Adelaide United Women’s winless start to the season continued following a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Sydney FC Women at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
After both teams exchanged chances throughout the contest, the Reds conceded a 77th minute own goal via a cruel deflection before Princess Ibini scored an absolute screamer seconds before stoppage time.
Ivan Karlović made two personnel changes and a couple of tactical alterations to his starting XI. Laura Johns returned to left-back, pushing Charlotte Grant onto the wing, while Dylan Holmes started ahead of Georgia Campagnale. Chelsie Dawber was also deployed as the striker with Mary Fowler out due to an ankle injury.
Adelaide looked to implement a high-pressing game and it seemed to work relatively well throughout the first-half in sapping conditions.
A misplaced header fell to Remy Siemsen on 11 minutes but she sliced her shot and it skewed into the side-netting.
Mallory Weber was again the focal point in attack, causing a plethora of problems for Sydney on the left flank.
And she almost grabbed an assist when she drew several players before releasing Lais Araujo in space, though the Brazilian’s shot was rifled straight at Aubrey Bledsoe.
In the 26th minute, Adelaide were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty after Weber was scythed down by Alanna Kennedy. Replays suggested she may have touched the ball, but only after going through the American forward.
Dylan Holmes and Sofia Huerta traded chances to close out the first 45 but neither side could find a breakthrough.
Sarah Willacy made a great save to deny former Red Veronica Latsko, while it was another American at the other end that nearly broke the deadlock.
Charlotte Grant’s through ball found Weber and her left-footed strike was saved by Bledsoe.
They would rue that missed opportunity as Adelaide’s luckless campaign continued when a harmless cross from Siemsen took a fortuitous ricochet off Brooks, beating Willacy at the near post.
The Reds almost responded through another Weber chance, but she was unable to restore parity, after seeing her half-volley repelled by the Sydney goalkeeper.
And in the 90th minute any chance of a comeback was dashed when Ibini dispatched an amazing long-range effort into the top corner.
Key moments:
12’ | CHANCE: Araujo is unmarked and her one-on-one shot is directly at Bledsoe.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6118633318001
42′ | CHANCE! Holmes collects the loose ball outside the box, drives forward and drags her shot wide.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6118637351001
62′ | SAVE! Willacy makes an acrobatic stop, tipping over Latsko’s header.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6118643434001
68’ | CHANCE: Weber is played through by Grant but her left-footed shot is saved by Bledsoe.
77’ | GOAL: Siemsen’s cross deflects off Brooks and the Sky Blues are in front.
81’ | CHANCE: Weber controls a long ball and on the half-volley her attempt is thwarted.
90’ | GOAL: Ibini sets herself before unleashing a truly spectacular strike which rockets into the top corner from 30 yards out.
Match details:
Sunday, 29 December 2019
Westfield W-League 2019/20 Season – Round 7
Sydney FC Women 2 (Brooks (OG) 77’ Ibini 90’)
Adelaide United Women 0
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
