Soccer: Canterbury outlast Waitakere in Youth League Final

Canterbury United claimed their second ASB Youth League title with a 2-1 extra time win over defending champions Waitakere United in the final at Auckland's Bill McKinlay Park on Saturday.

In the first half of extra time, substitute Rian Hooper took Ken Yamamoto's cut-back in stride and slotted the 102nd minute winner past Louie Coulter in the Waitakere goal.

Waitakere had gone ahead through Roussin Nkoy, who picked out the far top corner when set through on Canterbury's goal in the 16th minute. A slow-starting Canterbury eventually shook the travel out of their legs and, when Anthony Cibilich drew his side level, they sparked a seesawing battle that would last for another 90 minutes.

"It was a typical youth game," Canterbury United coach Alan Walker said. "At times, it was you have a go then we'll have a go.

"It's not going to be as structured as the senior level - the players are still learning - but both teams had chances and it could've gone either way."

Waitakere threw caution to the win in the final stages, pushing centre back Luke Adams forward and leaving, at times, just two defenders at the back. It was a nervous finish to extra time for Canterbury as Waitakere pressed hard for an equaliser to take the game to penalties.

"In the final ten minutes we don't do what's expected at senior level because they are youth players but I guess that makes it exciting," Walker said.

In squaring the ledger with Waitakere at two titles apiece after four finals between the pair, Walker said his team had even exceeded his own expectations.

"I'm really proud of these lads. Having been in the final a couple of times the best I thought we could do this year was make the semi-finals but these lads have worked hard and over-performed. I'm so chuffed with them. They deserve it."

Waitakere United 1 (Roussin Nkoy 16) Canterbury United 2 (Anthony Cibilich 27, Rian Hooper 102). HT: 1-1. FT: 1-1.