Defender's Incredible 60-Meter Strike Stuns NPL in 'Goal of the Year' Contender
Weston Bears coach Damian Zane was left in awe after Japanese centreback Mana Iwasaki scored a breathtaking goal from inside his own half, instantly dubbed a contender for goal of the year in the NNSW NPL. The remarkable strike occurred during the Bears' 2-1 victory over Kahibah on Sunday, showcasing Iwasaki's unexpected long-range prowess.
A Moment of Instinctive Brilliance
Iwasaki won possession just outside his own penalty area, took two quick touches, and unleashed a powerful shot from approximately 60 meters. Kahibah goalkeeper Isaac Quinn, who had ventured upfield as a sweeper, could only watch helplessly as the ball soared over his head and bounced perfectly into the center of the net. "It was instinctive," Zane remarked. "The keeper wasn't in that bad a position. I knew Mana could hit a ball. When he knocks a diagonal pass it goes a long way. I don't think anyone expected that. It's goal of the year already. It was ridiculous."
Match Highlights and League Standings
The Bears secured their win with Blake Archbold delivering the match-winner in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a loose header outside the box and blasting a shot into the roof of the net. Earlier, Jackson Burtson had put the home side ahead in the 14th minute with a precise strike from the edge of the box. This victory maintained the Bears' position at the top of the ladder with 15 points, solidifying their strong start to the season. "It was a good win," Zane added. "That will be a tough place for teams to go."
Adamstown Rosebuds Secure First Win with Fajkovic's Double
In other NPL action, Adamstown Rosebuds celebrated their first win of the season with a 3-0 rout of Valentine at Croudace Bay, thanks to a stellar performance from veteran striker Dino Fajkovic. Fajkovic scored a double, bringing his tally to five goals in eight games, and coach Chris Moylan expressed optimism about his striker's potential with returning teammates. "Dino keeps getting the job done," Moylan said. "Now we have a couple of players back, it will help him even more."
Key returns included Taj Buck from a foot injury, Nick Gismero from a hamstring issue, and Charlie Naylor, who scored the second goal. Moylan highlighted their impact: "Giz is like a Tassie Devil on the pitch. He brings an enormous amount of energy to anything he does. Charlie scored the other goal and he hadn't started since round one. Having them made a big difference." The win moved Adamstown to six points, lifting them off the bottom of the ladder and boosting confidence ahead of their upcoming match against Weston on Anzac Day.
Weekend Roundup Across the NPL
The weekend's fixtures saw several other notable results:
- James Cresnar netted a first-half hat-trick and Luis Lara Delgado added a brace as Magic dominated Cooks Hill with a 6-0 victory.
- Reece McManus scored against his former club to help Edgeworth secure a narrow 2-1 win over Azzurri.
- Maitland attacker Regan Lundy scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner in a 2-1 triumph against Lambton Jaffas.
- Joe Kable snatched a late equalizer for Belswans in a 2-2 draw with Olympic.
In the women's NPL, Adamstown Rosebud upset Broadmeadow Magic 5-3, while New Lambton drew 2-2 with Azzurri and Olympic shared points in a 1-1 draw with Lake Macquarie.
