The Lady Reds will be hoping the trip to Melbourne will bring about their first win of the Westfield W-League season when they take on the Victory.
The Lady Reds will be hoping the trip to Melbourne will bring about their first win of the 2011/12 Westfield W-League season when they take on the Victory on Saturday.
After four losses, Adelaide United are yet to register a point but could have easily snatched a result in their last two fixtures – a 2-1 loss to the Glory in Perth and a 2-1 defeat to defending champion Brisbane Roar at Burton Football Complex.
But coach David Edmondson said despite the results, morale and confidence within the camp is high as the Lady Reds continue to impress each week.
Edmondson admitted the girls have impressed and are much fitter since the 4-1 loss to title favourites Canberra United on the opening day of the season.
“Morale is good, the girls can see themselves getting fitter and performing better in every game and can sense a win just around the corner,” he said.
“It is difficult losing every week and I am sure when the win does come it will be a big weight off their shoulders, but we have all along said the emphasis is on improving every time we step out onto the pitch and we are and will continue to do that which will bring the results.”
Like the defeat to Perth, United failed to take a fistful of chances which could have resulted in their first points of the season, but luck again eluded the Lady Reds.
“It was another positive performance which could have been even better with a bit of luck, (a big deflection for their first goal) and some better finishing from us,” he Edmondson.
“This is something we have spent considerable time on in training this week. We are getting better every game and with players returning to the squad to increase the competition for places we will get stronger again.”
Adelaide United will welcome back Australia U17 trio Emma Checker, Grace Henry and Ebony Philcox after three weeks with the national team at the AFC U16 Women-s Championships in China.
Edmondson said the return of the trio will bolster the side ahead of the trip to Melbourne, while Ruth Wallace has been ruled out through injury.
“It-s great to have Grace, Emma and Ebony back from China,” he said.
“It gives us more options tactically and increases competition for places, which is vital if we are to push on and get the win that we are looking for. All three will travel this weekend and will play a part. Ruth-s injury is a meniscal tear – we should have more details next week.”
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Saturday 19 November 2011
Veneto Club, Bulleen
Local kick-off: 5pm
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Brianna DAVEY (gk), 2.Rebekah STOTT, 3. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Danielle JOHNSON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 8. Ashley BROWN, 9. Georgie KOUTROUVELIS, 10. Jodie TAYLOR (c), 11. Caitlin FRIEND, 12. Jackie VOGT, 13. Katrina GORRY 14. Enza BARILLA, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Louisa BISBY, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Stephanie TANTI, 19. Laura SPIRANOVIC, 20. Cassandra Dimovski (gk)
* four to be omitted
In: Laura Spiranovic (returns from injury), Georgie Koutrouvelis, Jackie Vogt, Enza Barilla, Stephanie Tanti (all promoted)
Out: Rita Mankowska (suspended – 1 week)
Adelaide United squad: 20. Kristi HARVEY (Gk), 3.Anna GREEN, 4. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 5. Abby ERCEG (c), 6. Ebony PHILCOX, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Leanne SLATER, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 11. Ashleigh GUNNING, 12. Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY, 13. Vanessa REED, 14. Donna COCKAYNE, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Grace HENRY 17. Katherine EBBS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 1. Sian MCLAREN (RGK)
* three to be omitted
In: Emma Checker, Grace Henry, Ebony Philcox (All return from international duty – Australia U-17)
Out: Ruth Wallace (injured)
Unavailable: Angela Fimmano (injured)
