IT WAS the perfect finish to a near flawless season - Canberra United exorcised its W-League demons and finally broke through for its inaugural title yesterday.
In front of a boisterous sold-out home crowd, United thrilled the 2512 fans in an absorbing 3-2 victory over the Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park.
After remaining unbeaten through the season, toppling defending champion Roar was the only hurdle left.
And when the final whistle went, Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid led the team to the middle of the field and planted a Canberra United flag to symbolise the club conquering its biggest challenge.
It was a special moment for a group of players who will go down in W-League history.
For foundation players - captain Ellie Brush, Lydia Williams, Caitlin Munoz, Grace Gill, Ashleigh and Nicole Sykes and Jennifer Bisset - the one-goal win erased the painful memory of the grand final defeat at the hands of the Roar in 2008-09.
And it was a double celebration for midfielder Bisset who got the birthday present she had been waiting for all week.
''I'm relieved to be honest, I felt pressure because it was my birthday and if we didn't win I didn't know what I would do,'' Bisset, who turned 20 yesterday, said.
''I don't normally do anything for my birthday, usually just go out for dinner and my sister makes a cake. This is amazing.''
While United was the home side, Brisbane's dedicated travelling fans made their presence felt in the see-sawing battle.
A Brisbane fan continually bashed his drum in the grandstand while the Canberra supporters tried to rally behind their team.
In the end United held on to the lead and the players were so exhausted at full-time they could barely celebrate.
Munoz's battle with a right knee problem made the win even sweeter for the veteran.
After four knee reconstructions and just 23 days after an arthroscopy, Munoz completed a miraculous recovery to be on the field at the end of the game.
The 28-year-old will take a break from soccer in the hope of returning for a title defence.
The thought of retirement has crossed her mind and if yesterday was her last appearance, it was a fitting way to finish.
''I'm getting old ... my knee is old and hopefully I can be back but I'll reassess in a couple of months,'' Munoz said.
''I probably should give my knee what it needs and stop playing, but it's the toughest decision I've ever had to make.
''I don't think I'm ready yet [to stop], but if I can keep playing through the pain then I'd love to keep going.''
.gif)
