Matildas injury curse strikes as veteran goes down in last minute of dead rubber A-League game
The Matildas’ attacking stocks are in crisis, after veteran Tameka Yallop was carried from the field with a leg injury in the final minute of a dead rubber A-League fixture. More in the ALW Tackle.
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Matildas coaching staff will be holding their breath after midfielder Tameka Yallop was forced off the pitch in the final A-League’s game of the season with a hamstring injury just days after Mary Fowler’s ACL injury was confirmed.
It was a dead rubber game for the Roar, ruled out of the finals, on the back of an eight-game losing streak, but the ever competitive Yallop was determined to finish the game on a high.
Playing against Melbourne Victory as a striker, Yallop put her body on the line more than once during the game – but the Melbourne side took the win 2-0.
She was caught in a heavy tackle earlier in the game but it was a run in the final minutes of the game, trying to shut down the Victory keeper that left the star on the ground.
Yallop was treated on the field then had to be assisted off – unable to put any weight on her right leg.
She waited out the game behind the goal before being piggybacked off the field.
Yallop has been in top form this season with 12 goals this season.
If it proves a serious injury for Yallop it would be disastrous for the Matildas who have a very long list of injured players.
Ellie Carpenter, Hayley Raso, Katrina Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold all missed the last international window with injuries.
Fowler will face 9-12 months on the sideline after rupturing her ACL last week.
Sam Kerr is yet to make her return to the pitch after doing her ACL in January 2024.
VICTORY SEND MESSAGE
Melbourne Victory have sent a clear message to cross town rivals City ahead of the finals series.
Despite being caught a bit off guard by a determined Roar side early on, Victory got themselves back in the game to win 2-0.
Nikki Flannery got the first goal – a screamer into the top corner of the goal which could be a contender for goal of the season.
Fan favourite Alex Chidiac got the second.
Roar’s chances went downhill when Momo Hayashi was red carded for making contact with a referee after not agreeing with a decision in the 60th minute.
Victory finished the season just two points behind newly crowned premiers City.
The two teams have been in a tight race to the top of the table all season. City will be boosted by their undefeated streak but Victory are also on a roll – having not dropped a game since January 8.
Victory pulled off the win without star striker Emily Gielnik who was rested due to some achilles pain.
If both teams can keep their form during the finals series it could well be an all Melbourne grand final.
MOMENTUM BUILDING
A Fiona Worts brace secured a come-from-behind win for Adelaide United giving them the perfect confidence boost going into the elimination final.
Sydney FC started strong and were first on the board but Worts levelled the scores just before the break and locked in the win with a second in the 76th minute.
It is Adelaide’s second consecutive win and third in the last five outings. Coach Adrian Stenta said they were in a good position going into the finals.
“We’ve played all of the top eight sides in recent weeks and had to lean on different players,” Stenta said.
“The level hasn’t dropped when we’ve made changes, and that’s what you want heading into a finals series. We’ll be a tricky proposition for anyone.
“Last year was tough, but the club stuck by the players and coaching staff. We made some changes, yes, but a lot of the core remained, and they’ve shown real character to turn things around. I couldn’t be prouder of this group.”
ROAR STARS RETIRE
This weekend’s match against Melbourne Victory was the last for Brisbane Roar’s Mariel Hecher and Keeley Richards.
Both announced this week their plans to retire at the end of the season.
Hecher joined Roar for the 2020/21 season – making 48 appearances and scoring four goals.
“Retiring from football is never an easy decision, especially when you have been a part of a professional environment for a long time,” Hecher said.
“It becomes part of who you are and dictates how you live your life to enhance your performance.”
“I am ready for the next stage after football to focus on full time work, have weekends off, and spend more time with family and friends.”
“It was great being part of Brisbane Roar for the past five seasons. I have many beautiful memories, have met some incredible people and it will be a chapter that I will forever cherish.”
Richards, 30, made her debut at Canberra United in 2020 before signing with Roar for the 2023/24 season.
“Being able to play my last two seasons at home for Brisbane Roar in front of family and friends has been a true privilege. The support from the fans and Brisbane community is unrivalled and I’m very grateful for everything,” Richards said.
Originally published as Matildas injury curse strikes as veteran goes down in last minute of dead rubber A-League game
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