The weekend saw another action-packed round of A-League Women action as Canberra United enter the finals conversation and Sydney FC defeated league leaders Western United.
Melbourne City began the weekend with a much-needed three points, defeating Newcastle Jets 4-0. While City looked in control of the match, it took a late flurry to make sure of the result, after an inspired performance by Jets goalkeeper Georgina Worth kept the deficit to one for most of the match.
Emma Checker looked typically solid in the heart of City’s defence. Meanwhile, Holly McNamara made her return to the side, notching up an assist in her first 60 minutes of competitive action since her ACL injury over one year ago.
In a battle of the original Uniteds, Canberra defeated Adelaide 4-2 in what was a statement of the team in green’s attacking prowess. A penalty from Grace Maher was followed by a Michelle Heyman hattrick and means that Canberra is now equal on points with Melbourne Victory in fourth.
Across the ditch, Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The Phoenix looked like they may claim their second three points of the season after an early Marisa van der Meer goal but the Roar managed to equalise through their American forward Shea Connors late in the second half.
Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry both missed this game for Brisbane, with a hamstring and shoulder injury respectively.
Sydney FC now looks to be premiership favourites after comprehensively defeating Western United 3-0. While Western United are still top of the table, a brace to Rachel Lowe and a wonderful goal to Princess Ibini means that Sydney FC is only three points away with two games in hand.
Cortnee Vine, Jada Whyman and Princess Ibini all started for Sydney, Vine picking herself up both assists for Lowe’s brace, and looking at her destructive best.
Finally, Perth Glory’s finals hopes took a dent after only managing a draw against Western Sydney Wanderers. A goal to Natasha Rigby was cancelled out by a late penalty to Amy Harrison, meaning that they will now be relying on either Canberra or Melbourne Victory to drop points in order to overtake them and sneak into fourth.
Melbourne Victory had the bye. However, they confirmed this week that Elise Kellond-Knight ruptured her Achilles, meaning that she will take no further part in the A-League Women’s season.
Next Week’s Action
Next week brings unmissable action as CommBank Matildas play a crucial role in determining how the rest of the season finishes up.
Saturday, 3 pm AEDT brings a triple header.
Adelaide United will host Perth Glory in a must-win for the visitors if they are to keep pace with the top four.
Jada Whyman, Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini’s Sydney FC will welcome the Wellington Phoenix to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. While on paper it looks a straightforward assignment, the Sky Blues only squeaked past the Phoenix last time they met – if they are to make a run for the premiership, it is a must-win.
Brisbane Roar will welcome a Western United side looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Sydney. The Roar will be hoping that Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry are passed fit as they cling on to their faint final hopes.
On Sunday, 4 pm AEDT, Western Sydney Wanderers will be tasked with trying to contain the attacking whirlwind that is an in-form Canberra United.
Finally, the public holiday on Monday in Victoria will see a Melbourne Derby – Victory hosting City at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Victory will be desperate for three points to cling on to fourth, while a win for City would put them one large step closer to securing their own place in third.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or on Paramount+.