The season of Goulburn Valley Suns’ under-21s was decided from 12 yards on Saturday.
The Suns couldn’t be separated from Nunawading after 120 minutes in the National Premier League Three semi-final at McEwen Reserve, but the hosts were eventually unwound in a penalty shootout.
Misses by Brandon Giaccherini, Willie Sauiluma and Marcus Thomas sealed the Suns’ fate.
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Catch me if you can: GV Suns’ Hassan Alhilfi. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Applying pressure: GV Suns’ Declan Kinnane. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
Taking a breather: GV Suns’ Stefan Pigatto. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
Stepping in: GV Suns’ Callum Horsman. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Up and under: GV Suns’ Declan Kinnane. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Striding out: GV Suns’ Alban Sherolli. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Calm and collected: GV Suns goalkeeper Alexander Georgopoulos. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
Judge the flight: GV Suns’ Callum Horsman rises high. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
Do the twist: GV Suns’ Stefan Pigatto. Photo by Megan FisherEarlier on, Giaccherini handed the hosts a lead as he struck home in the sixth minute.
Nunawading went on to peg two back in the first half before Hassan Alhilfi restored parity with a goal leading into the break.
Elijah Brooker’s finish 15 minutes from time would have wrapped up the game if not for the visitors rustling the net shortly after and it was off to extra time.
An added half-hour of play also couldn’t separate the teams and the axe fell on the Suns’ season as Nunawading would go on to win the shootout 4-3.
News photographer Megan Fisher was on hand to catch the action.