The CommBank Matildas played their part in a frenetic weekend of action in the A-League Women, contributing to the 17 total goals scored across the five games of the round as the season begins to take shape.
The weekend began with a doubleheader on Saturday. Melbourne City cruised to a 5-1 victory against the Newcastle Jets at Casey Fields. Young Matildas player Bryleeh Henry scored her third goal in three consecutive games for the club, and 17-year-old Caitlin Karic scored her first in the A-League Women with a delightful chip over the goalkeeper. Club captain Emma Checker continued to build up her minutes after recovering from a knee injury, coming on as a half-time substitute.
In the concurrent game, Canberra United comfortably accounted for Wellington Phoenix. A brace to Michelle Heyman helped Canberra run out 3-0 victors at home.
Jada Whyman kept her third consecutive clean sheet as Sydney FC defeated Brisbane Roar 4-0. Remy Siemsen continued her goalscoring form off the bench, being in the right place at the right time to turn Sydney's fourth goal home from the six-yard box. Cortnee Vine played her part in the victory as well, running out the full 90 minutes.
Larissa Crummer started the game for Brisbane Roar but was kept quiet in her central striker role by the Sydney FC defence.
Adelaide United travelled to Western Sydney for the first of two games on Sunday, taking home the three points in a heated clash thanks to a first-half Chelsie Dawber penalty.
The final game of the round produced perhaps the most exciting moment for CommBank Matildas fans. After a Melina Ayres brace and Perth Glory’s Sarah Cain being sent off after a second yellow card, Alex Chidiac scored an Olimpico goal (a goal directly from a corner) to put Melbourne Victory 3-0 up and secure the win. Elise Kellond-Knight started in midfield for Victory to wrap up a good weekend at home for CommBank Matildas.
Next Week’s Action
Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United get us started on Saturday, kicking off at 3.40 pm AEDT.
Their game is followed by a doubleheader. Larissa Crummer’s Brisbane Roar will take on Western Sydney Wanderers at 5 pm in Brisbane. Brisbane will be hoping for the return of Katrina Gorry in midfield after her extended break.
Meanwhile, Emma Checker’s Melbourne City will be taking on Chloe Logarzo and Western United in a top-of-the-table clash. Both teams are currently 3 wins from 3 and the winner will sit on top of the A-League Women’s ladder on Saturday night.
Alex Chidiac, Elise Kellond-Knight and Melbourne Victory will be hoping that they can continue their winning ways against the Newcastle Jets, kicking off at 6.15 pm on Sunday.
The final game of the round will be Perth Glory hosting Canberra United at 7 pm AEDT (4 pm local) on Sunday.
Jada Whyman, Cortnee Vine and Remy Siemsen’s Sydney FC have the bye.
You can catch all of the action live on 10Play or Paramount+.