An emotional weekend of soccer for the Thorns observer. The semifinals had almost everything: top quality goals, a red card, comedy defending, and heartbreaking injury.
Just like their last meeting with Newcastle, Sydney rushed out to a quick lead and looked unbeatable. Just like last time, Sydney took their foot off the gas and let Newcastle back into the game. Just like last time, Newcastle tied it late. The difference, in extra time, was Emily Sonnett.
Sydney went up by one in the ninth minute thanks to some individual brilliance from Caitlin Foord. Foord, playing as a striker, received the ball from Lisa De Vanna from the left wing, and rather than running directly at the Newcastle goal, held the ball up for a half second to steady her control.