ACE has already made history in the Elaine Watson Cup – and tomorrow will be looking for more against Broadbeach United at Wolter Park, kick-off 7.30pm.
It is believed no ACE side has made the quarter-finals of this women’s knockout cup competition before, let alone the semi-finals … until this season.
Now ACE is the sole representative from Capital League 1 going into tomorrow’s semi against Broadbeach, leaders of the higher tier Brisbane Women’s Premier League.
“I’m sure there will definitely be some nerves,” said ACE captain Morgan Schoener, “it’s a big game, a big cup game and a lot riding on it.
“I don’t know too much about Broadbeach yet, apart from the fact they are top of the BWPL, but hopefully we can match them.
“We’ll treat it the same as any other game. We’ll work hard, be fully focussed on the job in hand and give it our best shot. Then we’ll see what happens.”
Coach Jamie Sanckson said reaching the semi-finals of the Elaine Watson Cup is a “great achievement for the club”.
“Not only for ACE but flying the flag for the Capital League clubs as well,” Jamie said, “I think it’s a great achievement.
“We have men (Canale Cup) and women in semi-finals …. if we could get to the final that would be fantastic. A great achievement.”
ACE approached the tie unbeaten in nine games (seven Capital League, two Elaine Watson Cup), before Sunday’s fixture with North Brisbane. Broadbeach were unbeaten in 16 BWPL games.
However, ACE have beaten top-flight opposition this season (see main picture), winning 2-1 at BWPL side Grange in the quarter-finals, just before the recent COVID-related suspension of fixtures.
The cup is named after Elaine Watson, manager of the first Australian team to play in the Women’s World Invitational Tournament in Taiwan in 1978 and was the first person to be awarded life membership of the Australian Women’s Soccer Association.
Elaine Watson Cup 2021
ACE – Group A
Southside Eagles 0 ACE 7
North Star 0 ACE 10
ACE 1 North Brisbane 4
ACE 2 Mt Gravatt 1
Knockout Rd of 16
Caboolture 0 ACE 1
Quarter-final
Grange 1 ACE 2
Broadbeach
Knockout Rd of 16
Pine Hills 1 Broadbeach 2
Quarter-final
Annerley 2 Broadbeach 3
