Alex Chidiac contributed a goal and assist in one of the best individual performances of the A League Women so far against Adelaide United, as the A League Women ticks over into the second half of the season.
The Western Sydney Wanderers were unable to keep up their winning streak midweek as they played Melbourne Victory in a midweek clash on Wednesday. Alex Chidiac started for Melbourne victory but on this occasion was unable to conjure a goal for the visitors, the match producing the first 0-0 draw of the season so far. Elise Kellond-Knight was rested for this fixture in order to be fresh for what was to come.
The weekend’s action began as Western United farewelled marquee signing Jess McDonald with a 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar. Chloe Logarzo remained out for Western United with a foot injury. Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry started for the Roar but were unable to influence the scoreboard, despite some neat touches between them. The loss means that the Roar remain seven points away from the top four, albeit with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City squeaked past Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0, enacting revenge on their defeat two weeks ago. A goal to Kiwi international Hannah Wilkinson, her second of the season, proved the difference. Emma Checker started in the heart of the Melbourne City defence and helped contribute to their clean sheet. Holly McNamara remains on the sidelines, but is tipped to return by the end of the season.
In a clash billed as vital to the top four race, fourth-placed Melbourne Victory overcame fifth-placed Adelaide United and cemented a five-point buffer in the finals spots. It was the Alex Chidiac show at ServiceFM Stadium - she contributed a goal and an assist from a corner in the second half as Victory came from behind to defeat Adelaide 2-1. Her goal, assisted by Beattie Goad, included a wonderful touch and finish into the bottom corner.
Elise Kellond-Knight returned from her midweek break, starting for Melbourne Victory and making some vital contributions, particularly in the second half when Victory was pushing for the winning goal.
The round concluded with an upset for the ages, as Wellington Phoenix battered Canberra United 5-0 to deliver their first three points of the season. 17-year-old Kiwi Millie Clegg was possibly the most influential on proceedings, picking up a goal and controlling the game for the Nix. The team currently sitting at the foot of the ladder more than doubled their total goals scored for the season and, if their form continues, the Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers will be forced to look over their shoulder to avoid the wooden spoon.
The game between Sydney FC and Perth Glory was postponed after Sydney were unable to find a pitch in Sydney to play on. Newcastle Jets had the bye.
Next Week’s Action
The round starts with the traditional Australia Day Big Blue, as Melbourne Victory host Sydney FC at 4.05pm AEDT. It may be too early for Jada Whyman to return to action with her fractured finger, but Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini will be hoping to reprise their roles in their defeat of Victory in Round 2 this season. Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight can be expected to start in navy blue.
Saturday, 3 pm AEDT brings a triple header.
Canberra United will take on a Western United hoping to welcome back Chloe Logarzo to their starting lineup. Canberra will no doubt be hurting after their ill-fated trip to Wellington, but there can be no sterner test than top-of-the-table Western United.
A well-rested Newcastle Jets will travel to Western Sydney Wanderers hoping to reclaim some of the early season form that had them penned in as one of the more exciting watches in the competition.
Larissa Crummer, Katrina Gorry and Brisbane Roar will host a newly confident Wellington Phoenix in what promises to be a fascinating match-up.
The round concludes on Sunday 5.40pm AEDT, as Adelaide United travel to AAMI Park to take on Emma Checker and Melbourne City.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or on Paramount+.