Canberra United scored four breathtaking goals as they defeated Newcastle Jets 4-1 in the Westfield W-League at Deakin Stadium in oppressive conditions with striker Caitlin Munoz bagging a double.
Canberra United scored four breathtaking goals as they defeated Newcastle Jets 4-1 in the Westfield W-League at Deakin Stadium in oppressive conditions with striker Caitlin Munoz bagging a double.
Munoz struck twice, once with either side of the half-time break, as Canberra stormed to a victory that keeps the club in third spot on the Westfield W-League ladder ahead of the crunch tie against Sydney FC on the artificial turf of Seymour Shaw next week.
After losing 0-1 to Melbourne Victory in their least outing United were desperate to get back to winning ways to snap a two game losing streak and reaffirm the belief that come finals time this team is capable of going all the way. The only change from the squad that was beaten by Victory saw the return of Ashleigh Sykes to the bench for the luckless Tseng Shu-O who was hit by a falling tree in midweek.
Canberra-s last match at Deakin Stadium saw them bag four goals in the opening twenty minutes against Adelaide United and they started this match in similar vein ripping into the Newcastle Jets from the kick off.
It didn-t take long for Canberra to take the lead with the opening goal coming after just three minutes. A long ball over the top was met to perfection by Munoz who, with the outside of her left foot, flicked the ball on the full volley over the advancing Alison Lipsher and into the net for a wonderful opener.
If Munoz-s goal was brilliant, what followed was simply astounding. Michelle Heyman broke clear on the right flank and from fully 35 metres dinked a spectacular lob over Lipsher and into the net via the ‘keeper-s right upright to double the home team-s lead on nineteen minutes.
With Canberra creating chances almost at will it seemed only a matter of time before a third goal arrived. Heyman should have had a second herself when released by a penetrative through ball but hesitated when attempting to round Lipsher who made a classy save at the feet of United-s leading scorer.
The Jets have an in-form striker of their own in young Tara Andrews and seconds from the half-time whistle she brought the Jets back into the match with a splendid goal.
A cross into the area caused panic amongst the United defence and the ball fell invitingly for Andrews to turn and lash in her seventh goal of the season from fifteen metres giving Lydia Williams no chance.
The next goal would be pivotal in this tie and fortunately for the majority of a crowd of over 700 it came to the team in green. Once more United attacked down the flank and Sally Shipard attempted to fire a cross field ball over the rear of the Jets defence. Nikki Cross stretched out a leg to intervene but only succeeded in presenting the ball on a plate to Munoz who crashed a thunderbolt of a shot past Lipsher and into the top corner for another stunning goal.
Not to be left out of the goal party the ultra-impressive Emily Van Egmond, whose verve, distribution and all-round athleticism shone all afternoon, got her name on the score sheet three minutes from time with yet another scorching goal. As the game meandered to its conclusion, Munoz having wasted a couple of presentable chances to complete a hat-trick, United hit their fourth.
A slick move culminated in the ball breaking to Van Egmond 25 metres from goal and the midfielder didn-t break stride as she lashed a long range effort over the floundering LIpsher and high into the net to complete a memorable 4-1 victory for Ray Junna-s team and a performance that should set the team in good heart for the challenges ahead.
MATCH STATISTICS
Canberra United v Newcastle Jets
Saturday 15th January 2011
Deakin Stadium, Deakin
Canberra United 4 (Caitlin Munoz 4-, Michelle Heyman 19-, Caitlin Munoz 76-, Emily Van Egmond 87-) Newcastle Jets 1 (Tara Andrews 45+1-)
CANBERRA UNITED: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Caitlin COOPER, 4. Michelle HEYMAN (14. Ashleigh SYKES 47-), 5. Kahlia HOGG (19. Jennifer BISSET 39-), 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 10. Emily VAN EGMOND, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 13. Nicole SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 17. Leah BLAYNEY (9. Grace GILL 22-)
Substitutes not used: 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk)
NEWCASTLE JETS: 1. Alison LIPSHER, 2. Hannah BREWER, 3. Hayley CRAWFORD, 4. Nicole CROSS, 5. Gema SIMON, 7. Tara ANDREWS (15. Madeline SEARL 75-), 8. Amber NEILSON, 12. Melissa FEUERRIEGEL, 14. Carlie IKONOMOU, 16. Kate HENSMAN (6. Renee CARTWRIGHT 46-, 13. Thea SLATYER 57-), 17. Alex HUYNH
Substitutes not used: 20. Alison LOGUE (gk)
Discipline: YELLOW CARDS: 17. Alex Hunyh (Newcastle Jets), 11. Cian Maciejewski (Canberra United)
Match Official: Peta McCallum (referee), Brett Woodford, Greg Taylor, Luke Withell (4th official – replaced McCallum)
