Sport
5 September, 2025
Soccer season ends
The Maryborough Soccer Club suffered a difficult end to their 2025 campaign, with top-of-the-table Ballarat North United putting an exclamation point on their undefeated home and away season with a 10-0 win.
The blue and whites were hopeful to finish their season on a competitive high note following their 7-1 defeat to Forest Rangers the week before.
Santiago Ferreyra Bas got the Panthers off to a brilliant start on Sunday at Russell Square, putting away a quickfire brace to put the hosts 2-0 up inside 15 minutes.
Maryborough were able to steady the ship for an extended period until the 29th minute when Ferreyra Bas completed a first-half hat-trick.
Ballarat North United would add another goal through Billy Gianacopoulos late in the first half to enter the break with a four-goal advantage.
With the game virtually out of reach at half time, the blue and whites were determined to grab a consolation goal in the second half.
However, Oliver and Charlie Richardson had other ideas for the Panthers, combining to score five goals in the first 25 minutes of the second half, with Charlie giving Ballarat North United their second hat-trick of the game.
Mikiyas Stevenson Chamings brought the Panthers to double digits, the icing on the cake as they prepare to face Forest Rangers this Sunday for a spot in the grand final.
Despite the defeat, the blue and whites showed improvement in 2025, with wins over Creswick as well as Daylesford and Hepburn United allowing them to finish in ninth.
Julian Callea finished the year as the team’s top scorer with 12 goals in 14 matches, ending up in the top 10 for the league golden boot.
Brett Davey and Luke Bucknall netted three goals this season, playing a key role in Maryborough’s memorable come-from-behind draw versus Victoria Park, while Kynan Carter added two.