In the Champions League qualifier, Athlone Town emerges victorious over ZNK Agram, continuing their European campaign.
Athlone Town Advances to Second Qualifying Round of Women's Champions League
Athlone Town, the defending League of Ireland champions, secured a 3-0 victory over ŽNK Agram in the first-round qualifier of the Women's Champions League. This win marks the team's progression to the second qualifying round, a feat not achieved by a League of Ireland team since Raheny United in 2014/15.
Madison Gibson was the standout player for Athlone Town, scoring two goals directly from corners (Olimpico goals) and assisting one. Gibson found the back of the net in the 17th and 45+2 minutes, while Hannah Waesch scored in the 22nd minute, five minutes after Gibson intercepted a sloppy pass out of defense and set up the opportunity.
The match, played at Athlone Town Stadium, was in front of a sold-out crowd. The first half was dominated by Athlone Town, with Gibson's corner kicks causing chaos on the goal line. In first-half stoppage time, Gibson earned another corner and scored from the far top corner, sailing over heavy traffic.
ŽNK Agram, the Croatian champions, did improve their play in the second half with increased possession and long-range attempts. However, they could not overcome Athlone’s dominant first-half performance, resulting in a 3-0 aggregate victory for Athlone Town.
Key players in the match included Gibson, who was instrumental in Athlone Town's success, and Hannah Waesch, who scored one goal. Nika Radolović, the ŽNK Agram goalkeeper, also faced several threats throughout the game.
The referee for the match was Briet Bragadottir from Iceland. Athlone Town's lineup included Molly, Rice, Groves, Gibson, Brady, Waesch, Shine, McNally, and Plaschko. Kayleigh Shine, Natalie McNally, and Hannah Waesch produced strong defensive performances for Athlone Town.
Athlone Town will travel to FC Twente for the second qualifying round of the Women's Champions League on August 27th and 30th.
[1] Source: Athlone Town FC official website [3] Source: League of Ireland official website
The Athlone Town women's team, consisting of key players like Madison Gibson, Hannah Waesch, and others, are set to challenge FC Twente in the second qualifying round of the Women's Champions League, having demonstrated their skills in European leagues with a 3-0 victory over Croatian champions ŽNK Agram in the first round. Madison Gibson, prominent for her Olimpico goals and corner kicks, marked the team's progression in the Champions League, replicating a feat last achieved by Raheny United in 2014/15.
