The only thing more scorching than the heat were some of the goals in Round Three of the A-League Women. Kick360 reviews the weekend’s matches
It was a drama filled weekend of matches in the A-League Women. Perth Glory travelled to face Newcastle in need of a win. Despite The Jets having control of much of the game, Perth’s individual quality saw them hit the scoreboard first through Ryleeh Baisden.
Newcastle equalised through an excellent goal from Lauren Allan before Baisen retook the lead for the visitors. Both managers made substitutions to try and swing the result, and Ash Brodigan was able to equalise for the Jets.
Neither team looked happy with a point, and both pressed for the winner. Glory’s Alana Jancevski came closest to breaking the deadlock, but the 2-2 draw was a deserved result of an entertaining match.
In the first Sydney Derby of the season, Sydney FC were able to snatch a win in the 82nd minute. The Sky Blues were made to win the hard way, with captain Nat Tobin controversially sent off before half time after two quick yellow cards.
Remy Siemsen was the hero in her second game back at the club. Her rocket was enough to win the game and was easily the goal of the week.
Saturday’s other game was a 3-0 to Melbourne City against Brisbane Roar. Bryleeh Henry, Maria Rojas , and Emina Ekic all scored for the home side. Brisbane’s best chances came through Shea Connors, but the visitors were rarely in control of the game. City created 22 shots on goal, and the challenge for The Roar became much harder when defender Jessie Rasschaert had to be withdrawn through injury.
Sunday’s two games saw two sides without a win play each other, while another two with perfect starts face off elsewhere.
Melbourne Victory’s single goal was enough to beat a brave and much improved Wellington Phoenix. Melina Ayres header in the 45th minute was her side’s first goal of the season, and the three points were a relief to everybody at the club.
Adelaide United’s confidence was high after wins against Sydney FC and Perth Glory and would have been boosted further through Chelsie Dawber’s second half goal. Western United could not be contained and scored twice in injury time for another remarkable win by Mark Torcaso’s top of the table team.
Round Three talking points
City make the best of a tough situation
Melbourne City’s women’s team has had a less than ideal preparation for Round Three. The club moved head coach Rado Vidosic to the men’s team as interim manager. In his place stepped Dario Vidosic who had been an assistant for the past two seasons.
There was no sign of adjustment on the field. City were dominant over a Brisbane Roar side that has looked dangerous in attack over the first two weeks.
City’s young defence, were able to contain Matilda’s forward Larissa Crummer for all of the game, and Shea Connors for most of it. The midfield was in control over much of the contest with 66% of possession. 16-year-old midfielder Daniela Galic and attacking schemer Rhianna Pollicina were both consistently troublesome for Brisbane to deal with.
City also made the best of a less than ideal venue. With their own home ground still under construction, this match was scheduled for Casey Fields. It is not great.
Casey Field is an Australian Rules sized oval, views from behind the bench side are poor, and spectators are far from the action. Public transport to the area is not direct, and it is a decent drive from the CBD.
Despite this, City made every effort for supporters. Shade cloths were erected, and fans were allowed onto the pitch after the match to meet and mingle with players.
Off the pitch, and on it, this was a great display from the club. Attendances were low, but those that were there felt appreciated and welcomed.
This remains a rarity in Australian sport. Bravo to City for the fan-friendly initiative.
Midafternoon kick offs are not going to work
Last season, the league came under criticism for starting matches during work hours and too many double headers. To their credit they listened to fans frustrations. However, this current solution may need a rethink.
A 3pm kick off in the Australian summer is perfect for television viewers, but taxing on spectators. More importantly it is an injustice to the players.
There is no free to air schedule to consider, so theoretically these games could be moved to any time of the day. the midafternoon may be ideal in theory for families to attend, but the heat is oppressive, and as we move into December, may become unbearable.
Wellington’s star playmaker, Alyssa Whinham was subbed off due to the conditions, and many Victory players slumped to the turf as if they had just lost. They were exhausted.
The players cannot perform at their best in these conditions. It needs to be reassessed, for safety and for the spectacle.
Western United are the real deal
Adelaide United began this season as title contenders. At 1-0 up against the undefeated Western United they looked likely of underlining their favoritism among neutrals
Not for the first time this season, Mark Torcaso’s team surprised the competition. Their 2-1 win, with both goals scored in injury time was their best so far. Importantly, neither of their scorers were the two highest profile recruits.
Chloe Logarzo, nor Jess Mcdonald were not the heroes on this occasion. Emma Robers was the one to make the highlight reels with a spectacular long-range goal in the dying moments.
Western United have started the season with a perfect record from three games. They have found goals from four players, with defender Sydney Cummings scoring in consecutive matches.
Most impressively and importantly, those that have stepped up from the Victorian NPLW have brought their winning culture with them. Alana Cerne looks at home in defence, while the Taranto twins have been as effective as they were in the lower tier.
Western United will not have their star loanees for the whole season, but they are not reliant on them. They have the talent and the organization to compete and dominate at this level. The only question left is if they can keep it up for the next 17 weeks.
Game to watch in Round Four
Melbourne Victory is off to Perth. They will face a Glory team that had high expectations for their season, both externally and externally, but have struggled for results and form.
Victory is not in a dissimilar position. On paper, they look to have strengthened from last season, but on the pitch, they look to be still finding their best line up and system.
If Victory cannot win this game, it will be of concern for the defending champions. If Perth drop points at home against a beatable side, it will start concerning the previously excited fans.
There is plenty at stake in this match, and despite their ladder positions, there will be plenty of quality on the park.
The winner will feel confident that their season is back on the right track.
Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images
