Canberra United have fallen to defeat against Adelaide United in a physical Round Three match at ServiceFM Stadium, on Friday night.
It was a dream start for Canberra as a ball over the top from Mary Stanic-Floody found Michelle Heyman out wide, with the striker passing back to Kiara De Domizio, with the forward expertly curling the ball past the Adelaide ‘keeper for the opener.
Adelaide responded well, putting the Canberra defence under pressure almost immediately, and were unlucky not to equalise as Erin Healy blasted into the outside of the goal from close range.
The game opened up, as chances were had at both ends. Hayley Taylor-Young charged forward from defence, and shooting from range, with the ball straight into the arms of Claudia Jenkins. Heyman followed soon after with a first time shot but could not direct it away from Jenkins.
Canberra were left to rue their missed chances, as Adelaide levelled the scores 24 minutes in. Picking up a loose ball, Emily Condon drove into the box to fire the ball past Sally James, and bringing the hosts back level.
Adelaide were unlucky to not take the lead in first half added time, as Adriana Taranto blasted over from close range. The Reds were again presented with a great opportunity but were denied by a series of great saves from Sally James in goals for Canberra.
The second half provided plenty of entertainment, with chances at both ends met by strong defensive efforts from both sides.
As the game went on, Adelaide looked in control with a multitude of set pieces. Despite holding out a strong Reds attack for most of the second half, Canberra could not hold on forever, falling behind through a Matilda McNamara header off a corner.
Canberra responded well as Sienna Dale, into the match for her A-Leagues debut, caused problems with her pace up top.
Despite throwing everything possible at the home side, Canberra were unable to find a late equaliser, as Adelaide took the three points in a 2-1 win.
