Melbourne City’s Youth Team achieved a historic milestone, securing promotion to the top-flight NPL competition for the first time in Club history after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brunswick City at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In front of a lively crowd, Alessandro Diamanti’s side held their nerve in a thrilling Promotion Playoff Final, eventually triumphing 3-1 on penalties after the match had ended 2-2 following extra time.
Kalms at the double
City struck early when Ryan Kalms – playing further forward than usual – opened the scoring in just the seventh minute to give his side the perfect start.
Brunswick fought their way back into the contest to equalise, before Kalms once again delivered in the big moments, calmly converting from the spot in the 83rd minute to restore City’s lead.
But just as it looked like promotion was within touching distance, Brunswick hit back for a second time, forcing extra time.
Charles the hero
With neither side able to find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, the final was decided from the spot – and it was goalkeeper Lachie Charles who became the hero.
The young shot-stopper produced three consecutive saves in the shootout to swing the contest City’s way, with Thomas Nasso, Roland Ballah and Kalms all converting their penalties to spark jubilant celebrations.
A landmark moment
The victory capped off a remarkable season in which City proved one of the league’s most consistent teams, boasting both the second-best attacking and defensive records.
Along the way, Diamanti has helped bring through a new wave of Academy talent, with several youngsters also making their senior debuts in the Australia Cup earlier this year.
Now, for the first time, City’s Academy will compete in Victoria’s top-tier NPL competition – a huge moment in the Club’s youth development journey.
