Player watch: Canberra Times

My article below first appeared in today's Canberra Times.

Matilda’s Canberra striker Caitlin Munoz laid off a superb ball for Lisa De Vanna on Saturday night in Australia’s historic 1-1 draw with 4th ranked Norway in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Hangzhou, China.



De Vanna still had a lot to do. But the Matilda’s magician tormented the Norwegian defence before scoring her third World Cup goal for the Matilda’s equalling Australia’s all-time World Cup scoring record.

“I had a great view of Lisa’s goal,” said Matildas’ striker Caitlin Munoz speaking from Australia’s new base in Chengdu. “I tried to catch her to celebrate but she’s too fast!”

Canberra representatives Sally Shipard and Caitlin Munoz combined superbly in the opening game 4-1 win over Ghana on Wednesday. Shipard’s cross, controlled by Munoz, enabled Sarah Walsh to strike the first 2007 World Cup goal for the Matildas.

With Shipard suffering from a badly bruised toe, and Munoz recovering from a virus, both players were on the bench for Saturday’s night outstanding 1-1 draw with Norway.

Munoz came on in the second half with the Matilda’s trailing 1-0. Former Canberra school teacher and Matilda’s coach Tom Sermanni used his substitutes to great effect.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is averaging over 36,000 fans per game.

Australia head the group and now must gain at least a draw with world number 10 Canada to progress to the quarter finals for the first time. The game is live on SBS at 7pm on Wednesday.

And as the A-League bid for Canberra gathers pace, Canberrans are starting to make their mark across the league.

Adam Casey started up front for Sydney FC on Friday night against the Wellington Phoenix at Aussie Stadium. Casey was quickly into the action aggressively chasing down a loose ball in the 6th minute, and showed great composure to guide it past keeper Glen Moss into the Phoenix net to give Sydney the lead.

It wasn’t enough as the Nix came back with a superb goal from Brazilian Felipe, and then took the lead with a penalty from another Brazilian, Daniel. It was the Wellington team’s first win, and left Sydney FC bottom of the A-League.

Former under 20 Australian Captain and Belnorth junior Shaun Ontong made his debut for Adelaide United in their 1-0 loss to Newcastle Jets. Ontong has overcome a horror twelve months of injuries. At one point he was living in backpackers in Slovenia while trying to find a foreign club. A groin injury received while trialling meant he was left without a club or any medical assistance.

“I was treating my injury myself, basically looking on the internet to try and find out what I should be doing. I thought about packing it all in. But now Adelaide has given me a chance and I’m delighted to be playing again. I’m really enjoying my football again,” said Ontong from Adelaide.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley provided two goals in the Olyroos 3-0 win over Lebanon at Gosford in mid-week. He came down to earth with a bang yesterday as his A-League team slumped to a 2-1home defeat to Queensland Roar.

Eamonn’s Nearpost blog and weekly Aussie soccer podcast can be found at www.nearpost.blogspot.com