There were seven games since the last weekend of football, and the A-League Women threw up some amazing results and performances.
On Wednesday, Melbourne City rebounded with a 3-0 win over Adelaide United. Daniela Galic scored early in the second half, but the damage was done late, with injury time goals to Caitlin Karic and Leticia Mckenna. All three goal scorers were under 21, with 19 year old Bryleeh setting up Galic for the tap in. The future is bright at City.
At the same time, Western United defeated Sydney FC in a dominant 2-0 display. Hannah Keane’s brace put them on top of the table and rained on Princess Ibini’s 100th game parade.
Western’s undefeated streak would end on Saturday, when they faced the Wanderers who beat their second top four side in a row thanks to goals from Sarina Bolden and Amy Harrison. Keane scored for the visitors, but they could not find a second.
Canberra United continued their steady improvement with a brutal 5-1 defeat of the ever-watchable Newcastle Jets. Michelle Heyman’s double was added to by Vesna Milivojević, Chengshu Wu and Ellie Brush. Tara Andrews pulled one back for the Jets.
Indiah Paige-Riley announced her return to Brisbane Roar with a well taken strike. Chelsie Dawber’s penalty cancelled it out, and ended Adelaide’s three-game goal drought. It was an escape for Adelaide United with Shea Connors coming close to a winner and Katrina Gorry beating the goalkeeper but not the woodwork.
On Alex Chidiac’s birthday, she gave the Victory supporters something to celebrate with a typically stylish goal. In a tightly contested derby, it was cancelled out by a well-crafted Hannah Wilkinson strike from the edge of the box.
To complete the round, Perth Glory defeated Wellington Phoenix 2-0 thanks to goals from Cyera Hintzen and a penalty from Susan Phonsongkham. Ella Mastrantonio and Emma Rolston both received red cards after they clashed in the first half, leaving both sides with 10 players.
Talking Points: Week 10
Wanderers make another Bold statement
It is probably over the top to say that Sarina Bolden has transformed the Western Sydney Wanderers. But their impact has been undeniable. In the last two games that The Philippines international has started, Kat Smith’s team has defeated Melbourne City, and proven that Western United can be beaten.
Western Sydney have been a frustrating side to watch this season. They have been competitive but have lacked a cutting edge up forward. The problems were clear. Their opposition could repel attacks easily and play the ball out from the back. Despite this they were patient and waited for the right player to become available. Bolden is that player.
The centre forward occupies defenders, opens up space for other attackers, and against the season’s strongest team, they scored in typical poacher’s style.
Sophie Harding’s ball across the penalty box was perfect, but Bolden’s run and positioning is exactly what The Wanderers have been missing. A near miss later in the match was another example of their expert positioning. With Harding once again shaping to cross, the Western United defence ran toward the goal. Bolden instead held her run and waited in a pocket of space at the edge of the area. Harding’s cut back was perfect, and the finish drifted inches wide.
Not since Brooke Hendrix’s arrival at Melbourne Victory late last season has a recruit been so impactful in the A-League Women. There are many candidates for the title, but Sarina Bolden might be the recruit of the season so far.
Canberra showing some promise
Vesna Milivojević was imperious against The Newcastle Jets on Saturday. The Serbian international set up two of Canberra United’s goals and scored their last one in a 5-1 thrashing.
Canberra’s record is fairly patchy this season. This latest win was only their third. However their performances have been steadily improving and when they have something close to their full side on the pitch they are a handful for any side.
Milivojević and Grace Jale offer support in attack for Michelle Heyman. Wu Chengshu is able to carry the ball at pace through the centre of the park, and Nikki Flannery looks to have rediscovered the form that had her on the cusp of a Matildas call up.
Canberra have weapons, and in Hayley Taylor-Young, Sasha Grove and Emma Ilijoski, they have three highly promising and versatile full backs.
In goal, Chloe Lincoln looked impassable at times, and they look a far stronger side with Ellie Brush back in defence.
Remarkably, they can still get stronger. Midfield star Grace Maher was absent from this game, yet they did not lack X-factor or creativity. Finals are a long way off, but Canberra United seem to be getting better as the season progresses.
Morrison for Matildas?
After the end of the 1-1 Melbourne Derby, Victory Captain Kayla Morrison posed for a photo with the Active Supporters. In celebration of her being eligible for Australian citizenship, the Californian born star was handed a Matildas scarf, an Aussie cork hat, and a mock citizenship certificate with the Victory Viking logo in place of the official government seal.
If Morrison is available for Matildas selection it adds another exciting possibility to selection discussions. In her first season in the A-league Women, she was Victory’s player of the year, as voted by her teammates, and in the PFA Team of the Year.
Morrison can score goals, can start play from the back and is uncompromising in the tackle.
With Ellie Carpenters impending return, the versatility of Steph Catley, and the impressive development of Matilda McNamara there are more defensive options than ever.
But the A-League Women’s still has some brilliant candidates for a call up to a Matildas camp. Along with Western Sydney’s Clare Hunt, and Melbourne City’s Naomi Chinnama, Morrison is one of the standouts
Like McNamara and Clare Polkinghorne, she is a pure central defender. A specialist in the role who is regularly one of her side’s most important and consistent players.
There may not be enough time to integrate new faces into a Matildas defence before the World Cup, but the Cup of Nations will offer a perfect opportunity to reward the form these players have displayed.
Game to watch next round: Western Sydney vs Melbourne Victory
In their last two games, Western Sydney have defeated Melbourne City and Western United. Confidence has not been higher among supporters in three years. It is well justified.
If The Wanderers can continue that run against another championship aspirant, it will continue the remarkle turnaround by Kat Smith. If Melbourne Victory win on the road just two days after their last match, it will be the perfect start to a punishing schedule.
There is much at risk and plenty to gain. Anything is possible.
