By Isabelle Campbell 31/1/25
Above: Chelsie Dawber scores for Adelaide United. Photo: A-Leagues
In a dramatic battle at Leichhardt Oval, Adelaide United triumphed 3-2 over Sydney FC. Despite Sydney’s best efforts to end a nine-match winless streak, Adelaide extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
Sydney FC hosted the current third place, Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval on Friday. Looking beyond their struggles this season, Sydney had history on their side, having never lost to Adelaide at home. Meanwhile, The Reds welcomed back Dylan Holmes, who made her first appearance of the season following injury.
The match started evenly, with both teams establishing their presence in the opening exchanges. However, Adelaide soon began to show their attacking intent, with Erin Healy sending in a shot that nearly tested Sydney goalkeeper Brianna Edwards. The visitors continued to press and soon earned a corner, but the delivery was sent high over the bar following a header, letting Sydney off the hook.
Sydney’s first real chance came from a long-range strike by Indiana dos Santos, but Claudia Jenkins was alert and able to parry the effort away from danger. The hosts looked to build momentum, with captain Nat Tobin searching for a breakthrough, but she couldn’t find the finishing touch.
In the 23rd minute, Adelaide made their pressure count when Emily Condon found herself in a tight spot in front of goal but managed to find an opening and fire the ball home, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. Soon after, Healy looked poised to double the lead, but Tobin came up with a crucial block to keep Sydney within reach.
The final 10 minutes of the half saw both sides locked in a physical battle, fighting for control but struggling to create clear chances. As the halftime whistle blew, Adelaide maintained their narrow 1-0 lead, leaving Sydney with work to do in the second half.
Adelaide came out strong in the second half, with Emily Hodgson forcing Edwards into a save with a powerful shot from outside the box. Adelaide’s fluid build-up play paid off shortly after when Emily Condon scored her second of the game, making it 2-0.
Sydney tried to respond, but Tobin was shown a yellow card after a shirt pull on Healy, giving Adelaide a free kick in a dangerous position. Unfortunately for the visitors, they couldn’t make the most of it and were denied a third goal.
Sydney’s breakthrough came in the 65th minute, when Indiana dos Santos weaved through Adelaide’s defense and calmly slotted one past Jenkins to get Sydney on the scoreboard.
Maddie Caspers also looked dangerous in attack, creating several good chances, but couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to bring her team level. Sydney began to pick up momentum in the final 20 minutes, firing off a few solid shots at goal, but Jenkins was equal to them, holding onto the lead.
Then, in the dying moments of the match, Millie Farrow scored in the 93rd minute, netting her first goal for Sydney and sending the home crowd into a frenzy, with the score now tied at 2-2.
But Adelaide wasn’t ready to settle for a draw. In a dramatic last-second play, Chelsie Dawber fired home to snatch all three points for her side, making it 3-2 with mere seconds remaining. The referee blew the final whistle, and Adelaide extended their unbeaten streak to seven games.
Next weekend will see Sydney FC host again, this time Western United who will be coming off a convincing 4-1 win. The sky blues will be once again desperately searching for some points to add to the table. Adelaide United will return home to face off against Perth Glory.
For Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photography from the game, check out our Instagram feed @ImpetusFootball
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Bryson, Tobin, Thompson, Tumeth, Chauvet, Johnson, Caspers, Ibini, Hawkesby, Dos Santos. Substitutes: Franco, Hollman, Farrow, Lemon, Tallon-Henniker.
Goals: Dos Santos 65’, Farrow 90+3’
ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-1-2): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Sasaki, Morgan, Condon, Healy, Dawber. Substitutes: Grove, Karambasis, Dewey, Holmes, Bowler.
Goals: Condon 23’ 54’, Dawber 90+4’
Referee: Sarah Jones
Attendance: 1,488.
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