We claimed a hard-fought victory against Universitatea Cluj Olimpia in the fourth round of the Women’s Superleague play-offs. After going into halftime trailing, we turned the match around in the second half and added three important points on home soil.
We claimed a hard-fought victory against Universitatea Cluj Olimpia in the fourth round of the Women’s Superleague play-offs. After going into halftime trailing, we turned the match around in the second half and added three important points on home soil.
We took the field in cold and windy spring conditions at the Burus Csaba Sportpark, where the ceremonial kickoff was performed by one of the defining figures of women’s ice hockey in Miercurea Ciuc and Romania, Popescu Magdolna. Herczeg Andrea and Nyéki Anna remain sidelined due to rehabilitation, while Szőke Eszter, injured in the match against Farul, was also unavailable.
The first half was evenly contested. We managed to break through the visitors’ defence on several occasions, with Shala, Porter and Fülöp all creating chances. Nombot found the net from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. At the other end, Borodi and Marcu posed threats, and in first-half stoppage time, capitalising on a defensive lapse, Bumbar scored from distance to give Cluj the lead (0–1).
We responded quickly after the break. In the 52nd minute, following a right-sided move by Nombot, Tóbik’s shot was saved by Todd, but from the ensuing corner Nombot Annabelle Natsi headed the ball into the bottom left corner (1–1). Shortly afterwards, after a handball by the visitors, we were awarded a penalty, which Vlădulescu Ana Maria converted with the help of the crossbar (2–1).
After taking the lead, we kept the match under control. Although we created further promising attacks and a third goal seemed possible, the score remained unchanged and all three points stayed in Miercurea Ciuc.
After the match, head coach Szeitl Szilvia gave a positive assessment, highlighting the team’s reaction and mentality.
– What we planned, we managed to carry out, thank God. In the first half we went behind again, but apart from that one shot, Cluj didn’t really have any significant moments. At halftime I tried to explain to the girls where and how we needed to break them down, how to get through their defensive line and be more effective in front of goal. We had chances in the first half as well, but we couldn’t convert them. At the start of the second half we scored again from a corner. From that point on it was clear that we found our rhythm, made good decisions, and the girls gained confidence. It was only a matter of time before we turned the match around, and fortunately we did. We scored the winner from a penalty, but we had other opportunities too. The most important thing is that we won the match and kept the three points at home. Congratulations to everyone – she said.
The head coach also spoke about the atmosphere.
– I’m very happy that so many supporters came out to the match. It was especially nice to see the women’s ice hockey team supporting us, and we hope to return the favour next year when their season starts again. Maybe they brought us some luck and efficiency – she added with a smile.
Szeitl also mentioned the halftime penalty shootout game.
– During halftime we once again organised a penalty shootout for young girls, who could win prizes if they scored. We would like to continue this initiative in the future, so that our home matches include activities that further promote and celebrate women’s football. It was another moment celebrating the women’s game – she concluded.
Our next match will take place on Sunday, March 29 at 11:00, when we host Poli Timișoara at the Burus Csaba Sportpark.
Women’s Superleague, Play-offs, Round 4
FK Csíkszereda – Universitatea Cluj Olimpia 2–1 (0–1).
Referees: Vremăroiu Andrei Florin, Florea Bianca, Dumitrache Ștefan.
Scorers: Nombot Annabelle Natsi (52), Vlădulescu Ana Maria (62 – penalty), Sonia Maria Bumbar (45+1).
Yellow card: Szabóvá Sofia (78).
FK Csíkszereda: Böröcz Bettina – Rosenblatt Hana My, Fülöp Boglárka (Zvenyák Johanna Rita 82), Lindsey Leigh Porter, Vlădulescu Ana Maria, Nombot Annabelle Natsi, Jehona Shala (Tóbik Melánia 46), Balázs Csilla, Szabóvá Sofia (Kis Anita 82), Antal Anita, Geréd Erika. Head coach: Szeitl Szilvia.
Universitatea Cluj Olimpia: Elizabeth Ann Todd – Varó Helga Renáta (Teodora Andreea Pînzariu 46), Oneț Daiana Maria (Mara Nicole Ciortea 57), Carmen Marcu (Tanya Raysa Maier 59), Sonia Maria Bumbar, Lidia Brădău, Adina Cristina Borodi, Andreea Cândea (Alessandria Pera Shaira 57), Ana Maria Gorgan, Ioana Simona Sigheartău (Andreea Rebeca Neagu 72), Erin Marieka Van Dolder. Head coach: Ioana Alexandra Vela.
László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál