the sides met earlier this season.
Sunday (3pm unless stated)
Balcatta v Fremantle City
Northern Redbacks v Murdoch University Melville
Subiaco v Perth SC
Hyundai NTC v Curtin University (6pm)
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