If Round 10 should ever be renamed, may it be known as the Round of the Keeper – first it was Eliza Campbell, then it was Britt Eckerstrom, and now Casey Dumont has outdone her colleagues on Saturday afternoon.
The 26-year-old saved all four shots on target that came her way, and claimed a crucial cross as Melbourne Victory ran out 1-0 winners over Melbourne City.
Of course, the stats are impressive, but it is the context in which they happened which makes them all the more remarkable.
REPORT: Nairn wonder strike sends Victory top, City’s final hopes scuppered
FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS: Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
ANALYSIS: Eckerstrom stands tall but heroics not enough in Jets defeat
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5986202856001
Melbourne Victory dominated the opening stages of the first half, pinning City into their own half and forcing them into a number of last-ditch clearances.
Yet, City would enjoy the two clearest chances of the first half, where Dumont was at the ready for one, while the other sailed wide.
On 42 minutes, Helen Caceres whipped in a dangerous cross into the path of Tameka Butt. Players and fans alike, aware of Butt’s pedigree with the Westfield Matildas, waited for the net to bulge.
Not on Dumont’s watch though, as she shifted her weight from one side to the other, sticking out a strong hand to block the shot destined for her bottom-right corner.
Dumont’s other important contribution came in the second half, where she faced off once more against Butt.
This time, Butt was steaming in on goal, yet the end result mirrored the first half – Dumont would come out on top, and Butt would again be left frustrated.
The Westfield Matilda forward ran in on goal, but Dumont denied her, allowing Victory’s defence to clean up and clear the second ball well out of harm’s way.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5986214158001
Dumont’s saves kept Victory in the contest, and would eventually pay dividends when Christine Nairn grabbed the decisive goal from a corner, no less.
The highlights may wax lyrical about Nairn’s goal, but let’s not forget Dumont’s heroics — if it weren’t for her, Nairn’s goal would have been nothing other than a consolation.
