Westfield Matildas in the Westfield W-League: Kerr opens her account in style

Sam Kerr led the returning pack of Westfield Matildas in Westfield W-League Round 3, while Emily Gielnik grabbed her second goal in as many games.

After the Westfield Matildas' 5-0 thrashing over Chile on Tuesday night, Alen Stajcic's players backed up for their clubs.

While some may have grabbed more headlines than others, everyone looked as sharp as ever.

Sizzling goals, great saves, and everything in between - we’ve got you covered.

READ: Gielnik tops off perfect week with Derby masterclass
WATCH: Cortnee Vine straight out of the top drawer

READ: Willacy impresses again as Adelaide United's rearguard upsets the odds

Sam Kerr back to her usual, goal-scoring self

It was only a matter of time before we’d be talking about Sam Kerr’s first goal of the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season. 

In Round 2, the 25-year-old had a hand in three of Perth’s goals as Glory salvaged a late 4-4 draw against Canberra United.

Then, against Chile for the Westfield Matildas, Kerr struck on 52 minutes to get the ball rolling as the onslaught began. 


It seems Kerr carried that form into the Westfield W-League, because on 42 minutes, she received a cut-back from Rachel Hill and duly fired home past Western Sydney Wanderers' Jada Whyman. 

That was Perth's second on the night as they ran away 3-0 winners against Western Sydney.

Goal number one for the reigning Golden Boot winner, who also clocked another 90 minutes for the 2018/19 Season.

Kerr
Perth Glory celebrate after Kerr's goal doubles their lead against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Gielnik two from two in Derby masterclass

There were five Westfield Matildas on show for the 2018/19 Season’s first Melbourne Derby, but it’s hard to look past Emily Gielnik’s strike. 

Elise Kellond-Knight opened the deadlock in the first half, but did so for the wrong team, handing Gielnik and Laura Alleway’s side the opener.

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After the interval, Gielnik latched onto a superb through ball from Natasha Dowie, and fired home past Westfield Matilda teammate, Lydia Williams. 

That was enough for Melbourne Victory, as they finished 2-0 winners.

It was the second goal in a matter of days for Gielnik, who grabbed the Westfield Matildas’ fourth goal in the 5-0 win over Chile in Newcastle.

Tameka Butt also featured for City, meaning five Westfield Matildas played a full 90 minutes in an entertaining Melbourne Derby. 

Carpenter and Simon battle it out in Newcastle

Ellie Carpenter and Gema Simon featured on opposite sides in the Westfield W-League, days after playing alongside each other in the Green and Gold. 

Both players got 90 minutes in their Round 3 clash, yet neither were able to register a goal or assist. 

In the end, Carpenter’s side would emerge victorious 1-0 courtesy of a wonder strike from Young Matilda, Cortnee Vine.

Meanwhile, Emily van Egmond was a late exclusion from the match day squad, pulling out due to soreness in the knee.

Larissa Crummer was nowhere to be seen after sustaining a quad injury on the eve of the Westfield Matildas’ clash against Chile. 

Heyman’s United fire past Brisbane trio

Michelle Heyman may not have found the back of the net against Brisbane Roar, but she played a pivotal role in Adelaide United’s 1-0 victory at Lions Stadium. 

The 30-year-old wreaked havoc on Brisbane’s defenders during her eight years at Canberra United, and dished out much of the same in Round 3 of the Westfield W-League. 

Katrina Gorry and Clare Polkinghorne were tasked with trying to contain Heyman, and though they denied the striker her first goal of the 2018/19 Season, they were unable to inspire Brisbane to a victory. 

Mackenzie Arnold also featured, but was unable to keep her second consecutive clean sheet, as Veronica Latsko fired past her on 51 minutes. 

Results aside, it was great to see four Westfield Matildas in action as we near closer to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.