We failed to collect points in the opening round of the Women’s Superleague play-offs, suffering a 3–1 defeat away to Universitatea Cluj. Although we dominated possession and controlled large spells of the match, the hosts proved more clinical in front of goal.
We failed to collect points in the opening round of the Women’s Superleague play-offs, suffering a 3–1 defeat away to Universitatea Cluj. Although we dominated possession and controlled large spells of the match, the hosts proved more clinical in front of goal.
We took to the field at the Iclod Arena with three new players in the squad. Among our new signings, Fuchsová Tereza and Porter Lindsey Leigh started the match, while Rosenblatt Hana My made her debut as a substitute. Due to injuries, two key midfielders, Herczeg Andrea and Nyéki Anna, were unavailable.
We began aggressively and applied early pressure on the home goal. Midway through the first half we earned a promising free kick, but Szőke Eszter’s effort was brilliantly saved by Todd Elizabeth Ann. In the 36th minute the hosts threatened as well, with Sigheartău’s free kick tipped onto the bar by Fuchsová. Two minutes before halftime, however, Universitatea took the lead: Sonia Maria Bumbăr’s long-range looping effort found its way into our net (1–0).
The situation became more difficult early in the second half. In the 57th minute Cluj were awarded a penalty, converted by Borodi (2–0). Our response was immediate: a minute later we were awarded a spot kick of our own, and Vlădulescu Ana Maria confidently reduced the deficit (2–1).
The goal gave us renewed momentum, we regained control and pushed for an equaliser. The hosts defended in a disciplined manner, though, and sealed the match in the 87th minute when Borodi finished from close range after a quick counterattack (3–1).
After the match, our head coach did not hide her disappointment and strongly criticised the team’s performance:
– It is very difficult to say anything when you prepare for six weeks for this match, under better and better conditions, and then this is what you get back: you step onto the pitch frightened, without courage, and you don’t even try to do what was asked of you, what you practiced in friendly matches and executed perfectly. We should be ashamed of ourselves! – Szeitl concluded angrily.
In the other match of the round, Farul Constanța defeated Poli Timișoara 2–1.
The next round of the play-offs will take place on March 14, when we travel to face Poli Timișoara.
Women’s Superleague, play-offs, Round 1
Universitatea Cluj – FK Csíkszereda 3–1 (1–0).
Scorers: Sonia Maria Bumbăr (43), Adina Cristina Borodi (59, 87), respectively Vlădulescu Ana Maria (61).
Yellow cards: Andreea Cândea (30), Porter Lindsey Leigh (34), Kis Anita (44), Meda Cristina Micușan (47), Marcu Carmen (61).
Referees: Omuț Marius, Matica Marius Ionuț, Kopriva Biró Tamás.
FK Csíkszereda: Fuchsová Tereza (Balog Boglárka 46) – Balázs Eszter, Szabóvá Sofia (Rosenblatt Hana My 46), Szőke Eszter, Kis Anita, Antal Anita (Orbán Aranka 46), Porter Lindsey Leigh (Tóbik Melánia 77), Vlădulescu Ana Maria, Nombot Annabelle Natsi (Mitri Rita 77), Shala Jehona, Geréd Erika. Head coach: Szeitl Szilvia.
Universitatea Cluj: Todd Elizabeth Ann – Teodora Andreea Pînzariu, Erin Marieka Van Dolder, Ioana Simona Sigheartău (Andreea Neagu 80), Carmen Marcu, Andreea Cândea (Alexia Niculescu 62), Sonia Maria Bumbăr (Shaira Alessandria Pera 90), Lidia Brădău, Adina Cristina Borodi (Daiana Maria Oneț 90), Meda Cristina Micușan (Mara Nicole Ciortea 80), Varó Helga Renáta. Head coach: Ioana Alexandra Vela.
László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál, archive