The CommBank Matildas were responsible for a massive 6 goals in an action-packed round of A-League Women action.
The round began with the Big Blue on Thursday, and the traditional rivals delivered excitement in spades. Sydney FC defeated Melbourne Victory 6-3, but the score only told half the story.
It looked like Sydney FC would run away with it after going 3-0 up early, thanks largely to the first two of Princess Ibini's goals. Melbourne Victory hit back late in the first half, pegging it back to 3-2. However, a goal on the stroke of half time to American Madison Haley, as well as Cortnee Vine’s second goal of the season and the completion of Ibini’s hattrick in the second half, meant that Sydney FC finished deserved winners.
The star of last week, Alex Chidiac, started for Melbourne Victory in midfield but was unable to wrestle control from the visitors. Elise Kellond-Knight also started for Victory.
This game also saw the A-League Women debut of Junior Matilda Tahlia Franco in goals as Jada Whyman remains out of Sydney FC’s squad with a finger injury.
The goals continued on Saturday. Western United solidified their place on the top of the ladder, dominating Canberra United 5-0. All of the goals came in the first half and were shared around the squad, although American Hannah Keane’s brace means that she remains favourite to take out the golden boot.
Chloe Logarzo didn’t feature in Western United’s matchday squad – she is still recovering from a foot injury.
The Western Sydney Wanderers continued their uptick in form by scraping past the Newcastle Jets 1-0 in a relatively even contest. A goal to Olivia Price in the first half was the difference between the two teams. After not winning a game for 364 days, the Wanderers suddenly have three wins in four weeks.
Sunday’s action saw an absolute classic play out at AJ Kelly Park in Queensland. Brisbane Roar drew with Wellington Phoenix 3-3 but this game deserves more explanation.
The Roar hit the lead early through Shea Connors’ first goal of the season. It looked, for all money, like it would be a routine victory for them after Phoenix captain and centre-back Kate Taylor was sent off in the 27th minute for a denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Katrina Gorry scored a wonderful goal from the resulting free kick that only heightened that expectation.
However, the Phoenix hit back, managing to score three unanswered goals that meant in the 78th minute of the game, they were leading 3-2 – with one less player on the field than their opponents.
Thankfully for the Brisbane Roar, Larissa Crummer equalised in the 86th minute. It wasn’t the end of the drama – a late disallowed goal for the Phoenix denied them the win – but the Roar’s two CommBank Matildas were able to spare the blushes of the women in orange.
In the final game of the round, Melbourne City defeated Adelaide United 1-0 at AAMI Park thanks to a second-half Rhianna Pollicina strike. Emma Checker started in the centre of defence for City and her leadership presence was a key factor in City’s clean sheet.
Next Week’s Action
Next week promises to deliver the same scintillating action that fans witnessed in Round 12.
The action begins with 3rd placed Sydney FC taking on 2nd placed Melbourne City on Saturday, 2.20 pm AEDT. Jada Whyman could potentially be back in contention for this clash. Emma Checker will be tasked with the crucial role of attempting to keep the likes of Princess Ibini and Cortnee Vine off the scoresheet.
Saturday, 3.00 pm AEDT sees a double header. Top of the ladder Western United will be hoping to welcome back Chloe Logarzo as they host a Perth Glory side hoping for a win to keep their top four hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory take on Western Sydney Wanderers. Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight will be looking to unlock the Wanderers’ organised defence from midfield.
The following day at 4.00 pm AEDT sees more thrilling simultaneous action. Newcastle Jets take on a floundering Canberra United desperate for a better result after conceding 10 goals in their previous two games.
Meanwhile, Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar as both teams try to find a way to catch up to the finals race. The good news for the Roar is that both Katrina Gorry and Larissa Crummer are in goalscoring form – they’ll be hoping to reprise that role on Sunday.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or Paramount+.