Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United drew 1-1 at Lakeside Stadium in Matchweek 5 of the Ninja A-League.
Ella O’Grady made the most of some shaky Adelaide defending to net Victory’s equaliser after an early Adelaide penalty converted by Tessa Salvestrin.
A first-half flashpoint leading to some push-and-shove and three yellow cards typified a bruising encounter which produced 27 fouls and seven yellow cards total.
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Paige Zois’ collision with Sienna Saveska as the two contested a bouncing ball threatened to spiral as players tangled in the aftermath. Zois, Melissa Taranto and Ella O’Grady would all receive yellow cards for their roles in the fracas.
“It showed a bit of emotion, it’s good to see that side of the game as well,” Adelaide United coach Theo Tsiounis said post-match on Paramount+.
“The girls are invested, a bit of passion from both sides, I thought it was an entertaining game.”
American striker Tessa Salvestrin had started the season as an unused substitute and slowly built her minutes before today’s first start. Tsiounis credited her inclusion, and the dimensions of the Lakeside Stadium pitch, for Adelaide taking a more direct approach.
“We don’t want to be a predictable side.,” Tsiounis said.
“We want to change up and be able to bring to life various moments of our playing model.”
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Salvestrin said her experience attending the A-League Men’s original rivalry last week had got her up to speed on what to expect when Adelaide United plays Melbourne Victory.
“I went to the men’s OG rivalry the past weekend and that was a fun game to be at,” Salvestrin said.
“First time playing in it, it was exciting, action packed.
“The team has been really unlucky with some chances, but it does feel great to get the first one in the back of the net.
“We’re doing lots of attacking work. It looks great in training. We’re getting these opportunities in games. Now it’s just the final little details of executing and putting them away. The goals will come.
“Now it’s just the final little details of executing and putting them away. The goals will come.”
After Victory coach Jeff Hopkins had cited his team losing their duels and individual battles in Matchweek 4’s 2-0 loss in Brisbane, there was definitely a response.
“It showed exactly what this group is all about,” Hopkins said.
“We were hurt last week and pretty upset and angry with ourselves. To go a goal down in a minute, I’m proud of the way the girls got themselves back together and really had a go.”
Victory attacker Sophie Harding echoed her coaches’ sentiments.
“I like a bit of aggression, I like a bit of fight, but it went beyond that at points of the game,” Harding said.
“I’m still very proud of my team for matching the physicality of Adelaide and I think we got the better of them for the most part.
“We take Jeff’s advice to heart. We were up for the fight and it carried through the game. Even though it’s a draw we’re happy with that performance given it’s a big bounce back intensity wise.”
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Melbourne Victory are back at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday November 22 to play Perth Glory while Adelaide United has a weekend off after the postponement of their match away to Newcastle. The Reds next play on Friday December 11 at home against Sydney FC.
