Wollongong wins IPL1 title as American keeper saves all penalties
University of Wollongong won the 2026 IPL1 women's soccer grand final 3-0 on penalties against Shellharbour City FC after a 1-1 draw.
University of Wollongong won the 2026 IPL1 women's league title, beating Shellharbour City FC 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The match went to two scoreless 15-minute extra time periods before the shootout.
Goalkeeper Emma Carstens, a US PhD student, saved all three Shellharbour penalties. Coach Ben Joyce called her the best keeper in the league.
Zahalia Middleton scored to tie the game in the second half after Samara Wehmayer gave Shellharbour an early lead.
- Emma Carstens
- Goalkeeper
- 100 per cent
- Penalty save rate
- 1-1 draw
- Regulation score
Why it mattersEmma Carstens saved all three penalties to win the title, highlighting how her recruitment from the United States strengthened the university's team.
AustraliaThe Illawarra club's first IPL1 title brings a major sporting trophy to the Wollongong region.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 h ago
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