Yet another potential Westfield W-League epic as last year’s premiers host the reigning champions in this week’s ABC TV match in the nation’s capital.
Canberra United v Melbourne Victory
Sunday 28 September 2014
McKellar Park, Canberra
Local kick-off: 3pm
** Catch all the action Live at 3.00pm nationally on ABC1. Or from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Tuesday.
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #CBRvMVC
The pair have a rich shared history splitting five wins apiece across numerous close contests, including a semi-final win for Canberra in their 2012 championship campaign.
Once again the two sides will enter the fray with a host of internationals in their ranks; six for Canberra and nine for Melbourne Victory.
Canberra have enjoyed a level of continuity like few other Westfield W-League clubs with their roster barely changed during the off-season, nor over the opening two rounds.
Nevertheless United are, by their own admission, still finding fluency despite two wins to open the season, leaving them top of the fledgling ladder on goal difference.
Melbourne Victory, for their part, have endured an erratic opening to their campaign with a loss at Newcastle Jets and a chaotic 5-3 win over outsiders Western Sydney Wanderers.
This weekend, however, the Victory’s ranks have received a significant boost with NWSL duo Elli Reed and the returning Lauren Barnes joining fellow American Christine Nairn.
Throw in the likes of Westfield Matildas’ stars Lisa De Vanna, Steph Catley and Brianna Davey and it is clear that the Victory have quality all over the park.
A high-quality contest seems assured for both supporters in the nation’s capital and armchair fans alike.
Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 17. Holly HOUSTON, 18. Rebecca KITING, 20. Melissa MAIZELS, 22. Stephanie OCHS
Ins: Sally Rojahn (promoted)
Outs: none
Unavailable: Kendall FLETCHER (overseas), Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – 2-3 weeks), Grace MAHER (Australia U-17 national team duty)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY (GK), 2. Hannah BREWER, 5. Lauren BARNES, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 8. Amy JACKSON, 9. Racheal QUIGLEY, 10. Christine NAIRN, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 14. Tiffany ELIADIS, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beattie GOAD, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Elli REED, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (GK)
Ins: Lauren Barnes (Seattle Reign/USA), Elli Reed (Seattle Reign/USA)
Outs: Maika Ruyter-Hooley (omitted)
Unavailable: None
