A dominant second half showing from Canberra United has given the team a stunning upset win away to top of the Melbourne Victory for United’s first win over the opposition in eight years, and first away win in nine years.
It was a far from ideal start for United at the Home of the Matildas, as the hosts took the lead four minutes in. Holly Furphy sent in a dangerous cross towards the centre of the box with American striker Kennedy White nipping in front of the United defence to poke the ball home for the opener.
United grew into the encounter, holding out Victory’s attacks while creating chances of their own.
Just over 20 minutes into the first half, United found the equaliser after a strong passage of play, ended with a stroke of good luck.
A rampaging run forward from Hayley Taylor-Young saw the wingback deliver a dangerous ball to Sienna Dale. Dale’s deflected effort eventually fell to Bethany Gordon with a first time strike from the midfielder deflecting off Nanako Sasaki for the Japanese midfielders first goal in green.
United would have one more proper opportunity on goal in the shadows of half-time, as Josie Aulicino sent a well weighted cross towards Michelle Heyman, only for Zoe McMeeken to head the ball out for a corner.
The hosts had the first chance of the second half, as Holly Furphy was clear at the back post only to be denied by a last ditch effort from Tegan Bertolissio to block the shot.
United responded perfectly to the early pressure, with Sasha Grove finding the back of the net with a brilliant looping shot.
A brilliant team goal stunned the crowd, as Grove stood unmarked at the top of the box, taking a touch before sending the ball over the head of Courtney Newbon in goals, bouncing into the top corner off the post.
Victory ramped up the attacking pressure but is wall too easy for Sally James, with the ‘keeper comfortably claiming everything that came her way.
With just under 15 minutes left on the clock, United went up by two as Sofia Christopherson, in for her first minutes of the season, sent in a dangerous ball that was deflected in by Kayla Morrison for an own goal.
Not content with a two-goal lead, United continued to create chances, with Heyman unlucky not to find the back of the net.
Despite a late flurry of chances, United held strong for a stunning upset win over the league leaders, to temporarily propel the side into third place.
