Normally known for her crunching tackles, Canberra United midfielder Cian Maciejewski has added another string to her bow in the Westfield W-League this season – scoring important goals.
Normally known for her crunching tackles, Canberra United midfielder Cian Maciejewski has added another string to her bow in the Westfield W-League this season – scoring important goals.
The combative midfield enforcer had not scored a goal in the green of Canberra United prior to the Round Six visit of Brisbane Roar to McKellar Park, some fifteen matches, but since breaking her duck in the 1-2 defeat to the reigning Champions she has looked lively in front of goal.
Indeed, but for the errant leg of Perth Glory defender Jaymee Gibbons, Maciejewski would have been celebrating three goals in three games after opening the scoring in the 3-1win against the Newcastle Jets last weekend.
“The first goal gave me my confidence,” Maciejewski said.
“It-s not that I didn-t believe I could score, but once I did find the net it gave me more confidence to know that I can score. It-s more mental than anything, but it-s a good feeling, I always want to be on the score sheet.”
“In fact, I reckon I should be on three goals already this season as that goal against Perth was definitely mine. After watching it again on DVD I feel a bit robbed actually!” Maciejewski joked.
United battled extreme conditions at Energy Australia Stadium to maintain their finals push, something that pleased Maciejewski.
“We got on pretty well despite the heat and missing a training session last week because of it. We came away with what we wanted, which was the win. We held them out pretty well,” Maciejewski commented.
“It was like a sauna. We had two drinks breaks, which we really needed, and lots of bottles (of water) on the sidelines which was also a huge help, so we coped okay.”
“There was no-one who came down with any heat-stroke or anything so that was good. However, It was definitely the most oppressive conditions I have ever played in,” she said.
This weekend Canberra faces a massive clash with fifth placed Melbourne Victory, knowing the Victorian side is only trailing United on goal difference on the ladder. Despite that, Maciejewski is sure that United have the edge.
“We-re confident of getting a result. The players are finally gelling and bonding together on and off the pitch and we can definitely come away with a win. Even if it-s a draw its better than nothing, but I believe we can come away with a win,” she said.
“They have a strong midfield, but if we can match that and get our defenders back covering, as well as attack, which we have finally been able to do recently, we should be able to pick up the required points.”
United travels to Olympic Park in Melbourne on Saturday to face Melbourne Victory in Round Nine of the Westfield W-League with kick off at 3:00pm. With both teams on 11 points the result of this game could well decide the final spot for the semis. Tickets are available through Ticketek and the match will also be shown live on ABC 1.
