ALW Tackle: Melbourne Victory secure important win over Adelaide as Sydney FC continue hot streak
A chaotic clash in the desperate race to clinch second place on the A-League’s ladder finished in Melbourne Victory’s favour with a narrow 2-1 win over Adelaide United.
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A chaotic clash in the desperate race to clinch second place on the A-League’s ladder finished in Melbourne Victory’s favour with a narrow 2-1 win over Adelaide United.
It was a close encounter, as expected with both teams, who sit second and third on the ladder, in top form coming into the match.
But it was Victory who finished the match triumphant – just.
They were first to score, in the 69th minute but gave up the lead conceding a penalty for a handball in the 86th minute.
Victory refused to settle for the draw firing straight with Nicky Flannery scoring her second for the night.
The win, which also secures Victory the Pride Cup, put them just two points behind league leaders Melbourne City and two points clear of Adelaide United.
It had been a very close first half with both teams struggling to break through and create options.
While Adelaide had the majority of the ball Victory were more daring in front of the goal with eight shots to United’s two by the first break.
Melbourne weren’t afraid to take shots from well outside the box – putting debutant Adelaide keeper Ilona Melegh under a great deal of pressure.
The 16-year-old shot stopper was brought into the fray just moments before kick off after regular keeper Claudia Jenkins succumbed to a knee injury in warm up.
Victory’s rising young star Holly Furphy was a standout with her daring runs and incredible skill on the ball creating some magical opportunities for the home side.
Flannery’s break came in the 69th minute with a brilliant strike from distance – the powerful shot of her right foot just too good for Melegh.
Both teams got physical, their desperation showing, with Victory picking up 11 fouls and Adelaide 8.
Victory are desperate to hold onto top spot or even steal the lead from City.
The top two teams will avoid the first round of finals – progressing straight to the two-legged semi-final.
SKY BLUES BATTLE ON
After dwelling at the bottom of the table for the entirety of the A-League’s season Sydney FC’s three-game unbeaten streak has their finals hopes alive.
The Sky Blues’ pulled off a convincing 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers to leap up the ladder and are well within reach of the top six.
It was a tight first half and would have likely ended 0-0 if Wanderers’ Amy Harrison hadn’t handballed in the box in the 47th minute, Mackenzie Hawkesby had no problem converting the penalty.
Teenage striker Indiana Dos Santos scored what would be the final goal of the match in the 64th minute – making her the youngest player to score a goal in the Sydney derby.
The 17-year-old said it was an “amazing feeling” but was more focused on helping get the team to finals.
“I’m so proud of the girls. It’s our never say die attitude, we just keep working and whatever comes our way comes our way,” Dos Santos told Paramount post match.
Sydney FC will line up against Perth next followed by competition front runners Adelaide.
If they can pull off another two wins and other results go their way they could be in the race to defend their title.
CANBERRA LOSE KEY PLAYER
Canberra United’s hopes of making finals have taken a big hit with centre back Liz Anton departing for a contract with Kolbotn in the Norwegian league.
The New Zealand national team player joined the side at the start of the season and has been a crucial part of Canberra’s success.
Before signing with United Anton played 62 games for Perth Glory.
With Canberra United’s future still uncertain due to the financial constraints of Capital Football and the plan for a men’s expansion side falling through for the second year running – Anton is unlikely to be the last player making a move from the club.
VICTORY LOCK IN CAPTAIN
Melbourne Victory have locked in captain Kayla Morrison until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The 28-year-old American import made it clear how much she values the club and said she had no intentions of transferring to any other A-League’s side.
“I’m loyal to a fault, that is just ingrained in my DNA,” Morrison said.
“I just feel like Victory has done so much for me. I’ve played my best soccer at Victory. I’ve learned so much under Jeff (head coach Jeff Hopkins) at Victory and was finally taught how to be a defender … And then obviously, when I was injured, Victory did everything for me to get me back.
“I just feel like I’ll never be able to repay them. So they have my loyalty. As long as I’m in Australia, I’m sure I’ll be at Victory.”
The captain has 77 games in Victory colours since joining in 2020/21. An ACL injury had her in the stands for her second season but she was quick to reinsert herself into the team the following year.
Originally published as ALW Tackle: Melbourne Victory secure important win over Adelaide as Sydney FC continue hot streak
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