All the talk leading into the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season has surrounded three-time Championship winners Melbourne City.
But now, it seems the conversation may have changed after Canberra United’s 2-0 defeat over the defending Champions at McKellar Park on Sunday afternoon.
Rado Vidosic’s women picked up from where they left off last season and assaulted Sham Khamis’ goal early on. Yet, it was Canberra who opened the scoring and fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition.
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HIGHLIGHTS: Canberra United v Melbourne City
It was some way for the Canberra to notch their maiden 2018/19 strike. South African signing Refilo Jane played a sumptuous through ball to compatriot Rhoda Mulaudzi who, with a deft touch, chipped the ball over Lydia Williams.
Jane’s through ball was one to savour, played from her own half and splitting three City defenders to put Mulaudzi in on goal.
What a move from @CanberraUnited!@fifinhojane ➡ @RhodaMulaudzi #WLeague #CBRvMCY
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/AYoNhJ7NfT— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) October 28, 2018
Heather Garriock’s side looked comfortable defending their lead and Ellie Carpenter’s smart finish sealed the upset and put Canberra’s Westfield W-League opponents on notice.
City will have a chance to exact their revenge in Round 7, and could have Westfield Matildas Elise Kellond-Knight and Tameka Butt to help their cause. Canberra, meanwhile, have a solid foundation to build on to mount their title charge.
New season, same Foord
Speaking of warning signs, Sydney FC shot a few of their own during the Westfield W-League season opener at Marconi Stadium last Thursday.
Ante Juric’s side hit the ground running when Caitlin Foord latched onto a through ball from American import Savannah McCaskill. Westfield Matilda Foord took a touch around Jada Whyman and slotted home to set the tempo for the rest of the game.
🎥 | A dominant @WLeague #SydneyDerby win, now over to you @ALeague boys on Saturday at the @scg!!
Check out all the highlights from our fantastic start to the 2018/19 W-League season…#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/6BSMcKpBEk
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) October 26, 2018
Foord would grab a second 15 minutes from time, finding space in the box to convert Lisa De Vanna’s cross. More importantly, Foord’s second goal of the night was Sydney FC’s third, and would ultimately leave the Sky Blues top of the ladder at the end of Round 1.
Heroic moments around the Westfield W-League
- Adelaide United may have opened the new campaign with a 0-0 stalemate against Melbourne Victory, but the Reds will take enormous belief from grabbing their first clean sheet in 34 games. Victory were left lamenting their failure to capitalise on chances, producing 21 shots but failing to break the deadlock.
- In the other Sunday match, Perth Glory almost stole a 1-0 win from the defending Premiers, Brisbane Roar, but for a 88th minute Carson Pickett strike. The result was of particular importance considering Perth were missing Westfield Matilda Sam Kerr due to suspension.
