As the clock ticked closer and closer towards full-time between Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory, the crowd at Marconi Stadium wondered: Would Sam Kerr break the Westfield W-League goalscoring record?
With Perth Glory 2-1 up, and Western Sydney looking threatening, it seemed the moment would pass.
That was until the 70th minute when Rachel Hill broke down the right wing and headed towards the byline.
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NEWS: Raso keeps Brisbane’s Premiership hopes alive, end of the line for Canberra
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5993327775001
The American forward raised her head for a brief moment — and who did she see? None other than a goal-hungry Kerr, of course.
In a flash, Hill slotted the ball across the goalmouth and into the path of Kerr, who made history with a sumptuous finish.
Goal 64 for Kerr made her the leading goalscorer in both the Westfield W-League and National Women’s Soccer League in the United States — the first person to ever to do so.
👏👏👏
Congratulations, @samkerr1! #WLeague #WSWvPER #WhereHeroesAreMade pic.twitter.com/U0yasZJeDU
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) January 24, 2019
In accomplishing this feat, she now has 12 goals for the 2018/19 Season, putting her on the verge of winning her fourth consecutive Golden Boot — two apiece in Australia and the USA.
The night would get better for Kerr on 81 minutes when she grabbed her 65th goal via an Alyssa Mautz cross. Free in the box, and with the ball sailing towards her head, Kerr was only ever going to find the back of the net.
How could we look past Sam Kerr, the best player to ever play in the Westfield W-League?
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5993295953001
Broken back no hurdle for resilient Raso
You’ve read all the stories: Brisbane Roar’s Hayley Raso made an incredible comeback two weeks ago, returning from three fractured vertebrae.
We saw Raso’s smile, but what escaped our minds were the months of rehab where the Westfield Matildas starlet had to learn to walk again.
So when the ball fell to Raso early in the first half against Canberra United, via a deflected Allira Toby pass, the stage was set for an incredible comeback from injury.
Raso kept to script, needing only one touch to slot the ball past an onrushing Sham Khamis.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5993666058001
Cue delirium for Brisbane Roar and Westfield W-League fans alike — Raso’s return is one of the feelgood stories of the campaign and deserves every little bit of attention.
The 24-year-old is an inspiration to us all.
That goal got the ball rolling for Brisbane, who eventually ran out 4-1 winners over Canberra United and kept their hopes alive as they pursue a second consecutive Premiership.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5993711933001
Dowie puts Victory in pole position
It’s official: The Westfield W-League 2018/19 Premiership is Melbourne Victory’s to lose after a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon.
Jeff Hopkins’ side came back twice in the second half to nab a 2-2 draw with their arch rivals, putting Victory on equal points with Perth Glory.
Interestingly, Victory and Glory play each other in Round 14, before the side from Melbourne then play a catch-up game against Canberra United.
Pivotal to Victory’s surge up the ladder has been Natasha Dowie, who again showed her composure to find the back of the net and keep Melbourne’s Premiership hopes alive.
The 30-year-old grabbed her ninth goal of the season on Sunday afternoon, bringing the game back to 2-2 after Chloe Logarzo had just given Sydney FC the leader for the second time.
If Victory go on to seal the Premiership, fans will have a lot of thanks to send Dowie’s way.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5994944238001
Petratos puts it past Willacy in injury-time
In any other week, Panagiota Petratos’s strike may have headlined the Westfield W-League Heroic Moments.
But when you’re part of an ensemble that includes Kerr, Dowie and Raso, sometimes you just have to appreciate being in such good company.
Petratos’s goal came near the death for Newcastle Jets. With the game poised at 1-1, and Adelaide United chasing the winner in an effort to keep their finals hopes alive, it seemed the perfect opportunity to look for your maiden Westfield W-League goal.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5993740801001
Which is exactly what happened on 90+1’ when Renee Pountney’s shot was saved by Sarah Willacy, and the 19-year-old pounced on the loose ball.
Petratos hammered the ball home from short range, breaking her duck and proving to Craig Deans that she’s one for the future.
One goal and one assist throughout the campaign isn’t a bad effort for someone who is yet to celebrate their 20th birthday.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5993740826001
