Canberra United will look for their second win of the season as they welcome Newcastle Jets to McKellar Park on Saturday.
Canberra United will welcome Newcastle Jets to McKellar Park this weekend as they look to end the Jets’ recent string of wins.
United claimed a stirring 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar away last weekend in a physical encounter, and will be without tireless speedster Jasmyne Spencer, after she was carried off following a heavy tackle in that clash.
United showed their ability to stand up in a physical encounter though, and with a vocal home crowd backing them this weekend, will be prepared for anything Newcastle bring with them.
Trudy Burke’s impressive display between the sticks last weekend saw her claim Player of the Game honours, and said the first win is helping the team.
“It’s good to get the first win up,” she said.
“It was a tough game but the team all stuck together and we came away with it in the end, so this week we’re all buzzing… it’s a good feel around the place.”
Saturday will mark the team’s first clash at McKellar Park this season, and the United players are sure to be up for the occasion.
The team in green did not lose at home at all during the regular season in 2015/16, and it is a streak that many would like to see continue into the new season.
The sides only met once last season, in a 0-0 draw in Newcastle in Round 5 but there are bound to be more goals this time out.
Both sides are boasting more formidable attacks this season, with United in particular having strengthened across the front line.
Canberra United head coach Rae Dower makes only one change to her squad this week, with the injured Spencer replaced by youngster Laura Hughes in the 16-strong squad.
Newcastle were also dealt a blow last weekend with Kelsey Wys carried off with a knee injury, later confirmed to be an ACL injury which likely ends her season. Annalee Grove was signed following the news and comes into the Jets squad travelling to Canberra.
Canberra United squad: 1. Trudy BURKE (gk), 2. Yukari KINGA, 4. Clare HUNT, 5. Jenna McCORMICK, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Hayley RASO, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Hannah BREWER, 13. Celeste BOUREILLE, 14. Ashley SYKES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Laura HUGHES, 19. Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20. Georgia BORIC (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 17. Laura HUGHES (promoted)
Outs: 9. Jasmyne SPENCER (Ankle – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: 15. Emma CHECKER (Knee – 3 weeks)
Newcastle Jets squad: 2.Sophie NENADOVIC, 3.Elizabeth O’REILLY, 4.Megan OYSTER, 5.Arin GILLILAND, 6.Cassidy DAVIS, 7.Gema SIMON (c), 8.Emma STANBURY, 9.Jennifer HOY, 10.Rhali DOBSON, 13.Grace MACINTYRE, 17.Jenna KINGSLEY, 18.Clare WHEELER, 19.Ashlee BRODIGAN, 20.Claire COELHO (gk), 25.Annalee GROVE (gk)
Ins: 25.Annalee GROVE (gk) (new signing)
Outs: 1.Kelsey WYS (gk) (ACL – season)
Unavailable: 12.Chloe LOGARZO (ankle – 4 weeks)
