It is unusual for a Westfield W-League team possessing the quality of Jasmyne Spencer to not be firmly involved at the business end of the season.
Throughout her time in the Australian game, the American forward has always featured prominently in discussions for silverware, whether it be team or individual.
More of the same was expected following her move on loan to three-time Grand Final winners Melbourne City for the 2018/19 Season as another established star made her way to the powerhouse outfit.
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It was ultimately not to be for Rado Vidosic’s side; they struggled to recapture the magic of previous seasons and missed a Finals Series berth after tallying an inferior goal difference to Perth Glory.
But that broader disappointment did not stop Spencer’s class from shining through in supreme style on more than one occasion.
Star turn stuns Sydney FC
City’s campaign began with an inauspicious 2-0 defeat to Canberra United but quickly stabilised upon Sydney FC’s visit to AAMI Park in Round 2.
This meeting with the eventual Champions was Spencer’s finest moment.
The electrifying New York-born attacker showcased her best qualities as she put her former club to the sword with a sparkling hat-trick in City’s steadying 3-1 triumph.
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Spencer displayed quick feet and scoring nous to fire the hosts ahead, determination to get ahead of her marker in reasserting the lead after half-time, and a lethal combination of speed and powerful finishing to cap off the victory on the hour.
Plenty has been made of the talent City have had pass through their doors since entering the competition and Spencer’s stunning treble against a genuine force made clear how comfortably her name ranks among those other aces.
Highlight in the Hunter
The 28-year-old ex-Canberra player saved her fourth and final goal of the season for a crucial juncture in City’s campaign.
They had slumped to two consecutive losses following the success against Sydney FC, while a subsequent home draw against Adelaide United left them in sore need of three points against a fellow Finals Series hopeful.
Spencer delivered.
In the 72nd minute, she received the ball to the left of the penalty area, cut inside Larissa Crummer and clinically rifled across compatriot Britt Eckerstrom and into the far corner.
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The goal restored City’s two-goal cushion at McDonald Jones Stadium and set them up for a run of six victories in eight games that took the club to the brink of the top four.
Better still, it was a dream finish that again captured Spencer’s propensity for cutting swathes through opposition side.
City’s entire season might have been different had injury not forced her out of the 1-0 derby defeat to Melbourne Victory on January 5 that stalled the team’s momentum.
Regardless, Spencer emerged as her side’s top scorer in 2018/19 and with her reputation enhanced as a player capable of performing for teams not riding high at the top of the table.
