Two goals either side of half time proved more than enough for Adelaide United to record a comprehensive 4-0 win over Melbourne Victory at Epping Stadium on Sunday.
Fans were treated to an open affair early on as both sides sought a goal from the get-go.
Hayley Raso let off the match’s first shot in anger after turning her defender and placing her right-footed effort into the hands of Adelaide’s American goalkeeper Kaitlyn Savage.
It was United though which snared the game’s first goal. Rosie Sutton capitalised on an errant pass from Alex Natoli to drill the ball into the bottom corner beyond Melissa Barbieri’s outstretched hands.
Christine Nairn was at the centre of Melbourne’s attacking forays and nearly got the hosts back on level terms with a rocket that crashed off the post to the disbelief of the home contingent.
Dave Edmondson’s side was punished not long after as Tiarn Powell capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to bundle the ball into the back of the net.
Barbieri was called into action on a number of other occasions both sides of the interval, standing tall time after time. She was unable to prevent Rosie Sutton from notching up her second for the day though as she met a cross to volley the ball home.
The Victory custodian was soon in the action again, this time bringing down Marijana Rajcic. She was sent off for her troubles, enabling Rosie Sutton to step up and convert from the spot.
Enza Barilla went closest to pinching a goal back for the home side, but she was unable to direct Raso’s cross on target.
The Big V will be hope to open its account when it faces the Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney on Sunday afternoon.
Melbourne Victory 0
Adelaide United 4 (Sutton 13′, 55′, 68′, Powell 33′)
