Adelaide United 2-1 Canberra United
by Isabelle Campbell (14/11/25)
Above: Adelaide United players celebrate scoring one of their two goals against Canberra United. Photo: via A-Leagues
Adelaide United are off and running this A-League Women’s season, after beating Canberra United for the first time in almost four years. The Reds finally found their scoring boots as goals to Emily Condon and Matilda McNamara helped cancel out an early breath taking goal from Kiara de Domizio to seal the win for the Reds.
Canberra got off to a flying start, taking just 30 seconds to open the scoring. Michelle Heyman chased down a loose ball and quickly passed to de Domizio, who curled a brilliant shot into the net to give the visitors an early lead. The goal set the tone for an energetic opening, with both teams showing their intent to attack from the start.
Adelaide responded quickly, with Erin Healy connecting with a corner delivery, but her effort went just wide of the post. The Reds continued to create several promising opportunities, working the ball through the final third, but were unable to trouble Canberra goalkeeper Sally James, who stood firm to shut down every threat.
Adelaide’s persistence eventually paid off when Condon found the back of the net, scoring the home side’s first goal of the season and leveling the match. Canberra immediately looked to respond, pushing forward and coming close to regaining the lead, but a powerful effort struck the woodwork, keeping the score even.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Adelaide earned a free kick on the edge of the box. Condon’s low shot was cleared, Healy soon after followed up with a powerful strike that James did well to save. The half ended one all, with both teams showing attacking intent and creating chances, but neither side able to establish an advantage heading into the break.
The second half began with an early pause when Dylan Holmes went down injured and had to be substituted off. Adelaide continued to press, with Condon testing James, desperately looking for her second goal.
Canberra had their first real chance of the half when Heyman went for goal, forcing keeper Claudia Jenkins to the ground. Mary Stanic-Floody followed up with a clear shot that missed by mere inches.
At the other end, Adriana Taranto caught James off her line with a powerful strike, only to see the ball rattle the crossbar, keeping the score level.
The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute. McNamara rose highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner, heading the ball into the net and putting Adelaide United ahead.
Canberra pushed hard for an equaliser, but despite their best efforts they could not break through which meant Adelaide held on in front of a home crowd to secure their first three points of the Ninja A-League season.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, I. Hodgson, McNamara, Murray, Tonkin, M. Taranto, Holmes, Healy, A. Taranto, Condon, Rossi. Substitutes: E. Hodgson, Makris, Zois, Dawber, Worts, Melegh.
Goals: Condon 24’, McNamara 78’.
CANBERRA UNITED (3-5-2): James, Aulicino, Grove, De Domizio, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Malone, Bertolissio, Sasaki, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, McKenzie, Hawkins, Bobbin, Dale, Briedis.
Goals: de Domizio 1’.
Referee: Bec Mackie
Attendance: 737.
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