Specialists
PE News:
From Heartbreak to History ~
SoGS Girls' Soccer are State Championship Bound!
History has been made at the School of the Good Shepherd!
Our incredible Year 5 and 6 Girls' Soccer Team have qualified for the Victorian State Primary School Championships for the first time in our school's history! The girls will now travel to the State Championships on Wednesday 2 September, where they will compete against the best primary school girls' soccer teams in Victoria for the chance to be crowned State Champions.
But the journey to this point has been anything but easy.
Our Northern Metro Finals campaign began with the girls knowing that every game would be a battle. From the opening whistle, the team demonstrated the determination, resilience and never-say-die attitude that has become the trademark of this group.
Our defence was brilliantly led by Captain Lia S, who was supported superbly by Ava J and Danielle M. In midfield, the fast and ferocious Ava V, Chloe B and "Mighty Mouse" Edith continued to hunt, harass and pressure opposition players whenever they entered our defensive half.
Up front, Chaniece and Isabella P ran and ran all day, constantly providing support and creating headaches for opposition defenders. Allegra M provided much-needed relief in defence, while the ever-reliable Quinn B stood tall in goals, making sure the opposition had to work incredibly hard to find the back of the net. Unfortunately Lydia K was unable to join us on the day.
The Road to the Grand Final
Our first game presented an immediate challenge, but the SoGS girls did not disappoint. They walked away with a hard-fought 1–0 victory, giving them the perfect start to their campaign.
The second game saw the girls take on a tall, quick-moving St Joseph's team. Once again, our girls showed that they could match it with anyone, producing a determined and gutsy performance to secure a 2–0 victory.
With two wins under their belt, SoGS headed into the Grand Final after winning their pool and were set to face an old foe – St Francis.
There was a little bit of history between these two teams.
Last year, St Francis defeated SoGS 1–0 in the corresponding game before going on to represent Northern Metro at the State Championships. A young and disappointed SoGS team walked away that day determined to return.
Fast forward twelve months and the opportunity was finally in front of them.
With only one player from the 2025 squad remaining, this was a new-look SoGS team – but the belief was just as strong.
Grand Final Drama
The Grand Final was everything you would expect.
Battle after battle, our girls were put under enormous pressure, but they refused to give in. Just before half-time, a controversial handball decision resulted in St Francis taking a 1–0 lead.
The disappointment was clear.
Tiredness was beginning to creep in, but the girls had been in this position before. They needed to find something extra.
An inspiring half-time message from Mr P helped refocus the team and reminded them of the attitude that had carried them through the tournament – never give up. “If St. Francis wants it, they have to earn it!”
And they didn't.
With the clock ticking down and the dream of State Championships hanging in the balance, Edith was awarded a free kick just outside the box.
She stepped up.
With a beautiful left-footed curling delivery, the ball found the knee of Chloe B...
BANG! 1–1!
SoGS had equalised!
With no time left on the clock, the Grand Final headed into extra time.
Ten more minutes of football.
Ten more minutes of pressure.
Ten more minutes of determination.
Neither team could be separated.
So it came down to penalties.
The Moment That Made History
One by one, our SoGS girls stepped up to the penalty spot.
Calm.
Composed.
Confident.
Every SoGS player found the back of the net.
The pressure was now firmly on St Francis.
After one missed opportunity, St Francis still had a chance. Their next player stepped up...
AND MISSED!
The dream was suddenly within touching distance.
One more SoGS penalty.
One more kick.
BANG!
The ball hit the back of the net.
The girls had done it.
SoGS were Northern Metro Champions and were heading to the Victorian State Primary School Championships!
What followed was an incredible outpouring of emotion – tears of joy, hugs, dancing and celebrations shared between the players, coaches and families.
There was also a wonderful moment of sportsmanship as our girls took the time to console the St Francis players after the match. A reminder that while winning is fantastic, how we conduct ourselves is just as important.
Now We Go Again!
Congratulations to our 11 incredible Year 5 and 6 girls who have created a little piece of SoGS history.
The challenge now becomes even greater.
On Wednesday 2 September, they will take on the best primary school girls' soccer teams in Victoria with the ultimate prize on offer – State Champions!
They will need every ounce of determination, teamwork, courage and perhaps a little bit of luck to get over the line.
But if this team has taught us anything throughout this journey, it's this:
Never. Say. Die.
A huge thank you to all the parents, grandparents, families and supporters who turned out to cheer the girls on. Your support from the sidelines has been incredible and has helped create memories these students will never forget.
A special mention to Seb A and Ethan B for offering to be the Linesman for the day assisting the referees.
Congratulations, girls. You have made history. Now let's see what the next chapter brings!
GO SOGS!
Mr P
Physical Education Leader