A clutch of mid-week signings quickly made their mark on the Liberty A-League in Round 2, writes Angela Christian Wilkes.
Many of the questions prompted by the opening round of the Liberty A-League were left unresolved as Round 2 provided more competitive results, an abundance of debut goals (six, to be specific), and the return of some familiar faces.
Following a formidable start to their campaign, Wellington Phoenix were thumped 5-1 by the Newcastle Jets. Kirsty Fenton, Norwegian Marie Dølvik Markussen and Sophie Harding all scored league debuts, while club stalwart Tara Andrews got a brace.
Ava Pritchard wrote her name into the herstory books – and Andy Howe’s stats guide – when she clawed one back for the Nix and converted from a corner kick at the 81st minute.
A noteworthy contributor to the Jets’ improved performance was freshly signed local and Matildas’ staple Emily Van Egmond.
Her impact can partly be attributed to her playing in a more attacking-minded and creative position in the midfield – in contrast to recent national team games where she has been deployed defensively.
Van Egmond also stands out given her quality compared to the competition’s broader playing pool – especially given how few Matildas now play in the league.
Coach Ash Wilson must delicately manage utilising Van Egmond’s talent while ensuring that there isn’t a jarring gap at the end of her short-term loan.
For the second Friday fixture, Brisbane Roar’s faced Perth Glory once again after a shaky start and freak loss in Round 1.
It was the same story, different stadium. While Brisbane sought to keep possession and build opportunities, Perth determinedly pushed back searching for their own chances.
Alana Jancevski’s goal in the 86th minute earnt Perth two from two, an unfortunate deflection on the way through meaning luck (or lack thereof) once again played a role in Brisbane’s loss.
Perth now trail Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory on goal difference after both saw success at their respective city’s derbies.
Sydney started with the same 11 against Western Sydney Wanderers as last week, showing off some on-field cohesion to match.
While Sydney’s Round 1 was a definite case of Cortnee Vine Time, this week was Mackenzie Hawkesby Hour.
In the 18th minute, keeper Sarah Langman palmed away a shot from Hawkesby. Left to lurk with plenty of space, Remy Siemsen pounced and made it 1-0.
Hawkesby was also involved for the second goal shortly after the second half whistle, intercepting and feeding the ball to Siemsen who pirouetted and struck with aplomb.
In contrast to Sydney’s stable squad, Victory’s 2-1 win over Melbourne City was defined by star power, with their mid-week signings having an immediate impact.
Midfielder Alex Chidiac joins as a loan from Japanese WE-League club JEF United Chiba.
In the 65th minute, she muscled her way through the front third before dissecting City’s defence with a decisive pass. Catherine Zimmerman wasted no time in scoring.
USWNT player and super-sub Lynn Williams then netted the winner five minutes later; Zimmerman passed on the good karma with a backheel for Williams to poke through.
Hopkins will need to figure out how how to effectively deploy Williams during her four-game stay at Victory; perhaps she is the engine needed to tide Victory over until golden boot winner Melina Ayres returns from injury.
City made a case for themselves for a second week running, stopping Victory from gaining momentum with a high energy press.
New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson had their most persuasive chance in the first half, dribbling unimpeded towards Casey Dumont and sending the attempted chip wide.
However, City’s goal came when Amy Jackson nodded the ball into her own net. To make a bad day worse, Jackson felled Holly McNamara just outside the 18-yard in the 88th minute, resulting in a red card.
While Victory have one less centre-back option for next round, the strategic tackle did nullify one of City’s most compelling opportunities to equalise.
Canberra United and Adelaide United both had points to prove following opening losses.
Following a contentious opening goal from Canberra’s Michelle Heyman, Japanese international Nanako Sasaki served up a screamer to equalise in the 23rd minute.
Adelaide United sustained attacking efforts eventually paid off in stoppage time, with Sasaki smartly scooping the ball over to Condon to slot it home.
Alongside Brisbane, Canberra will continue searching for their first point next round – an outcome that many may not have predicted given they both made finals last season.
High stakes and big names – even if these big names are temporary – will make for more great viewing next weekend.
