Raheny United kicked off their UEFA Women’s Champion’s League qualifying round on a high this afternoon, with a win away to Olimpia Cluj in Romania, according to independent.ie.The first of Raheny’s goals came 23 minutes into the first half, with Noelle Murray netting for the Pandas thanks to an assist from Clare Shine after Siobhan Killeen booted down the wing. Katie McCabe was the playmaker for Raheny’s second goal after breaking away from the Romanian’s defence and brought it out wide for Clare Shine to fire home in the 81st minute.
Olimpia Cluj were dangerous throughout, and produced nine shots on target throughout the game. Andrea Voicu netted for Cluj after five consecutive efforts on goal, putting Raheny keeper Niamh Reid Burke under serious pressure.
Speaking after today’s game Raheny United head coach Casey McQuillan said, ‘ The girls were excellent this afternoon. The game was certainly hard work, especially in the heat this afternoon, but they rose to the occasion and performed well.’ He continued, ‘The first half took a lot out of us, as our style of play is very up tempo. There were a lot of long range shots in the second half, with Olimpia Cluj creating a few chances, but thankfully we retained composure.’
After their first game, Raheny stand top of group two with three points alongside NSA Sofia, who they will face on Monday, August 11 at 14.00 hrs in Cluj Arena, Cluj-Napoca.
Scorers:
Olimpia Cluj: Andreea Voicu ’62
Raheny United: Noelle Murray ’23, Clare Shine ’81
Raheny United: Niamh Reid-Burke (GK), Niamh Walsh, Clare Shine (92’ Catherine Cronin), Shauna Newman, Pearl Slattery, Rebecca Creagh (C), Rachel Graham (73’ Lauren Dwyer), Katie McCabe, Noelle Murray (79’ Danielle Sheehy), Siobhan Killeen, Clare Conlon
Olimpia Cluj: Andrea Părăluţă (GK), Andreea Corduneanu (60’ Adina Giurgiu), Maria Ficzay (C), Ioana Bortan (83’ Anita Pinczi), Christine Manie, Fanni Vágó, Ştefania Vătafu, Andreea Voicu, Mara Bâtea, Alexandra Iuşan (46’ Mihaela Ciolacu), Corina Corniciuc
– See more at: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/raheny-utd-get-strong-start-following-away-victory-in-uefa-womens-champions-league-qualifying-round-30495997.html#sthash.43llqMSB.dpuf
