Jets win vital battle at the bottom

Newcastle Jets 1-0 Sydney FC

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (8/3/25)

Above: Sheridan Gallagher (right) celebrates with Lorena Baumann (22) after scoring the winning goal today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Newcastle Jets have earned consecutive wins for the first time this season, with a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC.

The triumph marks their second win over Sydney this season, and keeper Danielle Kryzyniak’s first clean sheet since the start of the campaign. 

An early long strike from Tash Prior established Newcastle Jets as the dominant side early on, despite being collected by Sydney FC goalkeeper, Bethany Mason-Jones. The visitors quickly responded to this strike, however, when a clever cross from Princess Ibini met the foot of Caley Tallon-Henniker, whose strike ended just wide.

Although Newcastle remained technically dominant, continuing to hold the majority of the possession, the chances remained fairly even through the first half, and it was quite unclear where the first goal would come from, with end-to-end action keeping the match exciting and unpredictable. 

Mackenzie Hawkseby looked to extend her wonderful campaign for Sydney with a shot from inside the box, assisted by Tallon-Henniker, that was ultimately saved at the right side. 

Despite a number of chances, the match appeared disorganised, with both sides seeming unsure of their tactic at times, making for a quite messy style of play that resulted in an obvious frustration on the pitch, contributing to the lack of goals early on. 

The 23rd minute saw Newcastle Jet’s Tash Prior find the net, however the match remained scoreless, as Prior was caught offside. 

Sheridan Gallagher was close to breaking the stalemate in favour of the Jets with a long range effort, which was saved by Bethany Mason-Jones. Gallagher wasted no time taking another chance on the ball, opening the scoring with just two minutes left of regulation in the first half. The header from Josie Allan met the foot of Gallagher at very close range, who tapped it into the net, leaving the Jets in a 1-0 lead at half time. 

Both sides entered the second half, looking to improve their overall performance, with Sydney FC re-entering the game especially determined to equalise.

Connors proved her vital impact on the pitch, making a great effort just minutes after entering the game, however the strike was just high, an issue that seems to be continual for the visitors during the match, as a chance from Mackenzie Hawkseby was failed in a similar way just minutes later. 

After being treated for what appeared to be a knee injury, Newcastle Jets’ Josie Allan was replaced by Clare Adams, causing concern for the home side, as Allan had played a vital role in their dominance thus far. 

The match saw yet another game-changing injury just minutes later, when a tussle inside the box left Sydney keeper Bethany  Mason-Jones, treated and taken off for the remainder of the match. 

Mason-Jones was replaced by 18-Year-Old debutant Jasmine Black, who through the remainder of the match, would prove herself deserving of a place in the squad going forward, as Newcastle fought hard to maintain their dominance. 

Making an instant impact in the box, Black made an impeccable save at the 78th minute, when Deven Jackson’s effort came dangerously close to earning the Jets another point.

Despite five minutes of added time, and a number of chances right to the final whistle, the match ended 1-0 to Newcastle Jets, leaving the ladder as is with Jets in 11th place, while Sydney remains bottom of the lot in 12th. 

Round 19 of the Ninja A-League will be crucial for both these sides, as they fight to make their way up the ladder, currently sitting in the bottom two spots.

Next week, Sydney FC will head home to Leichhardt Oval, to face Wellington Phoenix, while Newcastle Jets will go on the road to Perry Park to take on Brisbane Roar. Both of these matches will be a tough fight, and are set to be two riveting evenings of football.   

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Krzyzaniak, Wilson, Cicco, Prior, Davis, Dundas, L Allan, Gallagher, Hoban, Baumann, J. Allan Substitutions: Breier, Rolley, Jackson, Robertson, Adams.

Scorer: Gallagher 42’. 

SYDNEY FC (4-1-4-1): Mason-Jone, Lemon, Tobin, Thompson, Tumeth, Hollman, Dos Santos, Caspers, Ibini, Hawkesby, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Black, Bryson, Farrow, Connors, Johnson.

Referee: Molly Godsell.

Attendance: 1,127.

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Perth keep their season alive with win over Western

Perth Glory 3-0 Western United

By Emma Burke 8/3/25

Above: Sarah O’Donoghue (L) celebrates with Megan Wynne and Kelli Brown. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus

A finals appearance for Perth Glory is no longer out of reach after defeating Western United in a 3-0 win at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

An early goal from Kelli Brown, assisted by a clever ball around a defender from Sarah O’Donoghue, had Perth leading on the scoreboard, but working tirelessly to keep it that way.

Western United came down hard on Glory, launching repeated attacks to no avail. Shots from Captain Chloe Logarzo, Isabel Dehakiz, and Aimee Medwin were either sent wide of the goal, struck the post, or were well handled by Glory keeper Casey Dumont.

In the second half, Glory saw the return of midfielder Susan Phonsongkham, who had been out injured since September of last year, who made an immediate impact on the game.

Her first involvement saw her send an incredible ball across the field to Cymru international Megan Wynne, who was left one-on-one with Western United’s keeper Chloe Lincoln. 

This led to Julia Sardo sliding into the back of Wynne, taking her out, and being shown a red card by referee Georgia Ghirardello for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, reducing Western United to 10 players for the remaining 20 minutes of the match.

Kelli Brown then scored for a second time, her first shot on goal at Lincoln, who wasn’t able to keep hold of it, allowing Brown to have a second bite at the cherry, which she made no mistake with.

Not yet finished, Perth then won a penalty from Claudia Mihocic being booked for a handball on the edge of the penalty area.

To secure all three points and cap off a great return to the A-League Women, Phonsongkham took the spot kick, delivering to the right side of the goal, while Lincoln dove to the left.

This win – which also saw the Western Australian side keep their first clean sheet of the season, leaves the Glory on 18 points, meaning they could still have a shot at making finals this season, while Western United remain in fourth, for now, as other results from this weekend could see Central Coast Mariners or Canberra United leapfrog them on the table.

To view Rob Lizzi’s full set of images from the game for Impetus, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball – https://www.instagram.com/impetusfootball/

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Foletta, Zogg, Thomas-Chinnama, McKenna, Dalton, Palmer, Tathem, Brown, O’Donoghue, Wynne. Substitutes: Wainwright, Phonsongkham, Anderson, Lincoln, Templeman.

Scorers: Brown 14’, 81’, Phonsongkham (pen) 86’.

WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Grove, Maher, Mihocic, Sardo, Eggesvik, Dehakiz, Zimmerman, Logarzo, Medwin, Taranto. Substitutes: Cerne, Cortellino, Hieda, de Domizio, Picak.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 873.

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Bulleen lift Community Shield with win against Heidelberg United

Bulleen Lions 4-2 Heidelberg United

By Kieran Yap 8/1/25

Above: Erin Hudson lifts the Community Shield with the Bulleen Lions Photo: Bulleen Lions

Bulleen Lions have started off 2025 by lifting the Community shield. Caitlin Freind’s new look attack was in sparkling form as they defeated last season’s Grand Final winners 4-2 at The Home of The Matildas.

There were changes to both lineups. Heidelberg United are without Alana Jancevski and Sara O’Donoghue, both were stars of the 2024 campaign but are currently in the A-League. While talismanic captain Steph Galea was on the bench after recently recovering from an off-season injury.

Bulleen have undergone a significant mini rebuild in the off-season. With Maja Markovski and Alana Cortellino at Canberra United and Western United respectively, The Lions recruited strongly and named speedster Anais Josefski in attack with the craft duo of Rosie Rodger and Danella Butrus. Former Gold Medal winner Sarah Cain also started for Caitlin Freind’s enviable looking lineup.

The defending champions hit the scoreboard first, with Bronte Peel scoring in the 12th minute. Bulleen would answer emphatically with three goals in rapid succession before half time.

Butrus got off to the best possible start at her new club with a free kick in the 30th minute that curled beyond Mia Bailey in the ‘Bergers goal.

Grace Cagnina scored another from a scrambled effort after a corner kick seemingly seconds later, with Josefski finished her chance to make it 3-1. The game had turned and The Lions went into the break in a commanding position.

Bulleen seemed in control for much of the second half, but Heidelberg had their moments in attack. Keely Lockhart was a standout for The Bergers, as dangerous and persistent as ever, and proving a handful for the Bulleen defence whenever she was on the ball.

Bulleen extended their lead in the 80th minute. Rosie Rodger finished with precision from outside of the box and while the result looked assured, whenever Heidelberg are involved there is always more to come.

Asuka Miyata provided some hope, and the drama neutrals craved. She cleverly beat her defender and scored with a rocket from the top of the 18 yard box.

At 4-2 it looked impossible, but Bulleen fans still waited nervously for the final whistle. A repeat of Heidelberg’s Grand Final heroics was not out of the question, but the final whistle blew and in the end it was a deserved win by the 2024 NPLW premiers.

Bulleen lifted the first of a possible four pieces of silverware for this season, but they will have bigger fish to fry in 2025, and they have the players to launch another premiership challenge and make it three in a row. That three of their goals were scored by new faces is a hugely promising sign, and the idea of them getting stronger as a team throughout the year is an exciting one.

Heidelberg have retained their ability to score from almost nothing and fight out games until the end. They will improve as they settle, and perhaps some more new signings arrive. Once Galea can start they suddenly become a much more dangerous prospect in attack.

This was an early trophy decided, but this is also all prelude. If this game is anything to go by, the 2025 NPLW Victoria season is going to be another high quality and very entertaining one.

Teams: BULLEEN LIONS: Shields, Rodger, O’Bryan, Molloy, Massey, Josefski, Golden, Cain, Cagnina, Butrus, Bulic. Substitutes: Brown, Kozomara, McGorian, Salleh, Sallese.

Scorers: Butrus 30′, Cagnina 33′, Josefski 37′, Rodger 80′.

HEIDELBURG UNITED: Bailey, Barreiro, Burke, Curwood-Wagner, Heysen, Lockhart, Matsuda, Miyata, Peel, Tancin, Wild. Substitutes: Vlahopoulos, Kyriacou, Ingles, Galea, Draai, Bitzios.

Scorers: Peel 10′, Miyata 88′.

Referee: Angelique Mangion.

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Wainwright: “It’s been a challenge, but I like challenges!”

by Ben Gilby (5/3/25)

Above: Perth Glory’s Charli Wainwright speaking to the media today ahead of Friday’s home game with Western United. Image: Perth Glory.

It’s been an incredible year for Charli Wainwright. The young midfielder had gone from captaining Murdoch University Melville as a teenager to becoming part of Perth SC’s midfield that won their first State Cup and got to the Top Four Cup Final. Throw in a first pro contract with Perth Glory and it reaches fairytale proportions.

Speaking to the media today from Perth Glory’s HQ in Fremantle, Wainwright admitted: “Coming into the season, I didn’t expect to start any game or get any game time, however that’s not to say I didn’t have any expectation on myself to push for that.”

The 20-year-old has a presence, elegant ball playing skills and vision beyond her years, and after fighting hard to make the Glory squad – one of the few local players around that do not have an NTC background – Wainwright has flourished, starting eight matches and chalking up a total of 13 appearances.

“I’ve 100% exceeded my targets for the season…I think that this season for me was about development, and I’m pretty happy with how it’s gone…Some of the players you are playing against are quite difficult, but it’s a challenge and I like challenges and I’m here to develop and I think that’s what I’m doing.”

Wainwright was assisted in her debut season as a pro being accompanied by a large number of her Perth SC team-mates. Indeed, at times this season, the Perth Glory side has consisted of herself, Tijan McKenna, Georgia Cassidy, and Grace Johnston – all of whom made up the Perth SC midfield for the 2024 NPLW season. On top of that has been the presence of striker Ella Lincoln, who grabbed her first pro goal in Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle Jets.

Having players she knew well from Perth SC really helped Wainwright settle in at the Glory: “Starting the season in a new environment – a professional environment – so knowing a few faces that you can talk to and ask questions was definitely a help to me. It made the transition from NPL to A-League seamless.”

Above: Charli Wainwright (purple shirt) competing against Central Coast Mariners earlier this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

In terms of the major challenges she faced in making the step up from NPLW WA to A-League Women, Glory’s number 27 revealed: “It’s a lot faster, you need to be a lot fitter. Going from training two days a week with your NPL club, to full-time training. The match fitness you need to have to compete for 90 minutes of the game is a complete difference.

Perth Glory go into Friday’s home game with Western United on the back of a hugely frustrating 3-2 loss to Newcastle Jets. It was a game that Perth had the better of, but they paid the price for conceding two goals in the first three minutes. The outcome was compounded by every team immediately above and below the Glory winning. That hurt.

“We were definitely disappointed, especially with how we started the game conceding two goals so early,” Wainwright reflected.

However, all season long, the Glory have been a different proposition on Western Australian soil. Four home wins and some near misses from making it more. The Sam Kerr Football Centre has been packed out with four-figure crowds raising the roof with loud support.

“I love playing at home,” the midfielder smiled, “All our wins have come from home games. It’s a great environment at Sam Kerr (Football Centre), we thrive on it, so we’re definitely keen to play on Friday night.

“Every game is a must win for us…we have to go in with everything we’ve learned, effort. Focus is on effort. At the moment, it’s all about basics…playing out from the back, playing forward. Just basic things that we start to need getting right.”

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A-League Women Awards: February

3/3/25

Above: Impetus’ A-League Women player of the month for February, Chelsie Dawber. Photo: Adelaide United.

Each month, Impetus‘ team of writers and photographers who cover the competition will vote to decide their best player, head coach, and young player in the A-League Women. Here are the winners from February.

Player of the month
Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United)

Chelsie Dawber is playing the best football of her career. The Adelaide United forward has been excellent this season, but in February she played in a way that should put her into Matildas contention.

Dawber scored twice, once against Canberra United and another against Perth Glory, but her movement and combinations with Erin Healy and Fiona Worts have helped Adelaide into the top three on the ladder.

Her one-touch finish against Canberra United was the standout moment in a terrific month. Dawber helped start the move when she received the ball on the right and swept it wide to Healy. She then ran out to the left side of the pitch as Worts moved in the opposite direction to draw defenders and open up the space. The finish was so precise and well struck that it looked like a free kick, starting on one side of the goalkeeper but curling to the other.

It was a goal of class, work rate and chemistry, it was Chelsie Dawber at her best.

At the end of February, Dawber sits on seven goals, just a few shy of her previous best tally of 10. But while in the 2021/22 season, she played predominantly on the right, in this campaign Dawber has been a much more mobile, dangerous and creative forward. She creates chances for others and finishes ones herself.

Chelsie Dawber is Impetus’ February Player of the Month.

Young Player of the month
Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners)
Above: Jessika Nash (yellow shirt) – who really stood out for Central Coast Mariners during February. Photo: A-Leagues.

Jessika Nash may be only 20, but for most of February has been the most experienced player in the Central Coast Mariners defence. They are not short of quality, but Taylor Ray is a star midfielder, and Sarah Rowe is a dangerous winger. Along with Annabel Martin, Nash is one of only two actual defenders in that lineup, and has been a key reason why Emily Husband’s team continues to push for finals and be hard to beat.

Nash is one of the very best central defenders in the league, her passing and composure allowed Central Coast to build from the back, and her positioning and leadership has been on full display over the last month.

She has been one of the recruits of the season, and showed exactly why in February.

Head Coach of the month
Adrian Stenta
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta – Impetus’ Head Coach of the Month for February. Photo: Adelaide United.

What a 2025 it has been for Adelaide United. Unbeaten in ten matches with seven wins in the process, Adrian Stenta has moulded an excellent system and a group of talented players to stand on the brink of only the club’s second spot in the Finals.

An impressive close season recruitment campaign, which included the return of deadly strike duo Chelsie Dawber and Fiona Worts gave warning of what was possible in South Australia after a disappointing few campaigns.

Stenta has played a huge part in creating an environment that players want to play in, and one that brings out the best of them. Several of Adelaide’s best players have departed to clubs perceived to be bigger and better, but never quite reached the heights of performance that they did under Stenta’s stewardship. That isn’t coincidence.

Speaking to Impetus at the end of January, Worts highlighted the huge influence that the Reds’ head coach has on his players, when she said: “It’s…about creating a supportive environment where everyone could enjoy themselves. When that’s the case, you can just see what happens. I think that’s where we’ve thrived in the past—when the environment is great, everyone enjoys being around each other and playing football together.

“The coach creates that environment and drives the idea that we’re a team. We’re going to do it together, go out there, do the best we can, and see what happens.”

Adelaide United are on a red hot record form. With Stenta leading the way and his players running through walls for him, anything is possible.

Impetus‘ A-League Award Winners 2024/25:

November 2024:

Player: Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Sarah O’Donoghue (Perth Glory).

Head Coach: Alex Smith (Brisbane Roar).

December 2024:

Player: Laini Freier (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Tiana Fuller (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

January 2025:

Player: Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City).

Young Player: Alyssa Whinham (Wellington Phoenix).

Head Coach: Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory).

February 2025:

Player: Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United).

Young Player: Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Adrian Stenta (Adelaide United).

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Sydney edge thriller with Brisbane

Sydney FC 3-2 Brisbane Roar

by Emma Burke (2/3/25)

Above: Sydney FC’s Indiana Dos Santos, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and Shay Hollman celebrate during their win over Brisbane Roar today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Sydney FC have secured just their third win of the season after defeating Brisbane Roar in a 3-2 thriller at Leichhardt Oval.

The home side opened the scoring early through Mackenzie Hawkesbury, whose long range effort beat out a diving Olivia Sekany in goal.

Brisbane were then struck by an unfortunate injury to their starting keeper when Sekany came out minutes late to collect a cross and landed awkwardly, clutching her knee. It led her to be stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Keely Richards. 

The equaliser was found for Brisbane through Laini Freier on her return from international duty with the Matildas. 

Freier found herself on the end of a loose pass out from the back and took her chance after seeing Sydney keeper Bethany Mason-Jones off her line, launching the ball from outside the box, chipping the Sky Blues’ custodian.

The Roar then extended their lead through Brazilian star Mariel Hecher, her first for the season.

A cheeky backheel shot on goal from 17 year old, Grace Kuilamu, bounced off the keeper, but Hecher was perfectly placed to collect the rebound and send the ball into the back of the net.

Despite having a 2-1 lead, Brisbane let the game slip away from them, when a dangerous free kick was directly converted by Sydney captain Nat Tobin from 35 yards out, leveling the scores only five minutes later.

The game winner came to Sydney FC through Shea Connors, also her first goal for this season, when she set up a clever play between herself and Maddie Caspers. 

Connors played Caspers in wide inside the box, luring Richards out from her position in goal, so Caspers’ cutback to Connors left her with a near empty net to fire into.

Despite all of this, however, Sydney FC still remain last on the ladder, with three points from the win not being enough to take them out of 12th position, while Brisbane Roar remain in fifth, just within a finals berth.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Mason-Jones, Tumeth, Thompson, Tobin, Lemon, Caspers, Hollman, Dos Santos, Ibini, Hawkesby, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Connors, Farrow, Black, Bryson, Johnson.

Scorers: Hawkesby 31’, Tobin 67’, Connors 72’.

BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Sekany, McQueen, Hoyos, De la Harpe, Kinsella, Woods, Kruger, Pringle, Freier, Kuilamu, Hecher. Substitutes: Richards, Morris, Tan, Hayashi, Levin.

Scorers: Freier 50’, Hecher 61’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: 1,441.

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León’s Brace Powers Adelaide to Triumph Over Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Adelaide United

By Isabelle Campbell 2/3/25

Above: Lucia Leon celebrates a goal. Photo Adelaide United

Adelaide United extended their unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park. Lucia León’s brace and Ella Tonkin’s early header were enough to seal the win despite a strong fight from the Phoenix.

Adelaide United made the trip to Porirua Park to face Wellington Phoenix in a Ninja A-League showdown, determined to build on their strong form following a short international break. Adelaide came into the match following a 1-1 draw with Canberra United at Coopers Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games. In contrast, Wellington Phoenix were searching for a response after a 2-1 defeat to Perth Glory at Sam Kerr Football Centre, which left them without a win in their last four outings.

Adelaide United posed a significant attacking threat, with their front three having a combined 21 goals this season so far. However, Wellington Phoenix started strong, immediately pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Despite this start, the hosts fell behind in only the fourth minute when Dylan Holmes delivered a pinpoint corner that found captain Ella Tonkin, who guided a header into the net. It marked Tonkin’s first goal since 2023 and only her second-ever A-League goal.

Adelaide continued to push forward, with Chelsie Dawber testing Wellington’s defense, but Mackenzie Barry made a crucial block to deny her. Barry was then penalized for a foul on Fiona Worts, handing Adelaide a free kick in a dangerous position. However, Carolina Vilão was alert to make a smart save and keep her side in the game. Dawber tried her luck again but failed to find the target.

Wellington earned a corner, and while Annalie Longo delivered a promising ball into the box, they were unable to capitalize. At the other end, Alivia Kelly committed a foul on Worts, earning her fourth yellow card of the season and giving away a free kick. Vilão remained sharp in goal, once again denying Adelaide from extending their lead.

Dawber nearly doubled Adelaide’s advantage with a bold effort that chipped the keeper, only to see it rattle the crossbar. Wellington quickly seized the opportunity to counterattack but struggled to break through Adelaide’s defense. The visitors then won a series of corners but failed to convert their chances.

In the final minutes of the first half, Wellington found their breakthrough. Olivia Fergusson made a darting run through Adelaide’s backline and, with Claudia Jenkins well off her line, calmly slotted the ball into an open net to level the score. As the halftime whistle blew, both sides headed into the dressing rooms with everything still to play for.

The second half got off to a lively start, with Lucia León earning a yellow card just a few minutes in for a foul. Wellington Phoenix came out looking the more aggressive side, continuing to press forward in search of the lead. However, in the 56th minute, it was Adelaide who regained the advantage. León made amends for her earlier booking with a stunning long-range strike that found the bottom left corner, putting the Reds ahead 2-1.

Wellington didn’t back down, though, as they pushed for another equaliser. Worts unleashed a powerful strike toward goal, but once again, Carolina Vilão was up to the task, punching it away comfortably. As the match wore on, tensions began to rise on both sides, with both teams growing increasingly frustrated as the final whistle drew nearer.

Longo came close to leveling the score for Wellington, but her shot lacked power, allowing Jenkins to make an easy collection. Nanako Sasaki, having been subbed on earlier in the half, made her presence known with a powerful long-range attempt, but Vilão was quick to react and saved it.

Wellington continued to press, and McNamara’s shot from inside the box struck Vilão’s glove and hit the crossbar, only for the rebound to be cleared from danger.

In a frightening moment, Dawber was struck in the face by a high boot in the box and had to be substituted off. Tiana Jaber was shown a yellow card for the foul, and Adelaide were awarded a penalty. Worts stepped up to take it, but once again, Vilão proved her worth, standing firm and denying Worts with a crucial save.

The Reds kept up the pressure, and a corner delivery from Sasaki fell perfectly to León, who got her toe to the ball and extended Adelaide’s lead to 3-1. Despite seven minutes of added time, Wellington Phoenix were unable to find a comeback, and the match ended in favour of the visitors.

Adelaide United took home all three points, continuing their strong unbeaten run, while Wellington were left to reflect on a hard-fought match that ended in disappointment.

Next week in the Ninja A-League will see Adelaide United return to Coopers Stadium to take on the Central Coast Mariners whilst Wellington Phoenix will look to earn some needed points against the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vilão, McMeeken, Jaber, Barry, Kelly, McCutcheon, Fergusson, Whinham, Longo, Main, Wall. Substitutes: Danieli, Abbott, Elliott, Tanaka, Brazendale.

Goals: Fergusson 41’

ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Holmes, Morgan, Healy, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Karambasis, Sasaki, Kirkby, Panagaris.

Goals: Tonkin 4’, León 56’, 86’.

Referee: Beth Rattray.

Attendance: 754.

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Morrison goal wins it for Victory

Western United 1-2 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap 1/3/25

Above: Kayla Morrison scores the winner for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Ninja A-League.

Kayla Morrison starred at both ends of the pitch for Melbourne Victory as they fought out a 2-1 win against Western United.

Victory travelled to Tarneit to face the fourth placed Western United, with Kat Smith’s side in strong form and farewelling striker Kahli Johnson. The Golden Boot contender finalised a move to Calgary Wild in the newly formed Canadian league mid-week, and the home crowd were eager to send her off on a high.

Western have only lost once in their last seven games and posed a threat to Victory’s chase of league leaders Melbourne City. The home side were without Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, but welcomed back Avaani Prakash after her strong displays for the Australian U20 side in the Four Nations Tournament.

Victory were without their newly capped Matildas midfielder. Alana Murphy was rested after her return from The She Believes Cup, with Jeff Hopkins using Rachel Lowe in a deeper role to compensate for Murphy’s absence and started Holly Furphy in attack.

That proved to be a fateful selection. Furphy opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a terrific finish following Alana Jancevski’s out swinging corner kick. The power behind the strike was outdone by its precision. Furphy’s effort flew into goal at the far post after a good touch to control and a second to rifle it home.

Western tried to wrestle back momentum, with Chloe Logarzo and Johnson both testing the Victory defence and Courtney Newbon in goal.

The home side looked more dangerous on the balance of play, but clear cut chances were rare and it took a fortunate but determined effort on goal to level the scores.

Another Western attack earned a corner late in the first half and Adriana Taranto’s set pice caused panic in the Victory defence. The ball bobbled off multiple Victory players before Emily Gielnik’s final touch helped it bobble over the line.

Victory re-took the lead almost immediately after the break. Another out swinger from Jancevski was thundered home by the head of Kayla Morrison. The Victory skipper rose highest and met the ball with perfect timing and technique to score what would be the decisive goal.

The game became a bit of an arm wrestle as it wore on, with neither team able to wrestle full control of proceedings. Victory were visibly missing Alana Murphy in the deep midfield role, and despite bringing on the likes of Prakash and Kiara de Domizio, Western United were unable to find a second goal.

The win keeps Victory in touch with Melbourne City and the premiership race while also keeping them ahead of the incredible consistent Adelaide United.

Western United’s defence will likely be disappointed to concede two goals from set pieces, but their back four otherwise kept Victory’s big name attack in check. Claudia Mihocic and Grace Maher won their battles with Gielnik, often forcing the centre forward wide which doubled to take up space that Nikki Flannery would have otherwise galloped through.

Morrison was imperious throughout this game. Victory may have conceded a scrappy goal, but the defence ensured that most of Western’s efforts on goal came from outside of the box.

Melbourne Victory will host Canberra United next week, while Western United will travel to play Perth Glory, and will now do so without the league and perhaps Australia’s most in-form centre forward.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall Oste, Sardo, Mihocic, Maher, Grove, Eggesvik, Logarzo, Dehakiz, Medwin, Johnson, A Taranto. Substitutes: De Domizio, Prakash, Hieda, Cerne, Picak.

Scorer: Gielnik (OG) 45′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Curtis, Bunge, Morrison, Jancevski, Lowe, D’Appolonia, Chidiac, Furphy, Gielnik, Flannery. Substitutes: Wilson, O’Grady, Sakalis, Pickett, Candy.

Scorers: Furphy 10’, Morrison 47’.

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 897.

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City equal record as Canberra boost Finals hopes

Canberra United 1-1 Melbourne City

by Alyce Collett (1/3/25)

Above: Canberra United’s Bethany Gordon (white shirt) looks to make the pass under the watchful eye of Melbourne City’s Rebekah Stott today. Photo: Canberra United.

A fascinating match in the nation’s capital has seen Canberra United and Melbourne City play out a one-all draw.

A Taylor Otto first half header saw City initially take the lead before it was cancelled out by a well-timed Aideen Keane strike in the second half.

The result sees Melbourne City equal a competition record for the longest undefeated run, but crucially for Canberra it also means it is now level with sixth placed Central Coast Mariners on the ladder, which may become important in the race to the finals.

Melbourne City’s intent on the ball was evident from the get go, and as such had the Canberra defence under immense pressure early despite Canberra being the ones to kick off the match.

However, it only took a couple of minutes for things to settle and a fluid back and forth nature settled over the game.

For City it was the likes of Lourdes Bosch causing havoc in attack, but thanks to some stellar keeping from Sally James, City could not find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, for the home side, it was obvious that the plan was to really utilise Keane’s speed on the wing and drive a lot of attack through her, but the former Perth Glory player was unable to navigate past the brick wall that was Karly Røstbakken at left back.

Although Canberra had its opportunities in attack, City were the more dominant side, continuing to pepper the home goal at a higher rate than the home side was peppering theirs. The visitors went within inches of finding the opener, but thanks to a resolute Canberra defence they continued to be denied.

The likes of Mariana Speckmaier and Jynaya dos Santos continued to threaten for their respective sides, but in the end neither side were able to get a goal on the board in the first half.

The halftime stats told an interesting story, one that showed a less even game than it felt like while watching it.

City had 16% more possession and four more shots on goal than United, but crucially the visitors had the only three shots that were on target in the first half.

Although both sides had chances early in the second half, it did not take too long for City to finally get some reward for effort and get a goal on the board after Otto was able to navigate the end of a corner past a box full of defenders and into the back of the net.

Even though Canberra United did concede the home goal, it did not seem to take the wind out of their sails, instead perhaps doing the opposite and giving them a boost of energy and intent. They were the ones doing all of the attacking, with the likes of Maja Markovski proving to be particularly hard working.

It took a while, but eventually Canberra got some reward for effort with about 10 minutes to go when Keane capitalised on a poor back pass from the City defenders, chipped City keeper Malena Mieres, worked her way past Otto and slotted the ball in the back of the net.

Both sides continued to pepper their respective goals as the minutes ticked down, with both sides going within inches of adding to their goal tallies.

However, thanks to some resolute defending from both teams, the match remained at a one all scoreline at the full-time whistle.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): James, Anton, Murray, Ayson, Dos Santos, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Markovski, Keane, Gordon, Malone. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, McKenzie, Nathan.

Scorer: Keane 81’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Hughes, Davidson, McKenna, Speckmaier, Bosch, Henry. Substitutes: Barbieri, Murray, Pollicina, McMahon, Harvey.

Scorer: Otto 52’.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 919.

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