Western Sydney Wanderers 1-3 Canberra United
By Alice de Koster-Kitto 19/4/25
Above: Canberra United coach Antoni Jagarinec beams in the post-match huddle. Photo: Canberra United
The second last match day of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League season saw Canberra United defeat Western Sydney Wanderers in a 3-1 victory at CommBank Stadium, concluding what has been a wonderful season for Canberra, as they enter finals week.
A strong start from Western Sydney Wanderers came with an extremely close chance from Talia Youis within the first minutes of play, as the hosts look to end their season on a high note. Canberra quickly responded when a shot on target from Michelle Heyman came just moments after the Wanderers attempt, and although the ball went straight to the hands of the opposing keeper in both instances, it cemented the meeting as an intense and unpredictable one.
The end-to-end action was nonstop, as both sides continued to create and capitalise on big moments, leaving the possession fairly even. The clever footwork of Aideen Keane, allowed a tight cross to Michelle Heyman, allowing the captain to make an impressive strike, which was ultimately defended by Aimee Hall.
Another extremely close chance came at the 16th minute, when Olivia Price had a strong strike that was knocked back by Sally James in the bottom corner.
The keeping of Aimee Hall kept the Wanderers in the game against Canberras attack, as she had an excellent and highly involved match on just her second Ninja A-League start, making several impressive blocks, as the opposition continued to make dangerous strikes.
The scoring was opened in the 24th minute as Darcey Malone knocked in the ball from an Emma Robers cross following a corner, putting Canberra in the lead, and marking the 22-year-olds second Ninja A-League goal.
Western Sydney remained in the game after conceding, regaining possession, and continuing to make dangerous plays, holding their own against Canberra’s tough defensive line, despite having their top scorers on the bench.
Given the strength in attack at both ends, it was quite surprising that after a minute of added time, the scoring was left at 1-0 to Canberra at half time, as it seemed that at least one more goal was imminent in this action-packed first half.
The electric energy of this match was upheld at the top of the second half, as Bethany Gordon’s wonder strike extended Canberra’s lead against her former club, marking her second of the campaign.
Western Sydney Wanderers continued to put up a fight, as they maintained possession, and play became more physical, with a sense of desperation across the pitch. The hosts’ hope for a goal was not lost, as top goal scorer Sienna Saveska replaced Holly Caspers at the 62nd minute, looking to change the game in favour of the Wanderers, as she has done continuously throughout this campaign.
The Wanderes’ determination paid off in the 64th minute, when an impressive strike from substitute, Bronte Trew hit the back of the net, earning Western Sydney their first goal of the evening.
Canberra United looked to further their lead in response, with a strike from Ruby Nathan that was saved by Aimee Hall in the centre of the box.
A dramatic battle inside the box almost saw Western Sydney equalise as the ball bounced between several players, before being fiercely defended by Sally James, who took a knock in her save, leading to a short pause in play. The save was yet another testament to James’ impeccable campaign, as she has made continuous clever and dangerous saves, not only in this match, but throughout the season.
A clean delivery from Aideen Keene earned Ruby Nathan her debut Ninja A-League goal, and put Canberra United 3 goals up with just 10 minutes left of regulation, as hope for an end of season win for the Wanderers dwindled.
Canberra’s thrilling 82 minutes came to a halt as goal scorer Bethany Gordon was knocked down, with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, leaving the visiting side questioning whether they would have to finish the match down a player, having just cleared their bench. After a short break in play, Gordon was cleared to continue play, much to the relief of her squad.
With just two minutes left of regulation, shots continued to build for the Wanderers, as a last-minute goal seemed increasingly likely. A series of shots from distance from Sienna Saveska, rebuilt the momentum for the hosts, as they searched for a positive end to their Ninja A-League campaign.
After 5 minutes of added time, there were no further goals to be found, though not due to lack of effort, as both ends fought to the very last second, at no point leaving the end result predictable in any way.
The match marks the end of Western Sydney Wanderers’ campaign as they finish 12th on the ladder. Whilst ending their season on a loss, the efforts of the host side can not be overlooked, as they put up an excellent fight to the end, against an impeccably strong Canberra United side.
Canberra United leaves the meeting in the best possible position, as they look to climb the ladder ahead of finals week. Sunday’s final match of the campaign between Western United and Wellington Phoenix will determine whether Canberra has earned a home elimination final, in what will be an exhilarating finals round.
Western Sydney Wanderers (5-4-1): Hall, Matos, McComasky, Harrison, Buchanan, Rue, Chessari, Harada, Price, Younis, Caspers. Substitutes: Bennett, Harding, Saveska, Trew, Segavcic
Scorers: Trew 64’
Canberra United (4-4-2): James, McKenzie, Ayson, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Keane, Heyman, Malone, Gordon Substitutions: Murray, Dos Santos, Nathan, Markovski, Majstorovic
Scorers: Malone 25’, Gordon 50’, McKenzie 79’
Referee: Kelly Jones
Attendance: 2,958.
impetusfootball.org 