A-League Women’s Tackle: Michelle Heyman scores 100th goal for Canberra Untied in win over Wellington

Michelle Heyman has thrust herself into the record books yet again, as Canberra joined Melbourne City in remaining undefeated and on top of the ALW table.

Matilda’s striker Michelle Heyman has put herself in the record books again… this time as the first player to score 100 goals for one club.

It took just 11 minutes to find the net - the goal coming off the back of a brilliant cross from Maja Markovski.

Last season Heyman set the record as the first player to score 100 A-League women’s goals. A total she quickly smashed on her way to winning the golden boot.

The goal was the only one of the match in their clash with Wellington Phoenix.

Phoenix certainly had their chances - 18 shots to Canberra’s 8 and held 68 per cent of the ball.

Canberra’s defence was put to the test with keeper Sally James making seven crucial saves.

The win puts Canberra at the top of the table with Melbourne City - the only undefeated teams this season.

Michelle Heyman celebrates with teammates. Picture: Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images

COSTLY OR NOT, VAR ‘INEVITABLE’

A brace from Melbourne City recruit Mariana Speckmaier has kept the reigning premiers streak intact after a physical clash that would have kept VAR busy if it was used in the A-League’s Women’s.

City, who took the lead against Melbourne Victory early, fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2.

But the match wasn’t without controversy with a penalty, six yellow cards and shouts for a handball.

Speckmaier, who joined City after a breakout season with Wellington Phoenix, got her first goal just six minutes in.

She delivered her second, which was the matchwinner, with just minutes left on the clock and was named player of the match at the final whistle.

Lourdes Bosch got City’s second goal.

Lourdes Bosch and Mariana Speckmaier starred for Melbourne City. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Victory’s Emily Gielnik netted the penalty with Alana Jancevski scoring the second and putting them 2-1 up at half time.

It was the second time this season City have had to fight their way back into a game – after going behind to Perth last week, before winning 5-2.

“From the moment the whistle blows we always feel we’re the best team on the field,” Speckmaier said.

“Regardless of whether we are behind or ahead, we always have that mentality that we can win the game.”

The Venezuelan national is no stranger to scoring in the ALW — she netted 10 with Phoenix last season.

What a way to win the Derby 🤩

🎥 @10FootballAU | #MelbDerby | 🔵 2-3 🩵 pic.twitter.com/7HSlWOV37u

— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) November 9, 2024

Both of her derby goals were on the back of brilliant runs and great combination play with American Bosch.

The duo have both spent time playing in the USA and Speckmaier said their chemistry on the field came naturally.

“We both understand the way we play and we’re just very trusting of each other,” Speckmaier said.

“I know when she goes one-on-one she is going to beat her player so I’m making sure I’m in the box and vice versa.”

The versatile attacker said she has had no trouble fitting in at the new club — evident by her performance on the field.

And fans can expect a few more goals from her this season — her aim to go better than the 10 she scored last season.

It was a very physical clash with six yellow cards dished out between the two teams.

A penalty against City’s Bryleeh Henry after a tussle with Gielnik in the box had some fans and even the commentators questioning if the referee had been too harsh.

But with no replays or live video referee assistance like the men’s competition the decision was stuck.

Victory’s Alex Chidiac seemed to end up on ground almost every time she touched the ball — clearly targeted by the City midfielders.

Emily Gielnik controls possession. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

There was another questionable handball by a City player on the outside of the box that didn’t warrant a whistle blow from the referee.

Rolling out VAR in the women’s league will be a big step. No other women’s league in the world uses it.

The cost is huge due to the extra cameras needed and of course — match officials.

Speckmaier said while a big step it is one that is inevitable.

“That is definitely where the game is going,” she said.

“That’s just what the future is and it’s already quite popular in the men’s game, so I can only see the women’s game heading in that direction.

“You are not always going to agree with the calls that are made and sometimes you are not going to agree with VAR, it’s just what the game is.”

Reigning champion Sydney FC has lost its first two matches of the new A-Leagues campaign.

OTHER RESULTS
Western United 0 - Central Coast Mariners 0

The first goalless clash of the ALW season so far. United was unlucky in front of goal with 18 shots to the Mariners’ five.

Brisbane Roar 1 v Sydney FC 0

The defending champions have now lost their opening two matches. Brisbane Roar had control of the game from the opening whistle. Tameka Yallop was in fine form - her free kick leading to Chelsea Blissett’s goal. Sydney FC lacked discipline and struggled to hold onto the ball in the midfield. The Matildas will be waiting on an update on Sharn Freier who was a late withdrawal from the Roar squad due to muscle tightness. The heat and threat of rain didn’t keep fans away from Perry Park either - the stands and hill were full.

Adelaide United 2 def Western Sydney Wanderers 0

A goal to Emily Condon in the final minute of the first half and a goal it Fiona Worts in the first minute of the second half gave United their first points on the board.

Adelaide attacked aggressively getting 25 shots off, with 13 on target.

Perth Glory 3 def Newcastle Jets 2

Glory’s Georgia Cassidy got her first ALW goal in the opening minute. Jets Josie Allan, clearly inspired by Kyra Cooney-Cross’ goal for the Matilda’s a few weeks ago, belted in a banger from outside the box to level the scores. An impressive effort for the 18 year old.

The second half was a one sided affair. Glory scored in the 50th and 65th minute.

Jets keeper Danielle Krzyzaniak was given a straight red card in the 68th minute after having a brain snap and trying to catch the ball well outside her box. Tiahna Robertson did well as the substitute keeper. Sheridan Gallagher in just her second game back in the ALW after a stint in NRLW scored a late consolation goal for the Jets.

Originally published as A-League Women’s Tackle: Michelle Heyman scores 100th goal for Canberra Untied in win over Wellington