Sydney FC 2-1 Canberra United
By Isabelle Campbell 9/2/26
Above: Mary Stanic-Floody and Hayley Taylor-Young. Photo : Canberra United
Sydney FC hosted Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, with the Sky Blues sitting at the bottom of the table and desperate for a result. Canberra took the lead through Beth Gordon, but Sydney fought back when Madison Ayson levelled. In the end, Mary Stanic-Floody was the difference-maker against her former club, collecting all three points to take home.
Sydney FC faced Canberra United at Leichhardt Oval, with the Sky Blues entering the match sitting at the bottom of the table, whilst Canberra looked to continue their run of good form off the back of a 3–1 win over Melbourne Victory.
The match marked newly appointed head coach James Slaveski’s second game in charge, with several changes made to the usual starting XI. Most notably, Rubi Sullivan and Claire Corbett were named in the starting lineup as Slaveski continued to shape his side.
Canberra United wasted no time asserting themselves after the opening whistle, immediately pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. However, just three minutes into the contest, play was unexpectedly paused in true A-League Women fashion when the sprinklers were activated on the pitch.
Once play resumed, Canberra continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides, creating several chances and spending extended periods in attack. Sydney were kept in the contest by the in-form Heather Hinz, who produced a series of saves to deny the visitors, with Sasha Grove proving particularly testing with multiple efforts on goal.
The sustained pressure eventually provided, with Canberra’s Beth Gordon opening the scoring, celebrating in style with a forward roll as her side took a deserved lead. Sydney’s defence appeared disorganised at times and struggled to cope with the constant attacking threat posed by Canberra.
Sydney’s luck changed late in the half, with the hosts earning a free kick well outside the penalty area in the 37th minute. Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, finding Madison Ayson, who finished to level the scoreline.
The closing minutes of the half saw neither side able to find a lead, and both teams headed into the changerooms level, with all still to play for in the second half.
Sydney made two changes ahead of the second half, with Skye Halmarick and Willa Pearson introduced as the hosts looked to build on their late first-half momentum. The second period saw a more confident Sydney side, although Canberra continued to hold the majority of possession.
It was Sydney’s Jodi Ülkekul who registered the first clear chance after the restart, but she was unable to direct her effort on target. Canberra remained patient in possession, while Sydney looked to capitalise on moments in transition.
For the second consecutive week, a red card was shown to a side facing Canberra United, with Kirsty Fenton sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity after pulling Michelle Heyman back by the jersey.
After being introduced in the 68th minute, Mary Stanic-Floody proved decisive against her former club, striking from outside the box to restore Canberra’s lead. Stanic-Floody had the opportunity to add a second after stepping up to take a penalty, but Heather Hinz produced a strong save to keep Sydney in the contest.
Despite Hinz’s efforts, Stanic-Floody’s goal ultimately proved the difference, with Canberra United holding on for a 2–1 victory at the final whistle to take all three points back to the capital.
Teams: SYDNEY FC (5-4-1): Hinz, Sullivan, Ayson, Tumeth, Fenton, Hawkesby, Galic, Cassar, Corbett, Ülkekul, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Robertson, Tanner, Lemon, Pearson, Luchtmeijer, Halmarick.
Goals: Ayson 38’.
CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Anton, Aulicino, Hawkins, Grove, Robers, Taylor-Young, Bertolissio, Gordon, Sasaki, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Wardlow, Stanic-Floody, Christopherson, Dale, Malone.
Goals: Gordon 13’, Stanic-Floody 86’.
Referee: Mikayla Ryan
Attendance: TBC
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