Canberra United have fallen to defeat at the hands of Melbourne Victory, going down two goals to nil at AAMI Park in Round Eight of the 2023/24 Liberty A-League Womens season.
Victory enjoyed much of the possession in the early stages of the game but could not do much to break down the resolute Canberra defence.
Growing into the game, Canberra used their pace in wide areas to attack the Victory defence with Sofia Christopherson and Nickoletta Flannery finding the ball plenty.
Despite holding Victory at bay for much of the opening half an hour, Canberra fell behind through a McKenzie Weinert goal. A wide ball found the feet of Weinert with the Melbourne attacker finding the back of the net to open the scoring.
Canberra had plenty of their own chances as Vesna Milivojevic and Michelle Heyman were at their usual dangerous selves. The midfield duo of Mary Stanic-Floody and Ava Piazza also proved to be a danger, as the pair consistently tested the Victory defence with through balls over the top.
Victory had a chance to double their lead close to half-time but were denied by a great double save from Chloe Lincoln, keeping the scores at one goal to nil, in favour of the home side at the break.
It was an unfortunate start to the second half for Canberra with Chloe Lincoln receiving a straight red card, adjudged to have brought down Rachel Lowe outside the box.
Soon after and Victory had their second, as Kurea Okino got on the end of a well weighted through ball to extend the lead for the home side.
Despite being down to ten, Canberra continued to press forward and cause problems for the Victory defence. Fresh off her signing announcement on Thursday, American defender Sarah Clark showed her quality, to sit in a more advanced position and provide plenty in both attack and defence.
Making just her second appearance for the club, Coco Majstorovic stood tall in goals, reacting well to keep out the hosts on multiple occasions.
Canberra continued to push, despite being down a player, with the introduction of Ruby Nathan into the game providing a spark in attack. Heyman was often found unmarked in dangerous positions, with the legendary striker unlucky to not score.
A tough afternoon was brought to an end, with Canberra United going down two goals to nil to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park. The team from the capital is back in action on December 23, taking on the Central Coast Mariners at McKellar Park. Tickets on sale now.
