Adelaide United Women have secured consecutive clean sheets for the first time in their history after defeating Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Lions Stadium on Sunday.
Veronica Latsko’s clinical finish six minutes after the re-start proved the difference as United secured its first win of the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season.
One alteration was made to the starting 11 from the Reds’ opening round draw against Melbourne Victory by Ivan Karlović. Emily Hodgson returned from Young Matildas duty to replace Georgia Campagnale at right-back, while Charlotte Grant was named on the bench, also back from international duty.
Gunnhildur Jónsdóttir came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when her thumping strike ricocheted off the crossbar inside two minutes.
That effort was reflective on the Reds’ domination to start the game, before the hosts finished the first 45 the stronger of the two teams.
Goalkeeper, Sarah Willacy, was brilliant throughout the encounter but was also indebted to her teammates for committing last-ditch goal-line clearances.
Laura John’s admirable desperation prevented Chioma Ubogagu from breaking the deadlock. And in the second-half it was Hodgson who cleared another Ubogagu shot.
https://twitter.com/AUFCWomen/status/1064048355318218754
But that was not before Adelaide grabbed the lead courtesy of an impressive attacking move. Dylan Holmes played a one-two with Michelle Heyman before the midfielder threaded a superb pass to Latsko.
The American’s diagonal run from the right allowed her to run into the box unmarked and she had the composure to finish past Mackenzie Arnold.
Adelaide had to remain resolute in defence, absorbing a lot of pressure. Though, Karlović’s side did venture forward on occasion and Heyman almost doubled the lead against the run of play.
The Matilda rifled a shot from outside the box forcing Arnold into a strong save.
Brisbane almost grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser, however it would be United’s afternoon as they preserved their 1-0 advantage and build some momentum heading into a home match against Canberra United at Coopers Stadium on Thursday.
Key moments:
2’ | Jónsdóttir hits the cross from range, testing Arnold in goal early.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5968542094001
36’ | An electric attacking move from Ubogagu ends in her finish being brilliantly saved off the line by Johns to ensure parity.
49’ | Willacy makes a sensational double save, initially denying Yuki Nagasato’s header from the set-piece.
51’ | GOAL! A one-two move involving Holmes and Heyman culminates in the former slipping through Latsko, who had the presence of mind to chip the ball over Arnold.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5968547824001
54’ | Another Brisbane attempt is cleared off the line, this time Hodgson denies Ubogagu, who could not make clean contact.
90’+1’ | Lloyd’s header deflects off the onrushing Willacy and falls inches wide of the post.
Match details:
Sunday, 18 November 2018
Westfield W-League 2018/19 – Round 3
Brisbane Roar 0
Adelaide United 1 (Latsko 51’)
Venue: Lions Stadium
Attendance: 1,286
