Adelaide United and Canberra United played out a tantalising 2-2 draw at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday evening, with neither side able to claim all three points.
In a tantalising match from both sides, the Round 5 clash provided end to end chances, with Canberra United leading possession, but Adelaide United fighting back on dangerous counter-attacks.
Adelaide United’s Eliza Campbell and Canberra United’s Trudy Burke were exceptional in goal for their respective sides, keeping them in the game. Ashleigh Sykes’ one-on-one opportunity in the early minutes was cleared by Campbell, and moments later another strike from Sykes was saved.
Sofia Huerta and Danielle Colaprico combined inside the box with a few opportunities, but both were unfortunate not to bag a goal. Grace Maher had a chance in the first half, but it took a hefty deflection and was a simple save for Campbell. In the 21st minute, Huerta then popped up with a chance and although she struck it ferociously from 30 yards, it was off target.
After many attempts and pressure piled on by Stephanie Ochs and Maher, Canberra were awarded a penalty, which was netted by Brush in the 25th minute. Adelaide were quick to find a reply and answered back moments later, following a great through ball by Huerta that found the clinical Racheal Quigley, who made no mistake with her finish.
The second half provided much of the same, but Adelaide hit the front in the 54th minute through an own goal, following a cross by Huerta.
Both sides fired numerous shots towards goal, keeping the ‘keepers busy, but it wasn’t until the 82nd minute when Campbell was beaten by Hayley Raso and scores were again level.
After an additional seven minutes of additional time, neither side could scramble a winner. A point awarded each in fiery contest that could have gone either way.
