Hualien City clinched this year’s Taiwanese women’s soccer league title with a 3-2 win at home on Saturday, while Taichung Futuro kept their No. 1 position in the men’s circuit with a 3-0 shutout on Sunday.
In the women’s soccer, Hualien City defender Lin Kai-lin was the first to score, slotting in a header at the half-hour mark against Taoyuan Mars at Hualien County Sports Stadium.
After halftime, Hualien goalkeeper Lu Ying-chia tried to clear off the line, but the ball bounced off the back of Mars midfielder Pu Hsin-hui and rolled into goal.
Photo courtesy of the CTFA
In the 72nd minute, the visitors went ahead 1-2 when defender Hsiao Ya-hsuan scored during a goal-mouth scramble.
Hualien were cutting it fine, with five minutes left in regulation time when midfielder Chan Pi-han got past Mars goalkeeper Wu Cho-hui and slotted in an equalizer.
CLOSE CALL
In the final minute, the referee awarded Hualien a penalty-kick, which midfielder Hsu Yi-yun fired home, ensuring the home team a 3-2 victory.
It was a crucial win for Hualien, as it took their women’s soccer league tally to 35 points, with defending title holders Taichung Blue Whale placing second with 26 points.
‘TWISTS AND TURNS’
Hualien head coach Chu Wen-pin said it had not been easy remaining undefeated this season.
“There were twists and turns, as we had a tough year. Our older players had injuries, and the younger members lacked experience and could not replace the established senior players,” Chu said.
He urged soccer authorities to advance women’s soccer by helping establish a club in every major city and county to attract more female players, as there is shortage at the grassroots level.
The other women’s match on Saturday saw Taipei Bravo Bear hosting Kaohsiung Sunny Bank at the Taipei Sports Stadium.
Neither team could find the net and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
TOP OF THE STANDINGS
In the men’s Taiwan Football Premier League action on Sunday, Taichung Futuro got a big boost in their race for the title, with a 3-0 win over Ming Chuan University in Taoyuan.
Futuro are on top of the standings with 34 points. They are five points above Taipower and defending champions TSG-Tainan, both with 29 points, although Futuro have played one more game.
TSG-Tainan kept up by grinding out a 1-0 victory over Taipei Leopard Cat. The winning goal was only scored in the 68th minute when forward Lin We-chieh scored a header, grabbing his team three points.
The other contest saw hosts FC Hang Yuan beating AC Taipei 4-2.
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