Women’s Match Report: Coorey Cracker Secures Royals a Point at the Death
Sasha Coorey’s stunning stoppage-time strike salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw for Essendon Royals against Box Hill United in a Friday night thriller at Wembley Park.
The Royals looked destined to suffer their first defeat of the 2025 campaign after surrendering a 1-0 lead late in the second half. But Coorey had other ideas, stepping up in the 95th minute with a half-volleyed rocket from just outside the box to rescue a well-earned point in a match full of attacking intent.
It was a game that could’ve gone either way, and Essendon made a strong start despite the absence of Audrey Oastler, with Filomena Delic slotting in as the lone striker. Head Coach Vince Battiato stuck with the same shape that served the Royals well in recent outings—a three-back line of Mikaela Jurcic, Rebekah Van Dort, and Cobi Wilbert, flanked by wing-backs Ava Groba and Alessia Bresciano.
After a bright and even opening, Grace Paradis marked her second Royals appearance with her first goal in club colours. Latching onto a loose ball in the box, Paradis finished coolly from close range to give Essendon a deserved 1-0 lead on 21 minutes.
The Royals had chances to double their lead either side of halftime. Ava Groba used her pace to get in behind the Box Hill defence on multiple occasions, forcing two excellent saves from the home side’s goalkeeper. Coorey, introduced in the second half, also looked lively and was denied by a brave stop at her feet before seeing a follow-up lob gathered just in time.
Despite Essendon’s dominance—outshooting Box Hill 16 to 8 and registering 7 shots on target—the home side struck back in the final 10 minutes. A breakdown in defensive structure allowed Josephine Aulicino to find space in the area and slot through a crowd of bodies to level the match in the 83rd minute.
Five minutes later, Box Hill snatched the lead when Emma Perrone was left unmarked at the back post to head home a floated cross from the right.
But the Royals weren’t done.
With the clock ticking deep into stoppage time, Kendrah Smith’s free kick sparked chaos in the Box Hill penalty area. The hosts failed to clear their lines, and the ball eventually fell to Coorey on the edge of the box. On the half-volley, she unleashed a perfectly struck effort that rifled into the back of the net—leaving the keeper no chance and sending the Royals bench into raptures.
There was even a chance for a last-gasp winner when Paradis burst past the defence moments later, but her shot flew just wide.
A draw felt like the least Essendon deserved on the balance of play, with their attacking movement and pressure causing problems all night.
With four points from their opening two games, Battiato’s side continues to grow in confidence as they adapt with a refreshed squad.