Canberra United have come back from a goal down to beat the second placed Brisbane Roar in a physical encounter at Perry Park, for round ten of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Womens.
Two changes were made to the starting eleven from the previous match, as Ruby Nathan and Alex McKenzie came in for Maja Markovksi and Holly Murray.
It was nearly a perfect start for United, as a mishit back pass from the Brisbane defender fell to the feet of Michelle Heyman, the striker’s effort being blocked before cleared away.
Heyman had yet another golden opportunity 16 minutes in, as a lofted ball in from Tegan Bertolissio found an unmarked Heyman, hitting the ball straight at the keeper.
The match started to heat up a little as both sides went into the tackle strongly with Sharn Freier receiving a yellow card for a foul on Hayley Taylor-Young.
That kept up in the second half, as Sofia Christopherson was shown a yellow four minutes in the second stanza.
There were chances aplenty at both ends of the pitch, however neither side could really create a clearcut chance to test the opposing goalkeeper.
With just under 20 minutes to go, the hosts were presented with a great opportunity to take the lead as Tameka Yallop did well to evade the United defenders before laying off to Laini Freier to open the scoring.
It was short lived lead for the Roar however, as United drew level less than ten minutes later. Picking up the ball in the middle of the park, Emma Robers drove forward before unleashing an incredible long range shot straight into the bottom corner, leaving the keeper no chance.
With only two minutes left on the clock, United completed a stunning comeback as Heyman got her fourth of the season. A long ball forward from Sally James initially went to Leia Varley, only for the Brisbane defender to be dispossessed by Heyman, the legendary striker calmly slotted the ball home to give United the lead.
Heyman’s goal would seal an incredible comeback win over the high-flying Roar, and ensuring Canberra left with maximum points.
