University qualified for the Kate Sheppard Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a memorable 1-0 win over the Dunedin City Royals at the Logan Park turf yesterday.
The Royals, or Dunedin Technical, had won the equivalent third-round fixture for four straight years.
In fact, it had been close to a decade since the Royals or Technical had suffered a loss to a fellow southern women’s team in a league or cup game.
"It’s the most incredibly proud moment as a coach and a member of this club," University coach Hamish Philip said.
"To see the work paying off, and the perseverance of my team, is just mind-blowing."
Self-belief played a major part in their ability to hold off the powerful Royals, he said.
"Throughout the week, we just talked about believing in ourselves, and being able to win the 50-50s.
"It was just a case of, hey, we’re here for a reason."
Philip highlighted an immense performance yesterday from central midfielder and vice-captain Jemma McCormick.
She was an "absolute stand-out" in the centre of the park.
Striker Sofia Zane also put in a fine shift in her first start for the club’s top team.
American forward Grace Raymond scored the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute.
It came from University’s only corner in the first half.
"We’d been practising them endlessly," Philip said.
"We got people in the top of the box, and Grace found herself in the right spot, chested it, and lobbed it past the keeper."
It was impeccable timing from Raymond as it was her first goal for the club in her last appearance before heading home.
University will now play Cashmere Technical in the Kate Sheppard Cup quarterfinals.
That clash will likely be in Christchurch, and during university holidays, making it a doubly tricky prospect for the Otago club.
"We dare to dream," Philip said.
"Anything is possible. No matter what happens, we’ve made the top eight."
Cashmere star Kate Loye scored a hat-trick in their 4-0 win over Nelson on Saturday.
Emily Lyon scored three in West Coast Rangers’ 10-2 win over Lakes, Rene Wasi scored three in Auckland United’s 8-0 thumping of Tauranga Moana, Eastern Suburbs beat Western Springs 2-0, Franklin United beat Ellerslie 1-0, Waterside Karori beat Miramar Rangers 3-1, and Phoenix Reserves beat Wellington United 1-0.
— University stayed top of the ODT Women’s Premiership with a 4-0 win over Northern on Saturday.
Caitlin Scherp gave the students the lead in the 27th minute.
Naomi Jutel and Brooke Verevis scored quick-fire goals near the start of the second half, and Kate Johnstone wrapped up victory with a strike five minutes before the final whistle.
University have a four-point advantage over Green Island with a game in hand.
Green Island were held to a 0-0 draw by Roslyn-Wakari on Saturday.
The Dunedin City Royals, second with GI on 15 points with a game in hand, beat Queens Park 5-1.
Katerina Kiousis scored the only goal for the Royals in a tight first half.
Ingrid Swanson and Georgia Kennedy extended the Royals’ lead before Rocio Cea pulled one back for the Southlanders.
Kennedy added a second goal and Charlotte Roche iced the win in the 86th minute.
