Canberra United 1-0 Western Sydney Wanderers
By Kieran Yap 18/1/24
Above: Canberra United celebrate going ahead. Photo: Canberra United
Canberra United have reestablished their finals credentials with a 1-0 win over The Western Sydney Wanderers.
The big news prior to kick off were that both Michelle Heyman and Sophie Harding were out of the lineups. The reigning Dolan Medallist was on the Wanderers bench, while Heyman was withdrawn from the game after initially being named to start.
Maja Markovski started in place of the Canberra United captain, while Western Sydney entrusted Sienna Saveska as the side’s sole recognized spearhead.
Both young strikers were involved early, with Markovski narrowly missing a chance to score and Saveska being denied by Sally James from a typical long-range effort.
Hayley Taylor-Young continued her impressive form on the right with a couple of storming runs and dangerous crosses, while Danika Matos looked lively for the visitors. Sophia Christopherson created perhaps the best of the early chances, but her low ball across the face of goal was not turned in.
Ena Harada got on the end of a Wanderers attack, but Liz Anton provided just enough pressure to ensure that the strike flew over the bar.
Canberra shook off that close call and went into the break 1-0 ahead. A well worked corner finished with a Christopherson header which bounced off the woodwork and then off Sham Khamis before crossing the line. Officially it will go down as an own goal, but Christopherson has every right to claim it.
Not content to sit on the lead, Canberra added Jynaya dos Santos to the second-half side. Her movement and presence created a few openings, but the scores stayed level.
As the afternoon wore on, Canberra United control over midfield became more obvious. Mary Stanic-Floody continued her impressive form, knitting passes together and creating chances. The absence of Amy Chessari was obvious for the visitors, and it left space for Stanic-Floody to operate with space and time.
Despite bringing on Harding, the Wanderers could not find an equaliser. Despite Canberra United’s relative control of the game, Western Sydney looked to be an improved side from the previous two losses. They did not sit as deep and tried to attack when the opportunity arose, but there were still gaps in the back, especially on the counterattack, and a more clinical side than Canberra would have likely scored more.
Canberra United are firming as a genuine finals chance, and they should expect to be there. Markovski was impressive as the centre forward, despite not featuring in the role this season, and although she looks limited by the knee bandage, her work rate and pressing game remained.
While Canberra are still not one of the very top teams in this league, they are one without any glaring weaknesses, they have quality on every line, two in-form full-backs in Taylor-Young and Teagan Bertolissio, and an outstanding playmaker in Stanic-Floody.
Darcey Malone provides depth, support and class in midfield and while the attack still relies heavily on Heyman, Christopherson, Markovski and Dos Santos are difficult to contain.
The focus now will be on maintaining that momentum. Canberra will face the Newcastle Jets in Round 13, while Western Sydney host league leaders Melbourne City.
Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-5-1): James, Taylor-Young, Murray, Anton, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Malone, Gordon, Christopherson, Markovski. Substitutes: Galic, J dos Santos, Miro, Nathan, Majstorovic.
Scorers: Khamis 45’ (OG).
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-3): Khamis, Bennett, Harrison, Lobo, Matos, Price, Harada, Buchanan, Saveska, Rue, Younis. Substitutes: Ferris, Harding, Kapetanellis, Cassar, Hall.
Referee: Mikayla Ryan.
Attendance: 1,468.
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