Canberra United 2-0 Sydney FC
By Kieran Yap 11/12/25
Above: Canberra United celebrates a goal Photo: Canberra United
Goals from Michelle Heyman and a first for Sienna Dale secured a 2-0 win for Canberra United against Sydney FC, while Sasha Grove’s impressive form continues to build.
Canberra United offers fans a special deal, a ticket bought for this midweek clash with Sydney FC would grant them entry into the weekends fixture with Melbourne City. On the strength of this performance, that was the best deal in Australian football.
The home side started strongly, possibly buoyed by their weekend win over Melbourne Victory, but more likely because they were organised and enthusiastic. Hayley Taylor-Young and Emma Hawkins were especially proactive early, creating numerous chances on the left.
Sydney FC were without Riley Tanner, the Panama international was rested following national team duty. Ante Juric opted for an attack of Mackenzie Hawkesby, Caley Tallon-Henniker and Millie Cassar.
Canberra’s midfield press kept the game mostly on their terms. They were aggressive on winning the ball back and quick to put the visiting defenders under pressure with quick movement, often to the flanks.
Jazmin Wardlow came closest to opening the scoring in the first half. Her header from a set piece flashed wide.
Canberra’s high energy tactics were paying off, but came with a risk, Bethany Gordon was perhaps lucky to only receive a yellow card for a sliding tackle.
The home side began the second half much as they did the first and before the hour, they had a deserved lead. Michelle Heyman had been well marked in the opening stages, but her flick direct from Sally James’s long pass released Sasha Grove on the right.
Canberra’s cult hero burst free of her marker, leaving the defender on the turf and accelerated more to give herself time and space. Meanwhile, Heyman’s run had continued and she finished well from Grove’s excellent cut back.
Tori Tumeth almost levelled the scores immediately, but her shot from wide skimmed past the far post when all it needed was a touch from anyone near it.
Canberra United escaped that danger and soon had a second. Gordon’s well paced free kick fell to Sienna Dale who turned to score through a crowded penalty area.
Sydney FC’s efforts to chase the lead were in vain and even the introduction of Hana Lowry could not overcome Canberra’s enthusiastic defensive efforts. To cap off another outstanding performance, Grove finished the game on the left side of defence, to secure the three points.
Canberra United’s second successive win should give them all the confidence they need to get a result against Melbourne City in the next round.
Sydney FC will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season against Wellington Phoenix following a week off with the Bye.
Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): James, Anton, Wardlow, Bertolissio, Taylor-Young, Aulicino, Gordon, Hawkins, Grove, Sasaki, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Christopherson, Dale, Malone.
Goals: Heyman 53’ Dale 65’
SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Robertson, Lemon, Pearson, Fenton, Tumeth, Hunter, Caspers, Galic, Cassar, Hawkesby, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Oppedisiano, Ayson, Lowry, Ulkekul, Halmarick, Sullivan.
Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.
Attendance: 761.
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