It was a weekend of astonishing upsets in the A-League Women that saw large implications for the finals race.
Adelaide United secured their first win of 2023 on Saturday, defeating Perth Glory 2-1. Fiona Worts scored the winner, her second goal of the season – last season’s Julie Dolan medalist finding form for the Reds perhaps too late to make a significant finals push.
Perth Glory, meanwhile, now finds themselves seven points adrift of the top four. While they do have a game in hand, the defeat dealt a mighty blow to their chances of sneaking into finals football.
In the biggest shock of the round, last defeated first as Wellington Phoenix overcame a depleted Sydney FC 1-0 in Kogarah. A first-half goal to centre-back Kate Taylor was enough, and the Phoenix held on for what was only their second win of the season.
Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini started for Sydney FC but were unable to substantially influence the game. Jada Whyman was out of the side with a concussion but is expected to return next week.
Much to Sydney FC’s relief, the team that could have taken advantage of their slip was also defeated on Saturday. Shea Connors continued her late-season form, scoring a brace as Brisbane Roar overpowered second-placed Western United 2-0.
Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry both started for the Roar, overcoming the injuries that kept them out of the contest against the Phoenix last week. Crummer, however, was withdrawn at half-time.
The Western Sydney Wanderers held Canberra United to a 1-1 draw on Sunday. An Olivia Price goal was cancelled out by a goal-of-the-season contender from Vesna Milivojevic in the 35th minute. Canberra had the better of the game, but a sturdy Wanderers back line that included their captain Clare Hunt managed to escape with a point.
Finally, Melbourne Victory secured themselves some breathing space in fourth, defeating Melbourne rivals City 2-0 on Monday. A Melina Ayres penalty and a Paige Zois thunderbolt were enough to overcome City, who despite their 23 shots were unable to find the back of the net.
Holly McNamara looked one of the best for City, creating a bucketload of chances that her teammates were unable to convert. Emma Checker started but was responsible for the Ayres penalty that kick-started Victory’s goals.
Next Week’s Action
Next week’s fixtures begin on Friday afternoon as Adelaide United take on Newcastle Jets at 5.05 pm AEDT. Adelaide will be looking to continue their late-season form and the Jets will be desperate for a result to try to put distance between them and last-placed Phoenix.
Saturday’s action begins at 1 pm AEDT as both Melbourne City and Sydney FC look to respond to disappointing results. Sydney will be looking to take one step closer to the premier’s plate, while Melbourne City will be looking to secure their place in the finals and even get closer to Western United in second.
The Distance Derby begins the 3 pm AEDT doubleheader, with Perth Glory travelling to Wellington to take on the Phoenix. If Perth wins they can keep their finals hopes alive, but if Wellington continues their good form they could find themselves off the foot of the ladder for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, in one of the biggest games of the round, fifth-placed Canberra United hosts fourth-placed Melbourne Victory. If Canberra wins they will go within two points of Victory with two games to play and will open the door for other teams to enter the race as well – setting up what could be a blockbuster final few rounds.
The round concludes on Sunday, 4 pm AEDT with the Western Sydney Wanderers hosting the Brisbane Roar.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or on Paramount+.