Extra time goal puts Settlers into final

 POPONDETTA Urban Soccer Association premiership favourites Settlers maintained their top form by edging a determined Galea 1-0 in extra time at Independence Oval on Sunday.

The preliminary final watched by more than 1,000 fans was anybody’s game before the six-time minor premiers and champions made it through to the final to face Oro United.

The Settlers, made up of youths from the New Guinea Compound settlement, played one of their finest games.

Midfield maestro and Popondetta Secondary School Grade 9 student Lesley Yaungere, 17, put on a man of the match performance.

His effort resulted in the only goal in extra time when Macken Taulobu  hit the winner in the 92nd minute.

They should have won in the opening stages but strikers Xavier Norrie was off target and Clement Kumkamgre was denied by Galea keeper Graydon Taulofa. 

Galea’s experience with midfielders Charlie Ricky and veteran hit-man and Oro star Oscar Tembaripa played a  crucial role in the win by the Settlers.

In the women’s division, premiership favourites Kaks stopped upcoming Tarangau 4-2 in a penalty shootout .

They will now meet Goruta in the grand final.