Star performer of the week: Kyah Simon

Kyah Simon, who was named one of Sydney’s 100 most influential people in the(sydney)magazine on Friday.

Westfield Matildas striker Kyah Simon rediscovered her lethal scoring form with a double strike that helped Sydney FC to a thrilling 4-3 win over reigning champions Canberra United on Saturday.

In one of the games of the season so far, Simon was the standout – also setting up the winner as the Sky Blues climbed to second on the ladder with their fourth win of the season.

In scorching conditions at Leichhardt Oval, Simon opened the scoring with a calmly taken finish in the fifth minute before Sam Kerr gave Sydney a 2-0 lead. Canberra’s Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Hayley Raso levelled the score before Simon put the Sky Blues ahead again with a penalty in the 77th minute.

A wonder strike from American import Nikki Washington with six minutes left looked to have secured Canberra a share of the points but Simon and co weren’t done yet. Simon made a dangerous run in injury time before picking out substitute Emma Kete, who fired home to give Sydney a memorable win.

After missing several games this season due to a mix of Westfield Matildas commitments, injury and suspension, it was Simon’s first goals in four appearances and the 2010/11 Westfield W-League top scorer hopes she’s now opened the flood gates.

“I guess it’s a monkey off the back getting a goal or two this season,” Simon said.

“I’m happy with that and hopefully the goals will keep coming from now on.

“It always makes it hard when you’re in and out of the team and it does make it difficult to get some rhythm individually and for the team.

“But hopefully now that we’re all together solidly for the rest of the season, hopefully we’ll really come into some positive performances in the back end of the season.”

The performance capped off a good week on and off the field for Kyah Simon, who was named one of Sydney’s 100 most influential people in the(sydney)magazine on Friday.

The Sky Blues now share second spot on the ladder with Brisbane Roar, behind leaders Perth Glory, and Simon believes the side is well placed as it prepares to face Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

“We knew going into the game [against Canberra] on the weekend we needed a win under our belt because the table is so tight at the moment,” Simon said.

“Second isn’t as good as first but I think it at least puts us in good stead for the crucial games towards the end of the season.”