Sydney FC’s unbeaten record comes to an end after seven games as the Sky Blues drop points away to Canberra United following a quick turnaround from Sunday’s Sydney Derby.
Canberra United FC 2 (Heyman 53’, Dale 65’) – Sydney FC 0
Moments That Mattered:
10′ | ROBERTSON SAVE – A flying Tiahna Robertson is into the game early with a full length diving save to stop a long-range shot from Canberra’s Aulicino.
53’ | HEYMAN GOAL – A cutback from Grove out wide finds the feet of Heyman who slots it into the back of the net.
65’ | DALE GOAL – A half volley from a free kick sees Canberra United double their advantage.
Fenton and Gordon battle it out
Match Report: Sydney FC have stumbled away to Canberra United with their first defeat in seven games following a quick turnaround from a Sydney Derby clash on Sunday night.
Sydney FC arrived in the nation’s capital for the re-arranged clash to hopefully build on what has been a good run of form being undefeated in the first six games of the season.
The first half provided tight action with no goals to report but Robertson was called upon in the 10th minute with a flying save from a long range effort.
A dubious tackle by Gordon on Caspers should have earned more than a yellow midway through the half, as the Sky Blues had to battle across all areas of the pitch.
Despite their strong resolve, Sydney FC went into the tunnel at half time looking to build on a strong first half performance.
The first goal came within the first 10 minutes after the break as Canberra United caught Sydney FC out against the run of play with a cutback from Grove to Heyman who hit the ball high into the roof of the net from inside the box.
Tumeth and Hunter putting their bodies on the line.
Tumeth almost equalised moments later with a long range effort which went just by the post.
On 65 minutes Dale doubled the Canberra lead with a half-volley from a free kick which dropped to her piling on the pressure on Sydney FC.
The final whistle marked Sydney FC’s first defeat of the Ninja A-League Women’s campaign.
The defeat wasn’t from a lack of trying as the Sky Blues showed heart and fight following a tough turnaround.
What They Said: Sydney FC Head Coach Ante Juric: “After a tough three day turn around, we knew it would be a tough road trip. And the game proved to be that way.
“We are disappointed with the result and with the two goals we conceded. We could have done better in both situations.
“Going forward we need more decisiveness, which we will work on.
“I am pleased to see Hana getting more minutes and also seeing Ayson on the field after a foot injury. Both will be key players once they get their game fitness back.”
Excellent tackle from Willa Pearson.
Sydney FC Captain Sarah Hunter: “It was a contest, we did well in patches.
“Canberra are a good side so it was a good battle but we didn’t get any goals so you can’t win if you don’t score.
“We need to get better at creating chances and fluidity in the front third.
“We’ll see where we can improve and a bit less thinking and more playing in the front third.”
Sydney FC | 30. Tiahna ROBERTSON, 4. Tori TUMETH, 16. Willa PEARSON (23. Rubi SULLIVAN 83’), 5. Kirsty FENTON, 14. Abbey LEMON (2. Madison AYSON 46’), 21. Sarah HUNTER (c), 24. Caley TALLON-HENNIKER, 32. Bianca GALIC, 26. Madeline CASPERS (8. Hana LOWRY 58’), 7. Amelia CASSAR (19. Skye HALMARICK 46’), 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY (9. Jodi ULKEKUL 67’)
Unused Subs | 29. Alyse OPPEDISANO
Head Coach | Ante JURIC
Yellow Cards | None
Red Cards | None
Canberra United FC | 1. Sally Kathleen JAMES, 8. Sasha GROVE, 28. Tegan BERTOLISSIO (25. Darcey MALONE 77’), 3. Elizabeth ANTON, 5. Jazmin NICHOLE JACKMON, 32. Bethany GORDON, 33. Nanako SASAKI (11. Emma ROBERS 57’), 12. Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG (13. Sofia CRISTOPHERSON 62’), 7. Emma HAWKINS (19. Sienna DALE 57’), 6. Josephine AULICINO, 23. Michelle HEYMAN (c) (10. Mary STANIC-FLOODY 77’)
Unused Subs | 18. Coco MAJSTOROVIC
Head Coach | Antoni JAGARINEC
Yellow Cards | Antoni JAGARINEC 18’, 32. Bethany GORDON 28’
Red Cards | None
Venue | McKellar Park
Referee | Georgia GHIRADELLO
