Genesis upbeat despite defeat

Hekari inflict first loss of WNSL season on conference winners

GENESIS remain upbeat despite suffering their first loss of the season, a 1-3 defeat to Hekari United, in the final round of the Women’s National Soccer League Southern Conference in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Coach Percy Mataio’s Genesis recorded eight wins, one draw and a loss to be crowned the conference champions ahead of next Saturday’s semifinal against Northern Conference runners-up Sepik at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae.
Assistant coach Joe Willie told The National that, although the result was disappointing, the coaching staff and team management were proud of the players for winning the conference.
“We are happy with their performance all season,” he said.
“We stuck to our game plan and structure, but the result didn’t go our way.
“We tried our best and executed well in the areas we had been focusing on all week at training.”
Willie commended Hekari, who will face Northern Conference winners Poro in the semifinals, for putting up a strong challenge after their 1-all draw in the opening round.
“Hekari are a top-quality side,” he said.
“The match highlighted the areas that we still need to work on.
“We have enough time to work on these areas before the semifinals.
“We will look at our game plan, re-visit what we need to refine, and polish up on our defensive and attacking structures.
“We’re confident of rebounding from the loss, but we won’t be taking our opposition lightly.”
Meanwhile, Sepik put on an emotionally-charged performance to crush Morobe Tulip 12-0 — a day after East Sepik native Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s passing.
Results: Sat, Feb 27 — Port Moresby Academy 1 Port Moresby City 5, National Capital District 3 Amoana 1, Genesis 1 Hekari 3, Bara 7 Pacific Gardens 0, Morobe Tulip 0 Sepik 12, Markham Raings 1 Poro 4, Tusbab Laidamon 3 Rainy Lae 0.