Despite territorial dominance, numerous chances created, and even a penalty awarded in our favor, the visiting team secured the win in the first leg of the semi-final in Miercurea Ciuc.

Despite territorial dominance, numerous chances created, and even a penalty awarded in our favor, the visiting team secured the win in the first leg of the semi-final in Miercurea Ciuc.

Our women’s Superliga side failed to claim victory in the home leg of the semi-final: U Olimpia Cluj, although spending most of the match defending, capitalized on one of their rare chances and take a one-goal advantage into the return leg. For the red-and-blacks, Andrea Herczeg returned to the starting lineup after a long absence due to surgery, but despite numerous opportunities and a penalty chance to equalize, we could not find the net.

We started the match more actively and created danger as early as the 3rd minute: Herczeg’s low cross was touched by Vlădulescu in front of goal, but lacked power. In the 7th minute, after a left-side corner, Porter got into position, but her central shot was safely gathered by Todd. Another set-piece opportunity came in the 13th minute, but Anita Kis’s attempt went over the bar.

In the 15th minute, Herczeg’s individual effort created another threat: after getting past Varó, she aimed for the near post, but Todd made a difficult save. In the 24th minute, following another corner, Boglárka Fülöp headed wide. Our dominance, however, did not translate into goals, and in the 28th minute the visitors scored from their first real chance: after a free kick from midfield, Bumbar found herself unmarked in front of goal and finished clinically (0–1).

After conceding, we continued to control the game, and in the 37th minute Fülöp set up Herczeg, whose shot from 16 meters lacked power.

In the second half, our dominance continued: in the 47th minute, Herczeg’s long-range free kick went just wide. In the 61st minute, Borodi could have gone through on goal, but Böröcz intervened well. In the closing stages, we pushed hard for an equalizer: in the 81st minute we were awarded a penalty for handball, but Vlădulescu failed to convert.

In the 89th minute, following a counterattack, both Cândea and Bumbar had chances, but Böröcz saved both attempts, keeping us in the match. In stoppage time, Anita Kis and Sofia Szabóvá tried from distance, but without success, and the visitors held on for a narrow win.

After the match, head coach Szeitl Szilvia emphasized that the tie remains open and there is still a chance to turn it around in the second leg:

“We conceded one goal, but I believe we can score at least once away. To go through, we need two goals, and that’s what we will prepare for. We play this same opponent again in the league this weekend, then travel for the return leg. We will take the necessary steps. Everyone could see how many chances we had—we must convert them. If we don’t take our chances, we cannot win matches. But we won’t give up: it’s a two-legged tie, and in the end, we will be the ones celebrating.”

The return leg will be played next Wednesday at 14:00 in Iclod.

Women’s Romanian Cup, semi-final, first leg
FK Csíkszereda – U Olimpia Cluj 0–1 (0–1)
Referees: Gherghi Mădălina, Florea Bianca, Dinu Mădălina
Goal: Bumbar Sonia (28.)
Yellow cards: Kis Anita (43.), Szeitl Szilvia (coach, 78.), respectively Ciortea Mara (64.), Sigheartău Ioana (77.), Micușan Meda (90+1.)

FK Csíkszereda: Böröcz Bettina – Szabóvá Sofia, Rosenblatt Hana My, Vlădulescu Ana Maria, Porter Lindsey Leigh, Geréd Erika, Balázs Csilla (Shala Jehona 46.), Fülöp Boglárka, Kis Anita, Zvenyák Johanna Rita (Nombot Annabelle 57.), Herczeg Andrea (Orbán Aranka 67.).
Head coach: Szeitl Szilvia

U Olimpia Cluj: Todd Elizabeth Ann – Van Dolder Erin Marieka, Ciortea Mara Nicole (Pera Shaira Alessandria 84.), Bumbar Sonia Maria, Maier Tanya Raysa (Cândea Andreea 46.), Borodi Adina Cristina, Pînzariu Teodora Andreea, Varó Helga Renáta (Gorgan Ana Maria 74.), Sigheartău Ioana Simona (Neagu Andreea Rebeca 90+1.), Oneț Daiana Maria (Micușan Meda Cristina 74.), Marcu Carmen.
Head coach: Vela Ioana Alexandra