It was a thrilling weekend of A-League Women’s action, with both elimination finals requiring extra time. The underdogs – Newcastle Jets and the Central Coast Mariners – came out on top, winning their first finals games in club history.
Read our review of the Matildas at Home action below.
The weekend began with the Newcastle Jets travelling to Tarneit on Saturday and defeating Western United 4-2 after extra time. It was a see-sawing, intense affair, with both teams on the front foot throughout, and showing moments of real quality.
The Jets took the lead early through Sarina Bolden before Western defender Alana Cerne equalised from a set piece. A Bolden penalty before halftime restored the Jets advantage before Catherine Zimmerman scored a penalty of her own. The scores were locked 2-2 at full-time - extra time beckoned.
Newcastle had probably looked the most likely throughout the match and their fitness and skill showed in extra time. Melina Ayres gave them the lead before Sophie Hoban sealed the result in the 113th minute. The Jets will now play premiers Melbourne City over two legs, starting from next week.
Chloe Logarzo was unable to make the bench for Western United due to injury. Western will be ruing her unavailability, as well as that of Adriana Taranto and club top goal scorer Hannah Keane.
The drama was far from done for the weekend. On Sunday, the Central Coast Mariners squeezed past Melbourne Victory thanks to the penalty shootout heroics of none other than former Victory goalkeeper Casey Dumont.
The match was scoreless after 90, and then 120 minutes. It seemed at times as if there was a forcefield surrounding both goals – despite ample opportunities, neither side was able to conjure the finishing touch that would have seen them score the winner.
In the seven shootouts that have occurred in A-League Women’s history before this weekend, Casey Dumont was involved in four and won all four. She took her tally to five when she made two saves, giving the opportunity for Bianca Galic to hit the winning penalty for the Mariners.
Kyah Simon started for the Mariners and had several opportunities but was not able to score, and did not take a penalty in the shootout. Alex Chidiac was heavily involved in the action for Victory in her 120 minutes, scored her penalty in the shootout, and was unlucky not to draw a penalty in open play. Elise Kellond-Knight started in midfield but was substituted out in regular time.
Victory may have found the cutting edge required had Emily Gielnik been available, but she was ruled out due to the calf injury acquired during her time with the CommBank Matildas. Lydia Williams continued to be unavailable in goals after her ankle surgery earlier this year.
Overall, it was a disappointing season for Victory who showed their quality in glimpses but were ultimately unable to deliver silverware. The Mariners will take on defending champions Sydney FC in the semi-final.
Semi-Finals – Leg One
- Sunday, April 21: Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City at Maitland Regional Sportsground (3:00pm AEST) - Buy Tickets
- Sunday, April 21: Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC at Industree Group Stadium (5:45pm AEST) - Buy Tickets
Semi-Finals – Leg Two
- Saturday, April 27: Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt Oval (3:00pm AEST) - Buy Tickets
- Sunday, April 28: Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park (1:00pm AEST) - Buy Tickets