In the penultimate round of the A-League Women's season, the CommBank Matildas saw plenty of action as the race for the top four and premiership goes down to the wire.
The weekend’s action started with a crucial triple-header on Saturday afternoon.
A first-ever A-League Women's goal for Cassidy Davis, in her 127th consecutive game, proved the winner as the Newcastle Jets overcame a lively Wellington Phoenix 3-2.
It was a game full of resilience from the Jets, winning after falling behind twice. It means that the Phoenix would have to win both of their final two games and rely on Sydney FC defeating Newcastle in the final round, to avoid finishing last.
Canberra United overwhelmed Western United in Melbourne, defeating them 3-0 thanks to a Vesna Milivojevic brace and a second goal of the season to Chengshu Wu. It means that Canberra is now equal on points with Melbourne Victory in fourth, although Victory are clinging on to fourth on goal difference with one game to go.
While Western United announced the re-signing of Chloe Logarzo last week, she was not present in their matchday squad.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC was too much for Adelaide United, also winning 3-0. Princess Ibini got an assist, teeing up Mackenzie Hawkesby for Sydney’s third goal. Cortnee Vine also looked incredibly lively on the wing, creating a number of opportunities with her pace and ability to cut inside.
Given Western United’s loss, the premiership is now in Sydney FC’s hands – if they win their remaining two games, they will finish top of the table.
On Sunday afternoon, Melbourne Victory was unable to make the most of their chances, drawing with Brisbane Roar 1-1. A Shea Connors first half strike was cancelled out by a Melina Ayres penalty but Victory were unable to convert any more of their nine shots on target.
It means that the door is ajar for either Perth Glory or Canberra United to sneak into the top four.
The final game of the round was an absolute spectacle, the Glory keeping their finals hopes alive with a stunning 4-3 defeat of Melbourne City. Down 1-0 for much of the game, the Glory scored their four goals all in the last 20 minutes of the game. City hit back through Hannah Wilkinson and Julia Grosso, but it wasn’t enough.
Incredibly, Melbourne City had 32 shots to Perth Glory’s seven. Every one of Glory’s four shots on target was a goal.
Holly McNamara started for Melbourne City but was unable to influence proceedings in City’s favour.
Next Week’s Action
The week starts with some crucial mid-week games.
On Tuesday, 7 pm AEDT, Adelaide United take on Wellington Phoenix. If Phoenix can find a way to secure three points, they keep their hopes of finishing off the foot of the ladder alive.
All eyes will be on Perth Glory’s visit to Sydney to take on Sydney FC on Wednesday, 7 pm AEDT. If Glory can find a way to win, they will equal Melbourne Victory in fourth and Canberra United in fifth on 28 points, meaning that the race to finish fourth will go down to the absolute wire.
Melbourne City, only one point ahead on 29 points, will also be looking nervously over their shoulder.
However, if Sydney FC clinches the victory, if they beat Newcastle on Saturday they will be premiers.
On Saturday, Melbourne Victory travels to Wellington to take on the Phoenix at 10.15 am AEDT. Regardless of the result, Victory will be relying on the results of others to secure their finals place – but they will be much more secure with the three points.
3 pm AEDT sees a doubleheader. Western United take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in a must-win if they are to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar will be out to spoil Perth Glory’s season as the Glory could potentially jump into finals spots with a win.
Sydney FC could be crowned premiers with a win against the Jets – that game will be at 5.05 pm AEDT.
Finally, Melbourne City will take on Canberra United on Sunday at 5.40 pm. Both teams will know at that point what they need to do to ensure finals – it has the potential to be a thrilling final regular season game.
You can catch all of the action live and free on 10Play, or on Paramount+.