With four Spark Energy Women's A League rounds remaining, Gintra again proved Lithuania's strongest team by securing their 21st national title.
At Šiauliai Central Stadium, Gintra 4:1 (2–1 at half-time) defeated the capital's Žalgiris-MRU and became unreachable. They now have 46 points, having dropped only two this season.
The title guarantees next season's Champions League place, Gintra's 19th appearance representing city and country. They also retained the Baltic League trophy this season.
Goals:
„Gintra”: K. Oluwadamilola (51′, 67 min.) – 2, S. Rosette (3', M. Porter (40') one each.
„Žalgiris-MRU”: E. Šupelytė (36′ min. pen.) – 1.
Lineup: A. Bikutė, Sh. Aviza, S. Rosette, T. Romanovskaja, A. Mikutaitė, H. DeBose, G. Raznauskaitė (74′ min. N. Klezaitė), M. Galkina, V. Ikechukwu (84′ min. S. Railaitė), E. Partikaitė (41′ min. K. Oluwadamilola), M. Porter (74′ min. S. Lichareva).
As last week, the hosts struck early. In the third minute, Miracle Porter played superbly inside the area and passed accurately to Samantha Rosette, who finished into the far bottom corner for 1–0.
Another dangerous opening came in the 11th minute. Porter crossed from the right towards Rosette, but Vilnius organised a defensive wall and blocked the scorer's shot.
Porter's spectacular solo run from midfield created another fine chance to double the lead, but Rosette shot narrowly wide.
Žalgiris had an equalising chance after a good attack ended in a dangerous Debora Stone shot, but the hosts blocked it.
Vivian Ikechukwu continued dominating the right and creating danger. Her pass found its target, but Gintra could not double the lead. In the 26th minute, Rosette missed a golden chance for her second, shooting over an empty goal.
Danger developed at Gintra's end in the 32nd minute, but Šupelytė could not reach the ball and the threat passed.
In the 34th minute, Stone drew a foul from Shannon Aviza inside the area. Šupelytė converted the penalty to equalise at 1–1.
The goal jolted the hosts into action. Six minutes later, Porter's individual skill beat Meda Šeškutė to restore a 2–1 lead. A dangerous late first-half situation near Bikutė's goal produced no equaliser.
After the break, the champions soon scored again. Koku Oluwadamilola, who had come on before the interval, made it 3–1 in the 51st minute.
Ikechukwu continued troubling the defence and provided another assist for Koku, who completed her brace for 4–1.
Neither side scored again. At the final whistle, Gintra celebrated retaining the national title.
Their next match is at home to Banga Gargždai on 16 October. Banga earned their first points last round with a 1–1 home draw against Saned.
Match review:
Coach K. Petkov's comments: