Canberra United and Melbourne Victory played out a goalless affair at McKellar Park on Tuesday Night though both sides took more than just their share of the points from the match.
Despite another lightning-forced delay intervening in this fixture, the encounter was the type of stalemate that had onlookers brandishing sweaty palms for much of the night – and not because of the humidity.
Weather pls#CBRvMVC pic.twitter.com/Tgpv9IvXNd
— Canberra United (@CanberraUnited) 5 February 2019
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A starting debut to Canberra’s Rosie Galea was the beginning of the night’s firsts, the 18-year-old looking more than at home in United’s midfield.
Galea sent in 16 crosses, created 2 chances and completed a team-high 7 duels and 5 tackles, losing out just once.
Looking more than at home against the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Premiers, the highlight of her night came when she launched a 40-yard bomb at Casey Dumont’s goal, the shot cannoning off of the bar and out.
What a strike from Galea ?
Surely THAT deserved to break the deadlock? #CBRvMVC #WLeague pic.twitter.com/OKZvXItEBS
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) 5 February 2019
It would have become one of the Westfield W-League’s more extraordinary moments in its history, however the teenager was forced to settle with being one of Canberra’s best.
A NPLW NSW Champion with the Macarthur Rams alongside fellow W-League stars Leena Khamis and Kylie Ledbrook as well as teammates Sham Khamis, Galea was awarded a scholarship contract after a stellar trial with the capital-based side.
Galea will be well worth keeping an eye on when the Green Machine suit up for the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season, coach Heather Garriock expected to feature the youngster much more prominently after Tuesday Night’s performance.
Melbourne coach Jeffrey Hopkins will be happy with their output too, following a clash that saw fringe players Kyra Cooney-Cross and Grace Maher shine ahead of a blockbuster Westfield W-League 2018/19 Finals Series.
Victory also broke records on Tuesday Night, taking home with them a season points record, the 24 points earned across the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season breaking their previous record output of 23.
They also got to take home the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Premiers Plate too, their first-ever piece of silverware.
Not a bad way to prepare for their showdown against Sam Kerr’s Perth Glory this Sunday.
