3 minute read
A snapshot of week one of the A-League Women season as Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC made early statements.
THEY SAID IT: "We've all made mistakes. It happens. The brain's changed her decision halfway through it looks like, and it's resulted in what it has" - Brisbane coach Garrath McPherson reflects on a horror goalkeeping error from Georgina Worth, whose late attempt to trap the ball saw it instead roll past and into the net for Perth's winning goal.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Cortnee Vine. Not content with setting up Remy Siemsen and Princess Ibini for two goals against Newcastle, the Sydney FC forward sunk her former side with the final goal of the game in a 3-1 win.
BEAT THAT: Melbourne City youngster Holly McNamara scored a winner to remember against Canberra United. The teenager danced around United's defence then curled home a lovely long-range strike.
STAT OF THE WEEK: SIX - the number of teenagers in Wellington's starting XI who grinded out a tough draw against Western Sydney in their first ALW game. Jordan Jasnos (18), Isabel Gomez (19), Grace Wisnewski (19), Ava Pritchard (18), Zoe McMeeken (17) and Kate Taylor (18) did themselves proud.
TALKING POINT: What will happen with Perth Glory from this point on? Perth are due to face off against the Brisbane Roar again in Brisbane on Friday night, before hosting Canberra. But with COVID ravaging Australia and Western Australia tightening its borders even further, Glory could be set for an extended stint on the road.
MEDICAL ROOM: Victory will sweat on a potentially serious knee injury to skipper Kayla Morrison, while recruit Courtney Nevin came off at halftime with hamstring soreness. Perth's Lisa De Vanna limped off for hamstring treatment but coach Alex Epakis played down any injury concerns. Newcastle's Bethany Gordon suffered a suspected MCL strain against Sydney while Canberra captain Michelle Heyman limped off late in United's loss to Melbourne City.
UP NEXT: Newcastle and Wellington open the round on Friday. Later that night, Brisbane will seek revenge on Perth when they host the Glory - unless border closures get in the way. It's derbies galore with Western Sydney to host Sydney FC on Saturday and City to take on Victory on Sunday. Canberra will travel to Adelaide for the final match of the round.
