The CommBank Matildas were heavily involved in Round Three of the A-League Women as Sydney FC claimed derby bragging rights, and new kids on the block Western United established a shock lead at the top of the table.
The Sydney Derby was the feature game this week, and it delivered the drama that the fixture is known for. A first-half second yellow card to captain Nat Tobin meant that Sydney FC were reduced to 10 players for most of the game. However, a late thunderbolt from Remy Siemsen and several saves from Jada Whyman meant that the sky blues scraped through with a 1-0 victory. Cortnee Vine started the game but wasn’t on the scoresheet.
Emma Checker made her return from the bench as Melbourne City were convincing 3-0 victors over Brisbane Roar, ending Larissa Crummer’s five-game scoring streak. The 20-minute cameo bodes well for Melbourne City’s captain, who will be hoping that it kickstarts a run of games for the rest of the season. Brisbane Roar will be buoyed by the fact that Katrina Gorry is still yet to return to the side after taking an extended break.
In the final game of the triple-header, Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory shared the points in an open and exciting 2-2 draw. American Rylee Baisden scored a brace for Perth, while Lauren Allan and Ash Brodigan ensured that the home side ended level.
On Sunday, Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight won their first 3 points of the season as Melbourne Victory defeated Wellington Phoenix 1-0. A goal to Melina Ayres ensured that the champions were able to lift themselves off the bottom of the table and kickstart their campaign.
In the top-of-the-table clash to end the round, it was Western United who continued to take the competition by storm, with two stoppage time goals to Sydney Cummings and Emma Robers clinching the points from Adelaide. Chloe Logarzo played a key role for Western United after coming off the bench at half-time, adding energy and impetus to the side. CommBank Matildas fans will be pleased to see her continuing to grow her match minutes as she continues her recovery from her ACL injury.
Next Week’s Action
The action begins on Saturday at 3 pm with an enticing double-header.
Canberra United will take on Wellington Phoenix in Canberra, and Emma Checker continues her recovery from injury as Melbourne City take on Newcastle Jets.
After, we have a game stacked with CommBank Matildas, as Jada Whyman, Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine’s Sydney FC take on Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry’s Brisbane Roar. No word yet as to whether we might see Gorry’s return, but Brisbane will be champing at the bit after being held to a clean sheet in Round 3.
Western Sydney Wanderers will take on Adelaide United at 4 pm to kick off Sunday’s action.
Finally, an exciting week of football will come to a close as Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight travel to Perth with Melbourne Victory to take on the Glory.
Western United and Chloe Logarzo have the bye.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play or Paramount+.