Watching the Australia Indonesia game on Wednesday night 11.30pm our time? Watch out for the above banner in the Australian end. A Canberran studying in Indonesia had the banner made by locals, and she will take it to the game on Wednesday.
Absolutely awesome....more details as I find out more:)
Tickets for the Socceroos game are on sale at www.ticketek.com.au
Thursday for the Football Family members
Friday 9am for General Public.
Support the game, support Australia and send a message from Canberra to the rest of Australia....for our "litmus test," from the FFA. Will be interesting to see how we go.
Release from the FFA below:
The Qantas Socceroos will face Kuwait in their first home match of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage, presented by FOXTEL, at Canberra Stadium on Thursday 5 March 2009 (kick-off 8pm AEDT).
"This is a great opportunity for the people of Canberra to support the Qantas Socceroos in an important Asian Cup qualifier, and also to demonstrate the strength of their football support," said FFA Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan.
The Qantas Socceroos have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage along with Indonesia, Kuwait and Oman. The top two teams from each group of the qualification stage will progress to the AFC Asian Cup 2011 which will be held in Qatar.
ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, welcomed the decision to have the Qantas Socceroos play this important match in the nation's capital.
“This match will be a highlight of the 2009 Sporting calendar in Canberra,” Mr Stanhope said.
“The Qantas Socceroos have captured the imagination of the Australian public and it’s now our turn to show our support. I’d encourage everyone to attend what will be a high quality game of international football and demonstrate to the FFA the strong following that football has in Canberra and the region”.
Australia’s match schedule for qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 involves:
§ 28 January 2009, Indonesia v Australia, Gelong Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia
§ 5 March 2009, Australia v Kuwait, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia
§ 14 November 2009, Australia v Oman, Venue TBA, Australia
§ 18 November 2009, Oman v Australia, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman
§ 6 January 2010, Kuwait v Australia, International Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
§ 3 March 2010, Australia v Indonesia, Venue TBA, Australia
Australia needs to finish in the top two places of Group B to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 at the end of this round.
The last time the Socceroos played an international in Canberra was an Oceania Cup match on 1 November 1996 where Australia defeated Tahiti 5-0 in front of crowd of 9,421. The match was also the 84th and final international appearance for the long standing captain and striker Paul Wade. Current Canberra United Westfield W-League coach Robbie Hooker scored the opening goal of the match in the 11th minute.
Tickets for the match will go on sale to the Football Family from 9am (AEDT) Thursday 22 January and to the general public from 9am (AEDT) Friday 23 January from all Ticketek agencies, online and by phone.
All home Qantas Socceroos matches in the qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 are proudly presented by FOXTEL.
All Qantas Socceroos matches are broadcast live and exclusive on FOX Sports.
ENDS
Match Details
AFC Asian Cup 2011 – Qualification Stage – Group B
Australia vs Kuwait
Thursday 5 March, 2009
Kick-Off 8:00pm AEDT (7:30pm ACDT, 7:00pm AEST, 6:00pm AWDT)
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Ticket Prices -
Category A - $60 – all tickets
Category B - $40 Adult, $20 Concession, $100 Family
Category C - $25 Adult, $15 Concession, $65 Family
Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child)
Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards
Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required)
Child - 4–16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)
Family - 2 Adults and 2 Children
On Sale Dates –
9am Thursday January 22, 2009 – Football Family priority offer (one day only)
9am Friday January 23, 2009 - General Public
Web: www.ticketek.com.au
Phone: 132 894
all Ticketek agencies.
The FFA will meet Ivan Slavich and Millissa Fischer at the end of Feb.
We need 20,000 signatures by then, we have 6,500 already. This is our HUGE chance to get an A-League team...and before Western Sydney get their act together..we could well be in.
Can you help in Canberra or across Southern New South Wales?
Email: Ben Sakker Kelly
There are three ways you can help....read on....
Three different ways you can help out at the moment.
1. Volunteer to collect signatures at the Canberra Centre, Bundah Street entrance from 11AM-1PM or as long as you can do, either Saturday or Sunday next weekend. Email me if you’re keen to come
2. Volunteer to collect signatures at a junior club registration day (email me and I'll send you club rego dates). This is a huge opportunity to get more signatures so send me an email if you can do a particular day.
3. Forward the chain email I’ve written (below) to your networks. Even if you’re unable to come out and assist in person, this would be a huge help as its just as easy for people to sign up online and the quicker the email gets circulating, the better.
Thanks to everyone who has helped out so far – you’ve ensured that the numbers keep ticking over for the signatures and we’re already over 6,000!
Cheers,
Ben
Copy and paste this into an email and assist the Bid now!!
All you have to do is go to http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/site/SupportersSignUp1.php and put down your name. You can sign up for your kids and family too.
Forward this to at least five of your friends and by the time the Football Federation meets our bid committee in late February 2009, we’ll hopefully be well on the way to 20,000 signatures!
You can also download paper forms to take to work at http://a-league4canberra.com.au/userfiles/file/support%5B1%5D.pdf
Many thanks,
Ben
All fans have the chance for the 2XX Nearpost/Farpost Canberra United player of the year.
It's so simple to vote, but only once please coz we know what you are like:) Entries are only accepted by email. Blog replies will not be accepted...why? Just because..okay.
Email flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com or russ.gibbs@mail.com
My player of the year:
First (Best)
Second
Third.
Russ Gibbs will co-ordinate the results coz I can't count. Trophy will be presented on behalf of the supporters (hopefully) at the inaugural Canberra United presentation night.
And watch out for Nearpost Commentator Russ Gibbs Canberra United yearbook coming out in next fortnight
Focus on all the players, packed with facts and figures.
Foreword by Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni
Columns by:
The Journalist:Merryn Sherwood, Canberra Times
The fan: Mark Parton, 2CC Radio
The CEO: Heather Reid, Canberra United CEO
The Captain: Ellie Brush, Captain Canberra United
Teh Coach: Robbie Hooker, Coach Canberra United
Yer man Gibbs has done an awesome job I reckon...even if he is a United fan...Man Utd apparently!
Queenland powered to a 2-0 and wrapped up the inaugural Grand Final early.
Goals from Lana Harch and Tameka Butt gave the classy Roar the edge and there was no way back for Canberra.
Alicia Ferguson was injured for the Roar and this allowed the pacy Ellen Beaumont a start and she sped past Rhian Davies in the sixth minute. Her cross bounced back off the bar and in the confusion Harch slotted it home.
Thea Slatyer was clearly fouled but sometimes you just have the luck. And today proved to be just that sort of day for Canberra.
If that goal was perhaps questionable the second from Tameka Butt was pure class. A delicious strike from the edge of the box and 2-0.
Canberra were stunned.
Amy Chapman was not at her best, an injury taking it's toll? Caitlin Munoz a little out of touch. But Queensland didn't care. They hassled and chased and when they got the ball they worked it well, releasing their pacy forwards at every opportunity.
United were penned back and the midfield was too far away from the forwards to make an impact. Similar to last week only this time United were behind.
Should Ashleigh Sykes have started? Did they need Grace Gill in centre-midfield? Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Queensland passed the ball better, Lauren Colthorpe, Ellen Kellond-Knight and Tameka Butt controlled the midfield and upfront the Canberra defence was continually tested.
How many of them will be in the Matildas squad?
Sasha McDonnell worked hard but was isolated too often to make any real impact.
Coach Robbie Hooker changed things at half-time and he had to. It was a Grand Final after all.
And if 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in football you always thought if Canberra got one then maybe just maybe. Remember Iran!
But the Roar stood firm. Canberra lifted the intensity, pushed more and more players forward. Kate McShea and Claire Polkingthorne were invincible...all game, maybe all season.
Courtney Beutal would have impressed Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni. Casey Dumont also.
Finals can pass you by quickly and this seemed to pass United. A half chance here, an Ashleigh Sykes goal ruled offside, a Munoz shot blasted wide but only the green-eyed could see a goal coming. I could but It didn't:)
Over 5,000 fans. Chanting and colour from the crowd. A large away support. And sponsors thanked after the game. The new football.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley presented Lana Harch the player of the match award in full suit but no tie!
Football in on Australia on the rise again, today it was the Women's turn and Canberra played on the National stage in a National final.
A great season, a great journey and we'll all be back for more next year.
Well done to Queensland; and Canberra of course.
United fans watch out for Russ Gibbs Canberra United yearbook out soon. Interviews, quotes, stats and more.
And vote for your Nearpost/Farpost fan Canberra United player of the year. Email flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com and I'll forward the results to Russ. Russ will announce the winner at the Canberra United Presentation night Feb 14th..check with Capital Football.
1. Best
2.
3.
Canberra United in the Grand Final! Today!
The Caps did it a few years back, the Brumbies, the Raiders and now Canberra United and it's live on the telly.
Grand Final Day:
Get up.
Read the paper.
Read it again.
Brekkie.
Take the pledge boards down to the Canberra Centre.
Get a few more signed up.
Back for pre-match rest.
Settle in front of TV early.
Bite nails.
Pride swells when Canberra line-up. We'll have the National Anthem won't we? Tear when camera goes past Caitlin and Chappy and go.
Sweat like crazy during game, kick every ball, every ball.
Hit the roof and act like a prized prat when Caitlin scores. Watch daughter staring.
Cheshire cat grin when we lift the cup.
Return to adult like behaviour.
What's your routine?
His goal attracted attention, then his smile, now his abs...and I'm not talking about the Sydney Coach John Kosmina.
Canberra not only produces wonderful footballers it clearly produces wonderful bodies:)
Don't all Canberrans you know look like that!
Kofi could probably make more money from modelling than football..in hthe short-term.
Either way I wish him well, with the sort of scrutiny and comments he's been getting this week he'll need all the luck in the world.
Awesome. Boxing Day Test, Melbourne Cup, Anzac AFL game and now the Australian Day blockbuster.
v Indonesia with 90,000 in attendance in Jakarta. It's expected to be an A-League team for the Asia Cup Qualifier. Here's my team.
Eugene Galegovic
Brad Porter
Craig Moore
Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Scott Jamieson
Travis Dodd
Paul Reid
Mark Milligan
Michael Zullo/Taj Minniecon
Archie Thompson
Danny Allsopp/Matt Simon
20 players required.
Pick your team or squad and post it here.
Should Cheryl Salisbury be dropped? Should Elyse Perry be included. Courtney Beutel in? Jo Burgess to remain a Matilda? Is Melissa Barbieri under threat from other keepers?
Ashleigh Sykes, Kyah Simon, Courtney Beutel, Lana Harch ahead of a returning Sarah Walsh?
Ellie Brush, Linda O'Neill, Emily Van Egmond Tamara Butt could they squeeze into the squad.
So much talent, so many judges...now it's been on the telly. So do your best and help Tom Sermanni out:) Russ Gibbs will announce his squad on the Nearpost radio on Tuesday next.
Canberra United: it's the final but who should start?
Pick your team and post it here.
Will the Socceroos play in Canberra in March?
Apparently it's Canberra or Perth for the Kuwait game and today is D-day. Pim Verbeek and Ben Buckley will discuss the options today...expect an announcement before the week is out....though don't be surprised if the Gold Coast make a late run.
Logic tells me the Gold Coast to boost football before the A-League team comes in, but if Canberra get......what could that mean?
Canberra United defeated Newcastle Jets 1-0 in the W-League Semi-Final in Newcastle this afternoon to take their place in the first historic W-League final next weekend.
If Sydney defeat Queensland tomorrow Canberra will host the final.
For now isn't it great to see the team from the Capital in the final.
And it wasn't easy.
The Jets started well but came up against an inspired Lydia Williams in the Canberra goal.
She saved a rasping drive early, used her height to punch to great advantage on many occasions and even had to face a late Cheryl Salisbuy onslaught. But for a keeper brave enough to play in China in a World Cup with a broken arm, make that two World Cups this was a walk in the park....or a bruise in the ribs.
The Jets had the wind and the advantage in the first half. Joey Peters and Kate Gill were a theat all afternoon.
But Thea Slatyer lead the defence superbly, once again, closing down the early Gill breaks.
Canberra settled and Ashleigh Sykes showed her pace out wide. Caitlin Munoz was always positive on the ball and Amy Chapman was at her industrious best in the first half.
In fact it was Chapman who released Sykes down the right roared on by the Canberra fans who had make the six hour journey.
And Sykes used her pace and skill to get past Jenna Simon and played a delightful ball behind the retreating defence.
The incoming Kara Mowbray slotted the ball to make the score 1-0.
It was that way at half-time with both sides trying desperately to create clear openings.
The Jets came out on fire. Emily Van Egmond went close on a number of occasions. The Swedish import Frostevalle showed excellent pace to get into good shooting positions and Kate Gill had a couple of opportunities to do better.
The Canberra side was under the pump and tiring on a warm windy Newcastle afternoon. But Robbie Hookers team are well organised, particularly in defence.
Ellie Brush would have caused watching Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni further thoughts with another tidy display. Sasha McDonnell worked hard all afternoon and was frustrated to be substituted in the second half.
Bec Kiting was tested throughout, but the defensive unit held firm.
And then Canberra who were always looking to steal possession and release the pacy Sykes did just that with 15 to play. One on one the young Dubbo star watched her shot come back off the keeper. She could have sealed it.
The Jets immediately threw on the most capped Australian football Cheryl Salisbury and immediately she found space in the box and drove hard for goal. A superb save and catch by Williams was the Canberra keepers answer.
And then the Australian Captain charged for a high ball. One of the most fearsome sights in Women's football but she was ably match by Williams who picked up a few bruises for the cause. Salisbury was booked for her challenge.
It wasn't always pretty but Canberra United are in the first ever W-League final.
A great team performance with the defence holding firm throughout. Ashleigh Sykes created the goal, the only goal of the game. That one run from Sykes was perhaps the difference between the two sides.
The Jets had most of the play but couldn't get enough time or space in front of goal. And that's the difference.
Player of the Match: Lydia Williams. Confident throughout. She's a keeper who allows the team to perform in front of her. And should the opposition ever get through the defensive eight then you can be almost certain Williams will stop whatever comes her way.
Who would bet against Canberra United now?
As the A-League bid for Canberra ramps up it's interesting to note preparations for our young players continue apace at various clubs, inparticular at ANU FC under John Mitchell's Coaching.
ANU downed Newcastle Jets last weekend and head to Sydney FC today for another game but the program been undertaken is perhaps more interesting and is outlined below.
Report starts here:
ANU Football Project Produces Early Result Early on Sunday morning 16 young footballers returned to Canberra without
fanfare or public comment, but with a deserved sense of pride and an infectious
sense of fun and hope.
This group of footballers had just defeated
the Newcastle Jets National Youth League in Newcastle.
This was the first outing for the new ANU FC squad who boast an average age of just 17.
The National Youth League is an Under 20 competition and the Newcastle Jets
players were all 19 and 20 and vying for a place among Australia’s footballing
cream ‐ a stern test for the burgeoning ANU squad which included 15 year old
Dom Falla and 16 year olds, Tom Rogic, Alex Meibusch, Danai Gapare and Declan
Poon.
An ANU FC spokesperson said the Club were thrilled at their new venture to
support the development of elite youth footballers. “What an extraordinary first
result for us. The new squad has been training together since mid‐November
and the result speaks volumes about the success of the program thusfar."
New Head Coach, John Mitchell, has brought a professional program to the Club and
the players can’t get enough of it … there were over 30 players at training the
night before the Newcastle game.”
The ANU FC program includes an intensive gym program designed by former
English Premier League strength & conditioning coach, Andrew Young. The
players are in the gym three times per week in the close season in a fully
sponsored program.
The on‐field program is based on the former AIS model originally developed by Socceroo Technical Adviser, Ron Smith and indeed Smith took charge of the ANU squad for a few weeks in December.
In addition to the Canberra based program, Mitchell has arranged for many of
the players to train with Sydney FC. This week a further four players are trialling
at Sydney – Luke Pilkington, Tal and Cyffin Evans and Ben Mitchell.
Next week the ANU are on the road again, this time to play the Sydney FC youth
team who currently top the NYL table.
The Canberra Times understands a decision on the location for the first game could be made in the next two weeks.
Barr said the opportunity came about because of discussions with the FFA about Canberra's bid for an A-League team.
You might have missed it but former Majura junior and AIS Graduate Kofi Danning came on for his A-League debut for Sydney FC on Saturday night.
He didn't change the game, nor make much of an impact. But he played in front of 23,000 fans in Adelaide and he's just 17.
Good luck to our latest Canberra football rising star.
It's very interesting seeing the numbers and range of people who are supporting the Canberra A-League bid.
Recent stalls at the Canberra Centre have shown that anyone and everyone is likely to sign-up.
My favourite?
Mrs Wensing.
When approached by a volunteer to sign up for football, she dismissed the volunteer with a brush of the hand and some annoyance at been asked. I watched the exchange with some amusement....
But then as Mrs Wensing walked away the penny dropped.
Do you mean football as in Soccer? she asked and she was back in a flash.
Well suddenly we found a new best mate.
Mrs Wensing played football in Holland as a young girl on the streets of Eindhoven. She always shouts for Holland and of course Australia when we make the World Cup.
I love football, and I'd love to see a team in Canberra, said Mrs Wensing.
Thankyou Mrs Wensing.
The support for the bid is proving to be across the board, young and old, male and female. Very interesting.
Socceroo Carl Valeri takes time out from his short break from Italy's Serie B to show support for the Canberra A-League bid.
Fitsum Habtemariam, myself, and Jono MaClaren are just some of the volunteers who took time out for a photo with Carl.
We have over 5,000 pledges of support. This is down to our growing band of volunteers.
As the feel for the bid appears to be growing across the city and the region the numbers of people able to assist even on a limited basis is increasing and giving further support to those who have already done a fair bit.
We have been given access to a wonderful spot in the Canberra Centre for the next couple of months, so if you can give a couple of hours of your time once a week, once a month or just once please let
"Ben Sakker Kelly"
We generally get 4 or 5 people out at the same time so you'll have plenty of support.
Or if there are other ways you can assist at your work, club registration day, school or local shops please don't die wondering.
Any other ideas we'd love to hear although if you can take the idea on we may be able to get some people to assist.
Happy New Year. 2009? Will we get an A-League team?
Would be a good move for Carl. Many rumours at this time of the year this is just another one.
Time for Canberra's Socceroo to move methinks...here's hoping it's to a higher league.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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!
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.
