Penalties required to seal victory
Brian Toh and Didier Tshilombo hold the MONSU Soccer Cup
Extra time was not enough to separate the Peninsula Seadragons and the Caulfield Gryphons in the annual MONSU Soccer Cup played recently at the Peninsula campus.
Defending champions, the Seadragons were unable to capitalise on an early lead and, in the dying minutes of the game, the Gryphons evened the scores. At the end of regulation time the scoreboard read: 4 – 4.
The two teams were still deadlocked at the end of extra time with neither team able to find back of the net, so it was down to a penalty shootout. The Gryphons managed to keep their nerve, coming back again from a 3 – 1 deficit to win the shootout 6 – 5.
Now in its ninth year, the MONSU Soccer Cup is played between teams representing the Peninsula and Caulfield campuses. Team members are drawn from the student population, alumni and local community members.
Gryphons team member Andre Arcobelli said he enjoyed playing in the annual event.
“It was a very good night, as always, put on by Monash Sport,” Mr Arcobelli said.
“The boys enjoy going down to Peninsula to take part in the game.
“This year’s game was one of the tightest and most exciting ever, as Peninsula held a 4-1 lead with 15 minutes to go, and Caulfield equalised to force extra time. We went to penalties and again had to come from behind to win the shootout. I am already looking forward to next year’s game.”
This year’s results reflect how competitive the two teams have been since the first cup challenge in 2003, with five wins to the Seadragons and four for the Gryphons.
Tim Wallace, Team Leader of Monash Sport at the Peninsula campus said the game was a highlight of the soccer year for the Peninsula and Caulfield soccer players.
"It is great that the tradition of this game continues into its ninth year. We have many past students who will come back to support the current players for this game, and play as well if either team need the extra players," Mr Wallace said.