Canberra United have drawn their second game in a row to start the 2022/23 Liberty A-League Women’s season, away to the Brisbane Roar at Perry Park. A first half goal from New Zealand International, Grace Jale, was not enough in blistering conditions as both sides left with a point.
It was an even start to the encounter as both sides looked to control possession in the heat. United’s first real chance of the match came as Michelle Heyman picked up a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and then proceeded to win a free kick right on the edge of the box, with Grace Maher unlucky to not get the resulting effort on target.
Brisbane launched an attack soon after and could have been a goal up inside 12 minutes, if not for Kennedy Faulknor coming across to make a crucial goal-line clearance.
Following a quick drinks break, Brisbane had another opportunity denied. Shea Connors had her shot parried away by Chloe Lincoln, with the ball then cleared once again by Faulknor.
Despite the home side having a period of controlling pay, it was United that would find themselves in front as Grace Jale scored her second goal in as many games.
After a great passage of build-up play ending with Jale getting on the end of a Wu Chengshu header to tap the ball home and give Canberra the lead.
The goal inspired United as they looked to close out the half with more goals, Vesna Milivojevic going close on multiple occasions.
United picked up where they left off in the second half as Nickoletta Flannery charged into the box and squared the ball to Laura Hughes, who had her effort blocked.
Despite having the majority of the early pressure, it was the hosts who would score as Larissa Crummer got on the end of a rebounded save to level proceedings.
It was an end-to-end clash for the last 30 minutes of the match. United had a great chance to go ahead in the 77th minute as Maher forced a great save from Hensley Hancuff in the Brisbane goal.
United pressed hard for a second goal, with Milivojevic and Flannery proving to be a danger on multiple occasions late on.
It would not be enough however, as both sides had to settle for a draw at Perry Park. The final score one-all.
Canberra have the bye in round three, before being back at home in round four against the Wellington Phoenix on December 10.
