Ante Juric’s Sydney FC squad fell short to Canberra United at McKellar Park after Michelle Heyman netted the only goal of the match.
The Sky Blues will have one more shot at claiming the Premiers Plate this Sunday when they take on Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue Clash at Leichhardt Oval.
Sydney FC 0 def by Canberra United 1 (Heyman 56’).
Moments That Mattered
40’ – GOALKEEPER DENIES SKY BLUES – Canberra United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln denies Mackenzie Hawkesby’s on target strike after a free kick was awarded to the Sky Blues.
56’ – HEYMAN GOAL – Canberra United forward Michelle Heyman draws first blood for the match, claiming the opening goal.
69’ – WHYMAN SAVE – Jada Whyman stops Vesna Milivojevic from increasing Canberra’s lead with an incredible save from the centre of the box.
76’ – DOS SANTOS MAKES AN ATTEMPT – Young gun, Indiana Dos Santos attempts to level the score with an assist from teammate, Maddie Caspers but is blocked by Lincoln.
What They Said: Ante Juric
“It hurt that we lost. I don’t like to lose and we haven’t lost for about 10 weeks.
“The Premiership is still in our hands so that is a good thing but more hurt about not winning when had some chances to do that.
“It definitely wasn’t our best. We were a little behind. Our first half was better than the second. We had a lot of chances, we dominated and they didn’t get out of their half.
“We have been through this before. Last year we lost the semi-final against Western United and had to come back. We are resilient. Today was a downer but we will bounce back.
“We have lots to play for. To be in history with these girls it would be deserved but we are focused on the game and putting 100% in.
“Today, I think will be a positive. With everything at stake, we will be ready for Victory.”
Match Report: Sydney FC went down 1-0 to Canberra United following a second half goal from Michelle Heyman. Unable to bring home the three points, the Sky Blues will have a tough game ahead of them against Melbourne Victory this weekend to secure the Premiers Plate, before the A-league finals.
The first 45 minutes of the game was dominated by Sydney FC in the Canberra half but the chances the created couldn’t be finished off.
Sydney FC made 11 attempts at goal, including a set piece involving iconic trio Mackenzie Hawkesby, Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini.
Young guns Caley Tallon-Henniker and Abbey Lemon also attempted to draw first blood but Canberra United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln shut out any potential goals. The score was nil all at the halftime whistle.
The second half started with a bang and left no time to waste. Canberra United quickly set their sights on goal, but the Sky Blues made it no easy task with both Shay Hollman and Charlotte McLean attempting to spoil any plays by their opposition.
Canberra United forward Michelle Heyman was the first to score for her side this evening. Heyman’s right footed strike from close range found the bottom right-hand corner, after a long range shot had been parried.
An save from Jada Whyman in the 69th minute forced Canberra United to remain only one goal ahead of the Sky Blues. Indiana Dos Santos attempted to level the score, but her strike was blocked by Lincoln. The final score was 1-0 in favour of Canberra United
Despite not bringing home the three points this evening, the Sky Blues have one more chance to lift the Premiers Plate next Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval as they take on the Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue clash.
Sydney FC: 1. Jada WHYMAN (GK), 2. Margaux CHAUVET (21. Shay HOLLMAN 55’), 3. Charlotte MCLEAN, 4. Tori TUMETH, 11. Cortnee VINE, 14. Abbey LEMON, 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16. Jordan THOMPSON, 18. Taylor RAY (26. Madeline CASPERS 57’), 20. Princess IBINI (22. Indiana DOS SANTOS 72’), 24. Caley TALLON-HENNIKER (9. Shea CONNORS 46’)
Unused Subs: 40. Jasmine BLACK (GK)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Canberra United: 1. Chloe LINCOLN (GK), 2. Alex MCKENZIE, 3. Sarah CLARK, 4. Holly MURRAY, 8. Sasha GROVE, 9. Ruby NATHAN (23. Michelle HEYMAN 46’), 11. Deven JACKSON (5. Emma ILLIJOSKI 77’), 16. Madelyn WHITTALL (19. Nickoletta FLANNERY 60’), 17. Vesna MILIVOJEVIC, 22. Cannon CLOUGH, 28. Tegan BERTOLISSIO (13. Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON 46’)
Unused Subs:13. Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON, 18. Coco MAJSTOROVIC (GK)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None.
Venue: McKellar Park
Referee: Georgia Ghirardello
Attendance: 957
