Canberra Extend Unbeaten Streak to Seven

Semi Finals hear we come, Media Release United 1 Roar 1 from Canberra United below.



Canberra United have booked a date with the Newcastle Jets in the Westfield W-League semi finals following a 1-1 draw with the Queensland Roar at McKellar Park on Saturday evening in wet conditions.

Following the Central Coast’s 2-0 win over the Melbourne Victory prior to kick off, Canberra kicked off the match guaranteed at least third place with a possible home final on the line depending on other results.

Despite the torrential rain that tumbled all afternoon leading up to kickoff, the McKellar Park pitch stayed reasonable dry which was inducive to quality football arguably played by the league’s two most inform teams.

A controversial missed penalty by captain Ellie Brush following a failed sending off of Queensland keeper Casey Dumont proved significant in the outcome of the match as the visitors secured a late equaliser in another thrilling match.

With a changed line up due to injuries and fatigue, Hayley Crawford started in the middle along side notable defender Bronwyn Studman on the wing and Nicole Sykes starting at left back.

Studman had the first chance of the game and after only two minutes when Caitlin Munoz found the winger at the back post free but was unable to beat Queensland’s custodian Dumont near post with a quality save.

It was Queensland that had the better of the chances in the first half when Elise Kellond-Knight’s free kick forced a low save from Canberra goalkeeper Lydia Williams before striker Lana Harch nearly beat Williams far post with a curling shot from outside the box only minutes later.

The visitors best chance came mid way through the half when Tameka Butt lined up a shot that clattered into the crossbar after taking a deflection on the way to goal after 26 minutes.

The rain returned late in the second half with neither side able to create further opportunities as scores remained locked 0-0 at half time.

Both sides were determined to come away with the three points in the second half with entertaining football again leaving the 712 crowd on the edge of their seats.

The first chance of the second stanza fell to Munoz on the 52nd minute mark when the striker tried to create something out of nothing with a shot from a shot from a wide angle forced Dumont into making a save near post.

Minutes later it was Queensland on the attack and looked dangerous when Butt strolled her way into the box before being tackled but the ball fell perfectly for Harch who again couldn’t find the inside of the far post.

In the 66th minute, Canberra United were eventually rewarded for their hard work when Munoz found the back of the net after a neat give and go with Kara Mowbray on the end of the box left the dangerous forward with an easy finish far post.

Ten minutes later, the home side should have doubled their lead when captain Ellie Brush missed a penalty after Ashleigh Sykes was dragged down by Dumont with the keeper fortunate to remain on the park.

Sykes was chasing the rebound after Crawford’s blistering shot from 20 metres out struck the cross bar and some how managed to stay out of the back of the net but Sykes was on hand and took a touch toward goal only to be fouled by Dumont on metres from goal.

After Dumont was controversially not shown a red card, Dumont went from villain to hero second later denying Brush with a diving save to her right.

The penalty breathed life back into the visitors as Queensland pressed for an equaliser which eventually came in the 87th minute through substitute Vedrana Popvic breaking the hearts of the brave Canberra United supporters.

Two minutes after coming onto the park, Popvic headed home a pinpoint cross at the back post from an Alicia Ferguson cross wide on the right hand side of the park.

Both sides pressed on searching for the match winner but desperation was evident as both sides played long balls looking to catch either backline napping with prevail as the score remained locked at 1-1 come full time.

Canberra United head coach, Robbie Hooker, pleased with his side performance despite conceding the late goal.

“I thought it was an entertaining game and again thought we were the better side, created better chances and probably should have won,” Hooker said.

“It was another good all-round performance.”

“We kept possession well on a pitch and in conditions where you’d probably think that we wouldn’t be able to do that and out composure again in the last third was good along with the middle third.”

The draw extended Canberra United’s unbeaten streak to seven and look the form side heading into finals.

“We’ve got one more hurdle to get over before we make the Grand Final which on form should see us play Queensland again but in one off games sometimes things don’t go to script.”


Canberra United: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN (19. Jennifer BISSET 61‘), 5. Sasha McDonnell (12. Kara MOWBRAY 46‘), 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Rebecca KITING, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD, 13. Thea SLATYER (17. Christine WALTERS 69‘), 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES

SUBS NOT USED: 20. Maja BLASCH

GOALS: MUNOZ 66’
YELLOW CARDS: CRAWFORD 19’
RED CARD: Nil

Queensland Roar: 1. Casey DUMONT, 2. Kate McSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE (11. Ruth BLACKBURN 77‘), 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Alicia FERGUSON, 10. Lana HARCH (15. Stephanie LATHAM 93‘), 13. Tameka BUTT (14. Vedrana POPOVIC 85‘), 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT

SUBS NOT USED: 20. Lara BOON

GOALS: POPOVIC 87’
YELLOW CARDS: REUTER 14’, FERGUSON 21’
RED CARDS: Nil

Crowd: 712
Referee: Jacqui MELKSHAM


Ends

Contact

Chris Gottaas
Media and PR Officer
Canberra United FC

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Lucky Queensland?

Queensland Roar may have won the Minor Premiership but they can't beat Canberra United.


They lost at home earlier in the year to United and should have lost tonight.

Ashleigh Sykes was brought down in the second half with United leading 1-0. Casey Dumont the six foot Queensland keeper should have been carded but in keeping with the overall quality of W-League refereeing she stayed on the park and saved the subsequent Ellie Brush penalty.

And what might that mean for the Roar's chances next week.

And indeed Canberra's.

Verdana Popovic scored, an offside goal according to the Canberra players after the game, but in truth the game should have been dead.

Queensland started stronger, playing football from their keeper, passing out from the back. A different style to Canberra but today it was easily thwarted.

Kate McShea and Alicia Ferguson controlled the game early but the Canberra defence held firm and Lydia Williams was rarely tested.

In the second half Hayley Crawford ran the show. Her ball skills, deft passes were a delight to watch. Sasha MCDonnell was withdrawn and Caitlin Munoz dropped deeper.

Suddenly it was all Canberra and when Crawford and Munoz combined around the edge of the dee, Crawford played in Munoz, and Caitlin finished with aplomb for her fourth of the season. The crowd loved it.

Then came the turning point. Again Crawford pulled the strings, gliding past players and making room for a wonderful shot which hit the bar and the ever alert Ashleigh Sykes pounced but was tripped by Dumont.

Late on the Roar kept playing their passing game, it was slow and ineffectual. But from a deep cross Popovic escaped her marker and headed home from close range.

Tameka Butt was tricky, Elise Kellond-Knight worked hard. Claire Polkingthorne was kept busy all afternoon by the pace of Sykes.

For Canberra Bec Kiting, Ellie Brush were strongly supported by Thea Slatyer. Williams was confident in goal. And young players Nicole Sykes, Bronwyn Studman all played their part.

Amy Chapman again tormented the Roar and linked well with Munoz.

This league has enabled many players to reach for the heights, particularly new and younger players.

The Canberra crowd has been the best in the league and over 700 turned up again in atrocious weather.

A great battle and these two sides may well meet again.

The FFA should play final games in Canberra if Canberra get there, for the good of the game:)

Hear Lauren Colthorpe, Lydia Willams, Rhian Davies and Ellie Brush review the game and the season on the Nearpost Tuesday from 6.30pm.

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Happy Christmas to you!

And isn't it great that there is some football on Boxing Day in case we are losing at the cricket or your favourite ship is last in the exciting Sydney to Hobart boat race.

And of course only 3 more sleeps until Canberra United play again.

And for Christmas I hope you get what you wish for, peace to you all.
A goal for John Aloisi, a plan for John Kosmina and for me

A team for Canberra that's not too much to ask for is it:)

And if you can join a few of us at the Canberra Centre Mon or Tues 29th to get the Supporters Pledge campaign rolling along then email me at flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com

Thanks for all your comments, support and views during the year and may your team do a little better next year...yes even if you are a Rangers, Man Utd or Sydney FC fan:)

Cheers

Eamonn

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Capital Punishment head to Sydney.

Dressed in green, Capital Punishment fans headed to Sydney to show support for Canberra A-League's bid. A great day was reportedly had by all..read more...

Capital Punishment, Canberra’s newly formed Canberra A-League and W-League supporters group headed to Sydney FC on Sunday to barrack for Canberra in the Sydney FC Perth Glory clash at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Resplendent in green the supporters were in good mood from the off.

A Canberra Times photographer and ABC TV crew filmed the singing, chanting group on departure from McKellar Stadium.

The group were well prepared. Faces painted, shirts on, and banners made for a colourful scene and when asked to provide a chant, the newly formed group rose as one with “Ole Ole Ole Canberra Canberra.”

The fan group were a mix of male and female young and old all out to enjoy the historic day.

Perth Glory players were a little surprised to see the away end filled with Green shirted fans rather than their usual Glory purple. But at the end with a 4-1 drubbing of Sydney in the bag they were happy to celebrate with anyone!

And the Canberra fans in true Aussie tradition had sung loud and hard against Sydney FC all afternoon. A taste of things to come when we enter the league?

Eugene Dadi and Nikita Rukavystya were the first to give the fans the high five and sign autographs. Nikolai Topor-Stanley was presented with a shirt from fan group organiser Anthony Hatton and proudly swung it around his head.

Socceroos Legend Tony Popovich and former Sydney FC players Mark Rudan and Ufuk Talay signed the fans banner.

Ned Zelic came over after the game and spent time chatting with the fans.
Bid Leader Ivan Slavich, who travelled on the bus with the fans wearing his Capital Punishment shirt, agreed it was a wonderful trip.

“It was a fantastic day out, a bringing together of many people in the community to show support for the bid. We’ve still got a lot of work to do but days like this add real value to the community and the bid. I’d like to thnk Anthony Hatton for organising the trip. He’s done a wonderful job.”

Fox Sports covered the singing Canberrans during the game, “Give us a licence, Give us a licence,” they chanted. One wag suggested they should have sung “Give us Sydney’s licence,” such was the home sides performance.

A great day and a bus trip home with memories and stories locked away.

And a special mention to Ken Sharp, Commercial Manager, from Sydney FC who welcomed and assisted the organisation of the day.

The community focus for the bid now turns to securing 20,000 pledges, we’re already over 4,000, if you can support or assist in anyway please contact flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com

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1150 see Canberra win, 500 more pledges for A-League

Russ Gibbs called the game on 2XX, and it was a great call. I listened, unable to get to the game, but the excitement of the the United win, the chanting of the crowd and goals goals goals made for great radio.

For those 1152 lucky enough to see "the best W-League game this season" I suspect they will be back next week for the Queensland game.

To hear Robbie Hooker, Amy Chapman and Tal Karp interviews tune into 2xx 98.3fm today from 3pm...or get it streamed from www.2xxfm.org.au

Official Match Report below.

Last Minute Winner Secures Final's Berth

Christmas arrived early when Canberra United secured a berth in the Westfield W-League semi final’s courtesy of a last minute goal from Amy Chapman to win 3-2 over the Melbourne Victory at McKellar Park.

In a nail biter, three goals scored in as many minutes in the second half to see the Victory level the scores twice as the 1152 in attendance were all on the brink of heart attacks before Chapman sealed the three points and a finals spot in the 93rd minute.

Canberra’s Ellie Brush set the tone with the first goal of the match courtesy of spectacular goal in the 35th minutes despite the efforts of the Victory backline.

Brush’s initially hit the cross bar with a header from a Chapman corner before Sasha McDonnell followed up from the rebound but he attempt was cleared off the line with the Victory defence before the captain put the home side in front.

The visitors had the first chance of the game only five minutes from kick off when Sophie Hogben found herself in space but couldn’t beat Lydia Williams in goal with a shot directly into the arms of the goal keeper.

After Brush gave Canberra United the lead with her third goal of the season, McDonnell should have made doubled the lead when the striker found herself all alone on goal but a great stop by Victory keeper Melissa Barbieri kept her side in the game at half time.

It didn’t take long for the home side to nearly extend their lead in the second half when striker Caitlin Munoz cut inside at the top of the eighteen yard box but struck her shot just over the bar after only five minutes into the second stanza.

Seven minutes later, Canberra United continued to press forward as Munoz played a ball into the box from the left hand corner which sailed over everyone’s head including Barbieri but Chapman volleyed the opportunity over the gaping goal.

Victory nearly made Canberra United pay for the missed opportunity two minutes later when Selin Kurulay came within a coat of paint of levelling the scores when her shot beat Williams but struck the crossbar.

As time worn down, Melbourne continued to press forward and create opportunities in search for an equaliser but it was Canberra who nearly scored when the pacey McDonnell chased down a back pass which nearly defected straight to substitute Ashleigh Sykes after Barbieri tried to clear the ball.

From an angle Sykes should have put her side two goals to the better but managed to miss the target despite Barbieri stranded near the top of the box.

This time the visitors made Canberra pay for another missed chance when Sarah Groenewald levelled the scores after Williams was caught out of position and watched helplessly as the ball rolled into the back of the net in the 82nd minute.

With heads in hands around McKellar Park, Kara Mowbray sparked life into the stadium when she put the home side back in front only a minute later after the winger beat the defender before calmly slotting the ball home just inside the left hand upright.

Canberra looked to have secured a final’s spot for the second time in the game until Melbourne had other ideas when Marlies Oostdam found the back of the net over the out stretched arms of Williams just inside the far post after 85 minutes of play had passed.

The travelling Melbourne fans thought they had salvaged a point from the road trip north until last week’s provider turned goal scorer in the 93rd minute when Chapman found the top corner with a speculative left foot from about 30 metres out despite Barbieri getting her finger tips to it.

Winning goal scorer, Amy Chapman, credited her side for their patients and their hard work in Canberra United’s first home win of the season.


“It’s definitely exciting for us to get some points after 90 minutes of working hard,” Chapman said post match.

“Sometimes it’s backfired for us against the Central Coast and Newcastle when we lost in the final minutes but we stuck at it today and nearly let it slip away a couple of times but we kept our composure.”

“We were a bit disappointed to let in the goals we let in but the atmosphere was amazing.”
“The Canberrans really get out and support us.”

“It’s really exciting now being in the finals and hopefully even get a home semi.”

The home side confident regardless of who they end up meeting come semi final time with only one round remaining in the Westfield W-League season.

“If we play some quality football and take out chances I think we’re one of the only teams able to beat Queensland in this competition but it’s whether or not we’re about to capitalise on our opportunities we create.”

Canberra United is confident their season is back on track after the win over the Victory despite results not going their way earlier in the year.

“I think we’re gelling well now at the end of the season.”

“We made it difficult for ourselves by not getting points early on but it’s six games now undefeated which is pretty good lead up for our finals campaign.”

Chapman though didn’t go as far as to apologise for the heart ache the fan’s suffered during the thrilling match.

“We’re just keeping our fans on their toes and scoring in injury time also heaps but I think we’ve been playing consistently well away from home and maybe a few nerves play a role at home but today shows that we were the more composed and experienced team.”

But Chapman admits it’s a big relief to finally come away with the three points at home and get her first goal of the campaign.

“It’s really good to win in front of home fans who have been consistently coming out and supporting us and now we’re just excited to be in the finals.”

“I did say I was going to go for a run today because I wanted to get on the scoresheet but at the end of the day it’s a team game and I think we created a lot of opportunities and finally relieved to finally get one in.”

Canberra United: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rhian DAVIES (4. Bronwyn STUDMAN 62‘), 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 5. Sasha McDonnell (14. Ashleigh SYKES 72‘), 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Rebecca KITING, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Kara MOWBRAY, 13. Thea SLATYER

SUBS NOT USED: 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Maja BLASCH

GOALS: 7. BRUSH 35’, 12. MOWBRAY 83’, 3. CHAPMAN 90+3’
YELLOW CARDS: 2. DAVIES 37’, CHAPMAN 75’
RED CARDS: Nil

Melbourne Victory: 1. Melissa BARIERI, 2. Megan ARCHER, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 9. Rebecca TEGG (7. Sarah GROENEWALD 52‘), 11. Brittany TIMKO, 12. Sophie HOGBEN (21. Sarah RICHARDSON 62‘ (10. Stephanie TANTI 88‘)), 14. Selin KURULAY, 15. Daniela DIGIAMMARCO

SUBS NOT USED: 20. Nicole PAUL

GOALS: 7. GROENEWALD 82’, OOSTDAM 85’
YELLOW CARDS: 2. ARCHER 22’
RED CARDS: Nil

ATTENDANCE: 1152

REFEREE: Lee COREY

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Canberra to secure home final?

Canberra United thumped the Central Coast Mariners 3-0 in Sydney today. With Sydney losing to bottom place Perth and Melbourne losing to table topping Queensland, Canberra moved into joint second place, albeit for a short time with Newcastle expected to thump Adelaide tomorrow.

And next week United are at home to Melbourne Victory who are one place above; we could be set up for a home Semi if United do the unthinkable and win at home and the Jets lose to Queensland.

Ere we go, ere we go. ere we go. Who scored Caitlin Munoz, Hayley Crawford and Captain Ellie Brush.

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Volunteers to win the bid....oh and two Fed. Members

Yes it's all about the money but the increasing army of volunteers is beginning to make waves across the Community.

Slowly but surely we have people from all the clubs in Canberra approaching the Canberra A-League bid.

With the Western Sydney bid on the nose, the major financier just signed on to Sydney FC, Canberra, I believe, is leading the pack.

20,000 signatures required and more foundation memberships or even Corporate Club Memberships that's what we can do now for the bid.

Russ Gibbs leads the way with 750 signatures I vowed to beat him. It's a personal thing with him and me:)
Wilhelmina Kemperman has many to report in.
Christine Ng has at least 300 in hand
Steve Forshaw 150
Eamonn my good self 400
Aaron Walker, Tim Skinner, Fitsum Habtemariam, John Barilero, Spiros Pajkoski, Mick Klimi (Cooma) Carlo Aliffa (Goulburn) ANU Gym, Ranse Maclean, Michael West, Ben Sakker-Kelly, Jess Salvage, Danny Marlow, Jason Thornton, Graham Wilson, Kenrick Winchester, Adam Castle, Chris Conti and Rob Janssens are all on the job.

I've probably missed a few.

Last night at Turner School, a Christmas Concert with a queue for sausages. 40 people asked 100 signed on including kids. I would have got more but the concert started!

We're aiming for 5,000 by Christmas, 20,000 by Feb 28....and of course if you can get 100 yourself we'd love to hear from you....

and remember you are not alone..but the more you get the less everyone else has to get.

Be part of something special.

This bid is going to win. Now is the time to jump on board....and push this bid over the line. The more the number rises the more people will hear about it and take notice, the more the number will rise.

Two Federal Members of Parliament pledged their support yesterday. Mike Kelly and Kate Lundy. Not a signature, I mean, they will open doors to assist the bid....

We're starting to make waves...and it's feeling awesome!

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Nearpost Radio Tonight

Download National Show includes interview with Tom Sermanni and A-League W-League wrap.



Local Football show includes interview with Grace Gill Canberra United Star and a look back at Canberra FC's 50th and all the Canberra A-League news.
Download

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Canberra A-League fans head to Sydney FC

Join the bus with Ivan Slavich here Ned Zelic will meet the group at the game and lots of media coverage for this historic trip.

Can't make the bus, or live in NSW or Sydney you can still join the fans and do your bit for the Canberra A-League bid, and get cheap tickets in the Canberra A-League bay. Contact.

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Supporters pledge begins.

We had one person at Tuggeranong United Summer Sixes last night and Tuggies Juniors on Friday. Just one.

Over 660 people signed up.

A big thankyou to Russ Gibbs.

Can you get more than Russ, at your club, in your local shopping centre, or workplace. Please contact me.

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Football to save Aussie Financial Crises!

SOCCER could be the unlikely saviour of the flagging Australian tourism industry, according to research by the NSW Parliamentary Library.

The article below was in the Australian, written by the Political Reporter. Slowly we're moving from the sports pages and people are seeing the possibilities for the Country through the game.

This can only be a good thing for the game in the coming years. Me, I got my tickets and I'm off to Tokyo for the Japan Australia World Cup Qualifier.

Why?

To help solve the Japanese financial crises of course..and that's the sort of guy I am.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...013404,00.html


Football focus to kick tourism goals



Imre Salusinszky, NSW political reporter | December 03, 2008


SOCCER could be the unlikely saviour of the flagging Australian tourism industry, according to research by the NSW Parliamentary Library.

Investment in soccer could also boost Australia's exporting and diplomatic efforts, thanks to the surging popularity of the sport in Asia.

Researcher and economist John Wilkinson says universities could leverage Australia's membership of the Asian Football Confederation by offering training programs for Asia's new breed of football administrator.

Dr Wilkinson estimates the 2018 World Cup could contribute $5.4 billion to the local economy if Football Federation Australia is successful in its bid to host the Cup, which runs for five weeks and is considered the biggest sporting event in the world.

He also says soccer could be the avenue for deepening cultural contacts with the region.

"Encouraging more Asians to travel to Australia (given the rise in Asian overseas travel) necessitates getting Asians to know Australia better," he writes.

"One way to do this could be taking advantage of the surge in popularity of football in Asia ... there appears to be a significant interest in football in China and this could be taken advantage of, to encourage even more Chinese tourists to visit Australia."

Dr Wilkinson credits Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corporation, owner of The Australian, with igniting Asia's passion for soccer by beaming in European games via BSkyB and its affiliates since 1989.

The 2002 World Cup, which was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, was watched by 11.1billion viewers in Asia, compared with 4.1 billion in Europe.

Events NSW research director Rob van den Honert agreed that soccer generally, and the 2018 World Cup in particular, could boost Australia's diplomatic and trade efforts in Asia, comparing the effect with the role played by rugby in trans-Tasman relations.

With the Rudd Government already pledging $32 million for the development of soccer over the next four years, Mr van den Honert agreed that established codes such as Australian football would be "terrified" if the round-ball game received even more public support.

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Canberra United draw.

Ful report from Canberra United below

Canberra United FC
Media Release
Saturday, 6th December 2008

Canberra and Sydney Draw Level

Canberra United extended their unbeaten streak to four games but could only managed another 1-1 draw at home this time against Sydney FC in a thrilling and physical fixture.

In an effort to score more goals, Canberra United opted against the classical 4-4-2 formation by playing three upfront, four in the middle and three in defence.

Sydney FC had the first chance through Servet Uzunlar who nearly caught Canberra United custodian Lydia Williams off her line but an outstretched arm palmed the ball over the bar in what’s becoming a trademark save for the Canberra keeper.

In the 30th minute, Westfield W-League’s leader goal scorer Leena Khamis had Sydney FC’s best chance of the first half when the striker found herself one on one with the keeper but Williams charged out and made another great save.

Seven minutes later, Canberra United’s Caitlin Munoz put the home side on the board first with a rocket from 20 metres out left Sydney’s keeper Nikola Dieter no chance of getting a hand on it to the delight of the 840 in attendance.

It didn’t take long for Sydney FC to strike back when defender Rhian Davies took down Sydney’s Nicola Bolger from behind in the box in the shadows of half time.

Jordan Marsh stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted the penalty past a Williams diving to her right hand side.

With scores level at half time 1-1, both sides came out firing but it was the visitors who dominated the second half but it was the home side who had the better of the chances.

Ten minutes into the second half, Canberra’s Grace Gill limped off with what’s been initially diagnosed with ankle ligament damage and expected to keep her out of action for about four weeks.

The home side nearly took the lead fifteen minutes into the second half when Ellie Brush pushed the ball out wide to Munoz who played a dangerous ball into the box along the deck but striker Ashleigh Sykes couldn’t redirect the ball towards goal.

Ten minutes later Canberra had another opportunity, when Ashleigh Sykes flicked on a Munoz thrown in across the face of goal but neither Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray could get boot to ball.

With time winding down, Sydney FC had a great chance of their own with ten minutes remaining when Kylie Ledbrook played a ball into Leena Khamis who back heeled to Ledbrook on the penalty spot but Brush slide across to deny the visitors a shot on goal.

Canberra’s last chance came with five minutes to go when a communication breakdown between defenders left Ashleigh Sykes and Caitlin Munoz along with the keeper but both players had eyes for the ball and hit the ground when they collided with each other.

Canberra United’s head coach Robbie Hooker wasn’t pleased with the result but admitted it was a fair result.

“Not pleased, considering that was a game we needed to win to be in with a chance to get a home final,” Hooker said.

“But just the way the game ended up panning out, I think a draw at the end of the day was probably a fair result.”

Hooker admits that the goal of a home semi final is becoming increasingly difficult despite the fact that his side is on a four game winning streak.

“If you look at our last four games, a win and three draws, it’s going to mean we are going to have to string together three more wins and go unbeaten for seven weeks now, that’s a big ask,” Hooker said.

“To make a home-semi final, it’s going to be tough.”

The draw sees Canberra United remain in fifth while Sydney FC sit in third with three games remaining in the season.

Canberra United: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rhian DAVIES (12. Kara MOWBRAY 69‘), 3. Amy CHAPMAN (19. Jennifer BISSET 87‘), 5. Sasha MCDONNELL, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL (8. Rebecca KITING 57‘), 10. Hayley CRAWFORD, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Ashleigh SYKES

SUBS NOT USED: Nil
GOALS: 6. Caitlin MUNOZ 37’
YELLOW CARDS: 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI 59’, 13. Thea SLATYER 78’
RED CARS: Nil

Sydney FC: 20. Nikola DIETER, 3. Danielle BROGAN, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Lisa GILBERT, 6. Servet UZUNLAR (13. Loren MAHONEY 86‘), 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 16. Linda O’NIELL, 17. Danielle SMALL, 18. Nicola BOLGER (15. Jessica SEAMAN 72‘), 19. Leena KHAMIS, 21. Jordan MARSH
SUBS NOT USED: 1. Rachel COOPER, 14. Maggie ELHUSSEINI
GOALS: 21. Jordan MARSH 43’,
YELLOW CARDS: 5. Lisa GILBERT 16’, 16. Linda O’NIELL 21’, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK 89’
RED CARS: Nil

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Sales Team Volunteers: Could this be you?

We've had one person volunteer to sell Foundation Memberships by phone. He is a Sales Manager of many years experience and will teach you the ropes and write the script. In short he'll lead the Sales Team.

It costs nothing, and unfortunately we can't pay..but happy to enter into interesting negotiations..say number of sales equal a free season ticket if/when we get in...If you have some time, we have an office in Civic for you to use.

Do you know a person who think would do a sensational job please pass the info on. The time to help the bid is now and the more volunteers the less work for all those involved. Hey it could be fun!

If you can volunteer to sell FM's after 5pm any day please let us know.

Increasing the number of FM's is crucial to the bid and with an increase in chatter across town in the coming weeks we'd like to lift our numbers.

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20,000 Canberra A-League Supporter Pledges. The search is on.

One of the criteria set by the FFA at the recent meeting called for 10,000 Canberra and Regional Supporters. Ivan Slavich is aiming for 20,000.

On Saturday Canberra A-League Bid Leader Ivan Slavich and Canberra Times General Manager Ken Nichols will launch the Supporters Pledge Campaign...and it's free!

So we'd love you to sign up www.a-league4canberra.com and help get others to sign up.

Please download the Supporters Pledge form
a-league4canberra.com.au/userfiles/file/support[1].pdf

and take it to your workplace, school, club or shopping centre and help us reach our target.

And if you sign up through Saturday's Canberra Times you can win a free coaching clinic with fmr Socceroo Ned Zelic, Canberra United packs and signed A-League footballs.

And of course you can send the link on to your friends, family and colleagues.

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Nearpost Radio talks football!

National Show:
National Show Download

Including all the A-League news, A-League review, Socceroos A-League team and W-League wrap and more.



Download Canberra United and Tuggies Gunners fan Keon Ansell

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Canberra A-League news

Two paid staff.
10,000 supporters petition to start this week.
Regional meetings planned.
Search for major Sponsors ramped up.
Bus trip to 21 Dec, Sydney v Perth full steam ahead...sign up and send a signal to the FFA.
Football infrastructure; fine details been worked on.


Project Manager, Canberra A-League Bid that's me! So guess I'm going to be busy.

Last nights Committee meeting was the best and most dynamic I've attended. There is in my opinion, a real dynamism about our bid and our possibilities.

With two positions being funded this clearly shows the intent and capabilities of the Canberra bid.

With Investor funds secured the search is on for Sponsors and Coporate Box indications from Canberra, Australia and Overseas. We are spreading our net wide to utilise the advantage of the appeal of the World Game and our great Capital City/Region.

Securing the annual revenue and increasing community support and awareness, developing the football infrastructure, and foundation memberships have now increased in priority ahead of the FFA decision in March.

Can you organise a petition at your workplace, club or local shopping centre....a few hours work is all we need.

Do you have contacts of sponsors through your work or community links we should chase up. Please contact me to discuss further flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com

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