It was Vine Time in the A-League Women over the weekend as CommBank Matilda Cortnee Vine reminded the competition why she is considered one of its premier talents.
Sydney FC comprehensively defeated Melbourne City 3-0 in a clash of the competition heavyweights on Saturday afternoon. Goals to CommBank Young Matilda Sarah Hunter and American Madison Haley on either side of Cortnee Vine’s third goal of the season meant that Sydney FC were convincing winners.
Vine picked up a goal and an assist in a performance that reminded fans of her undoubted quality. Princess Ibini also started, and continued her good form in terms of attacking threat. Youngster Tahlia Franco kept her first A-League Women clean sheet after Jada Whyman remained sidelined with a fractured finger.
Emma Checker started in the heart of defence for Melbourne City, but was unable to contain the attacking threats of Sydney FC.
In the shock of the round, the travelling Perth Glory inflicted an upset defeat on league leaders Western United in Ballarat on Saturday. Goals to Susan Phonsongkham, Alana Jancevski and New Zealand international Hannah Blake meant that Perth finished 3-1 victors. The last time these sides played, Chloe Logarzo made an enormous difference for the women in green coming off the bench – she remained unavailable for this clash with a foot injury.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory solidified their place in the top 4, overcoming Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1. Alex Chidiac continued her goalscoring form by smashing home an 82nd minute penalty under pressure that saw Victory take the lead. A late goal from Tiffany Eliadis made sure of the result. Elise Kellond-Knight started for Victory in midfield.
The latest call-up for the CommBank Matildas, Clare Hunt, started in the heart of defence for the Wanderers and looked characteristically solid throughout the match.
On Sunday afternoon, Canberra United got their season back on track with a 3-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets. The result was in the balance for much of the game but three goals in seven minutes in the second half - and a clean sheet - meant that Canberra have stemmed the tide of successive defeats, and will look to the rest of the season with renewed optimism.
Meanwhile, Adelaide United’s goalscoring woes continued as they fell 1-0 to the Brisbane Roar.
Adelaide United had 12 shots to Brisbane’s four but were unable to convert their chances. A 78th minute headed goal to defender Jessie Rasschaert – her first in the A-League Women in over 30 games – proved the difference.
Katrina Gorry started in midfield for the Roar and was - as always - a vital cog in their victory. Larissa Crummer also played the full 90 minutes, and was full of running until the final whistle.
Next Week’s Action
The round kicks off with some midweek action, Western United taking on Newcastle Jets in Ballarat at 5.30pm AEDT on Wednesday. Both teams will be hoping to bounce back from their defeats on the weekend. Western United will be sweating on the fitness of Chloe Logarzo to make a difference in their midfield.
Western United then back up on Saturday at 2.20 pm AEDT, where they play 2nd placed Melbourne City in a crucial local derby at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Emma Checker will hope to help her side to a clean sheet in a potentially key battle in the premiership race.
It will be CommBank Matilda galore on Saturday, 3pm AEDT. Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry will take on Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight as Brisbane Roar host Melbourne Victory.
At the same time, Canberra United host a rampant Sydney FC featuring Cortnee Vine, Princess Ibini and – potentially – the return of Jada Whyman.
Sunday brings us two further fixtures. Clare Hunt will have one final chance to impress Tony Gustavsson before the Cup of Nations as her Western Sydney Wanderers host the Wellington Phoenix at 3pm AEDT.
Finally, Perth Glory will hope to continue their good form as they host the Newcastle Jets at 7 pm AEDT.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or on Paramount+.