Cohen Hat Trick Leads Hapoel Jerusalem to Victory in Women's Soccer League

The second round of the Israeli Women's Premier League concluded with four matches, leaving only two teams with perfect records. Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Hapoel Ra'anana, propelled by a rapid hat trick from Smadar Cohen. Meanwhile, Kiryat Gat dominated Bnot Netanya with a 5-0 win. In other games, Maccabi ASA Tel Aviv earned their first win of the season, coming from behind to defeat Maccabi Kishronot Hadera 2-1. Maccabi Holon achieved a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv, scoring the winning goal in the 98th minute.

Smadar Cohen, last season's top Israeli scorer, scored three goals in just 13 minutes against Ra'anana, bringing her team's total to six points from a possible six. Ra'anana, with two losses, faced tough competition from the top two teams. Kiryat Gat, the league's runner-up, also maintained a perfect record with their 5-0 win over winless newcomer Bnot Netanya. Kiryat Gat's goals came from Daniela Halala, Aldrit Ivana Kuintro, Alice Belouhin (twice), and Yuval Ezer.

The match between Maccabi Holon and Hapoel Tel Aviv was the round's most dramatic. Hapoel Tel Aviv equalized in the 60th minute, but Maccabi Holon's Immaculata Masipe scored the winner deep into stoppage time. The ball deflected off the crossbar and the opposing goalkeeper before crossing the line. Maccabi ASA Tel Aviv's victory over Maccabi Kishronot Hadera marked their first win, with goals from Diana Borges and Eilat Cohen sealing the comeback after Hadera had taken the lead.