In the 65th minute of Newcastle Jets’ 1-0 victory against Melbourne City, defender Philip Cancar delivered an astonishing goal-line clearance… with his chest!
Nathaniel Atkinson seemed almost guaranteed to score for City at AAMI Park, but somehow Cancar intervened to deny the ball from crossing the line.
“Oh! That’s absolutely miraculous from Cancar!” exclaimed commentator Ben Homer on Paramount+.
“A goal-line save using his chest. On his return from injury, that’s a monumental play.”
“… We often speak about how fantastic goals inspire children to become strikers, but it’s moments like these that encourage young ones to take up the role of defenders.”
Central Coast Mariners icon Daniel McBreen remarked: “That is brilliant from Phillip Cancar.
“His positioning was spot on, and knowing he might struggle to raise his leg, he opted to use his chest… and kept it out, securing the clean sheet for Noah James.
“That was outstanding defending.”
After the match, Jets manager Rob Stanton provided insight into Cancar’s participation, adding further weight to the significance of the moment.
Indeed, the defender was making his comeback from an injury that had sidelined him for three matches.
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“Kudos to Phil, as he had been out for roughly four weeks,” Stanton said.
“We put him through a very intense individual session at the end of training, and it was quite challenging for him.
“I mentioned to him that he wouldn’t play in the Auckland match, but I also told him that I intended to start him against Melbourne City.
“I put him in, and he completed almost 90 minutes. I could see it in his eyes that he was up for it.
“That was a tremendous effort from Phil today, and that save on the line was exceptional. Credit to him, as we really challenged him during training, rewarded him with a start, and he didn’t disappoint.
“That’s the mindset he possesses. I’m genuinely pleased for him.”
The Jets ultimately secured the win with a goal from Lachie Rose.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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