Reigning titleholders ousted from cup

Federation Cup titleholders Phoenix have been eliminated from this season’s cup race after Caledonians netted three second-half goals in a thrilling semifinal last Saturday night at the North Road soccer grounds.

Phoenix won the Federation Cup with a 7-0 romp over Rovers last season and led 1-0 at half-time in the semifinal as they eyed a second straight cup final.

However, goals to Ben Grey, Brennan Childs and Liam McDonald helped Caledonians charge to a 3-2 victory and progress to next month’s cup decider.

Already crowned league champions this season, Caledonians will now chase the coveted league-cup double on September 16.

Caledonians’ opponents in the Federation Cup final will be Polonia after they overcame last year’s cup finalist Rovers on Saturday afternoon in their semifinal.

Cameron Spence scored twice and Jeremy Wallis also found the back of the net as Polonia raced to 3-0 up by half-time.

Polonia’s defence held firm in the final 45 minutes as they stifled the Rovers’ attacks and progressed to a showdown with Caledonians.

In the women’s league A cup competition, Denmark and Phoenix will contest next month’s final after they knocked out Caledonians and Polonia respectively in last Friday’s semifinals.

Goals to Branwen Morgan and Ebony Thompson guided Denmark to a 2-0 win over last season’s cup winner Caledonians.

Phoenix had no trouble accounting for Polonia in the other semifinal, netting three goals in the first half on their way to a 4-1 victory, with Tianna Korthuis finishing with a brace.

In the women’s league B cup quarterfinals held last Friday night Royals, Denmark Black, Denmark White and Mt Barker United all progressed to the semifinals.

Mt Barker United won a penalty shootout against Port Albany after the two sides ended regular time locked together at 1-1, while Denmark White defeated Grammar White 1-0.

Royals won through to the next round with a 3-1 result over Polonia Red and Denmark Black slammed home seven goals against Rovers to progress.

The semifinals for the women’s league B will be played on September 8.