Canberra United face a tough task this weekend as they look to get their Westfield W-League season back on track.
Westfield W-League Round 6
Saturday 25th October 2014
Melbourne Victory v Canberra United
(Etihad Stadium, Kick-Off: 4:30pm)
Canberra United face a tough task this weekend as they look to get their Westfield W-League season back on track as they make the trip to Victoria to face Melbourne Victory at the Etihad Stadium in Round 7. The match is being played as part of a double-header that includes the Melbourne derby between Victory and City at the same venue.
And if Canberra is to keep alive their ambitions of making the top four and possibly hosting a semi-final then, at the very least, they will need to put together a convincing display to reignite the confidence and vitality that appeared to be flowing through the club at the beginning of the season. After two wins in the first two rounds it was Victory that burst the bubble at McKellar Park.
An inspired Melbourne side took the points in Canberra’s first home match of the season with a stunning 4-2 success, based on a rapid counter-attacking game and taking the opportunities that came about. Victory was clinical on the day, scoring with almost every chance that they created and in Lisa De Vanna possessed a striker that caused Canberra a number of problems with her pace and direct running.
United created enough chances themselves to come out on top in that match, but it’s been a frustrating season in front of goal for those in green with a lack of composure in the vital final third costing Canberra a number of goals and, with It, a loss of valuable points. Last weekend’s Round 6 match was a case in point as the hosts battered Adelaide United but failed to make the most of the openings they created and were hit by a Lady Reds sucker punch.
The inclusion in the match-day squad of Kendall Fletcher may begin this weekend. The experienced US international was a revelation in Canberra colours last season, walking away with the Players’ Player of the Year award after a series of outstanding displays in the heart of the Canberra engine room. Fletcher could be a starter in Round 7 if Head Coach Elisabeth Migchelsen decides on a shake-up of the starting eleven.
There is no doubt that Canberra has the ability to give the Victory a fright. Melbourne may be riding high near the top of the ladder but Canberra heads to Victoria determined to right the issues that plagued their game in recent weeks. Hard work on the training field and a focused approach sees Migchelsen and her troops in a steely mood heading to Melbourne. A win would put Canberra right back amongst the leading pack.
SQUAD
1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Tegan RIDING, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 17. Holly HOUSTON, 18. Rebecca KITING, 20. Melissa MAIZELS, 22. Stephanie OCHS
UNAVAILABLE: 8. Meg McLAUGHLIN (injured), 9. Grace GILL (injured)
