GSSA Cup 2025: Plucky Phoenix no match for Denmark as first year stars make their mark in morale-boosting win

Denmark romped to a 6-0 Great Southern Soccer Association Cup victory on June 13 over a plucky Phoenix side who might have conceded more but for their goalkeeper Tahlia Bergsma. In fact, Bergsma only lasted the first half as, along with midfielder Tess Tenhaaf, she headed home through illness with 45 minutes played. Asha Postmus took over between the posts and Phoenix did their best to hold out with only 10 players but Denmark proved too strong. As the rain poured down at North Road, Denmark pressed from the start with Lumeah Masih the driving force operating just behind the forward line. Bergsma had come out to make a booted clearance and collected at the feet of Denmark’s Abby Carter before conceding the first, Carter slotting home from 10 yards after 10 minutes. Phoenix held out until the 28th minute when winger Shylah Gough recorded her opener, with her second coming after 56 minutes as Denmark continued to dominate after the break. There was no respite for Phoenix as midfielder Isabelle Buckovic scored, converting a lovely cross two minutes later. Leah Winter made it 5-0 after 63 minutes and Carter wrapped up the scoring with her second after 78 minutes. Denmark co-coach Kim Carter said her team had really come together. “The team cohesion and morale has really improved throughout the season, and this was probably our peak,” she said. Gough and Buckovic are first-year players and Carter said it was great for them to have scored in a key game. Phoenix coach Monique Plug praised her side for their efforts. “They ran hard and gave it their all, especially the defenders who were amazing,” she said. “I think maybe we had one shot at goal and, to be honest, they could have won by more, but I was not going to be negative given it was such a tough game.” Sharks, Rovers and Albany Caledonian, who all enjoyed byes, join Denmark in the last four. In the men’s cup on Saturday, June 14, Albany Caledonian beat Polonia 2-1, with Douglas Grant grabbing the winner from the penalty spot after a foul in the box. Polonia had struck first through Caelen Lambe in the 19th minute, but Nathan Kay levelled just before half-time before Grant fired them through. Rovers, Phoenix and Bayswater had byes. Five goals from Dylan Cook helped Albany Caledonian to a 9-1 win over Bayswater in the reserves’ competition. Phoenix, Polonia and Rovers had byes. In the women’s reserves event, Phoenix got their revenge with a 4-0 victory over Denmark while Rovers beat Albany Caledonian 3-0 and Mt Barker saw off Bayswater 2-0. There were wins in the women’s socials for Griffins, Polonia and Sharks. In the men’s socials on June 12, Rovers edged Bayswater courtesy of an extraordinary finish. With the score 3-3 at full time, Rovers conceded twice and then scored three times in the 104th minute to come back from 5-3 down and win 6-5. Crosskeys, Old Boys and Phoenix were the other winners.