It was another enthralling round of A-League Women as the finals race goes down to the wire – and a number of CommBank Matildas had a starring role.
On Friday evening, Adelaide United cancelled out a two goal deficit as they drew with a spirited Newcastle Jets 2-2. Lucy Johnson became the first ever Tasmanian to score in the A-League Women for the Jets, but her and Lauren Allan’s first half strikes weren’t enough to seal the three points.
A second goal of the season to Adelaide youngster Katie Bowler clawed one goal back for Adelaide but it was a well-deserved goal to Young Matilda Emilia Murray in the 88th minute that sealed a point for the Reds.
Melbourne City drew with Sydney FC 1-1 in a battle of third against second. Cortnee Vine’s first half goal was cancelled out by a late equaliser by Kaitlyn Torpey.
Jada Whyman returned for the Sky Blues and performed well in goals, making a number of important saves. Princess Ibini started for Sydney, and played the full 90.
Holly McNamara looked lively for Melbourne City, creating numerous opportunities throughout the match. Emma Checker, meanwhile, started and captained her Melbourne City side, now only two points in their final two games away from finals football.
Perth Glory overcame jetlag and the Phoenix to win in Wellington 1-0. A first half goal to American Cyera Hintzen was enough to secure a vital three points for the Glory, who currently sit five points behind fourth-placed Melbourne Victory with a game in hand.
Canberra United were dealt a huge blow to their own chances of finals qualification, drawing 1-1 with Melbourne Victory at McKellar Park. A 72nd minute goal from a set piece for the home side was cancelled out by a late Tiff Eliadis goal.
The team in green are also only five points behind fourth, but with only two games left to play, will have to rely on results significantly going their way in order to qualify.
Finally, Western Sydney Wanderers overpowered a Brisbane Roar 3-1 on Sunday evening. Clare Hunt’s first ever A-League Women’s goal, sandwiched between a brace to Bethany Gordon, meant that Larissa Crummer’s second half strike wasn’t enough to claw the Roar back into the game.
It was the Roar’s first game without Katrina Gorry, having returned to her club side in Sweden mid-week.
Next Week’s Action
Next week will see the finals and the premiership race heat up.
There’s a huge triple-header on Saturday, 3 pm AEDT. Newcastle Jets will take on Wellington Phoenix in a game that could well decide the team that finishes last.
Western United return to action against Canberra United, with the stakes high for both teams – Canberra needing a win to stay in the finals hunt, and Western United hoping to keep their noses ahead of Sydney FC in the premiership race.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC will take on Adelaide United in a rematch of round one that saw Adelaide secure a late victory. Depending on the result of the Western United game, Sydney cannot afford to slip up if they are to secure their third premiership in a row.
Sunday, 4 pm AEDT sees Melbourne Victory take on Brisbane Roar. A result for Victory will keep them ahead of the chasing pack in fourth.
Finally, on Sunday 6 pm AEDT, Perth Glory host a Melbourne City hoping to take the momentum of their late equaliser into the final rounds of the season.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or on Paramount+.