Hapoel Jerusalem Stays Perfect in Women's Soccer League

Defending champions Hapoel Jerusalem secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over M.S. Kiryat Gat in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday, maintaining their perfect record in the Israeli Women's Premier League. The win, highlighted by two goals from Carolline Cardoso, leaves Hapoel Jerusalem alone at the top of the standings with nine points from nine possible, three points ahead of Kiryat Gat.

The highly anticipated match, considered the first game of the season between the two leading contenders, saw both teams enter undefeated. Kiryat Gat initially matched Hapoel Jerusalem, equalizing after an early goal, and the game was tied at halftime. However, Hapoel Jerusalem took control in the second half.

Carolline Cardoso scored in the 73rd minute to put Jerusalem ahead, but Kiryat Gat equalized from a penalty three minutes later. Cardoso then completed her brace in the 80th minute with a long-range free-kick, and a late defensive error by Kiryat Gat allowed substitute Doris Boaduwaa to seal the 4-2 win for the champions.

In other matches, Maccabi ASA Tel Aviv thrashed Bnot Netanya 7-0, continuing Netanya's difficult start to the season. Hapoel Ra'anana secured their first win by defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-1, while Maccabi Keren Hadera beat Maccabi Holon 3-1, with Maya Cabrera scoring twice for Hadera.