It was heartbreaking to watch for the Victory supporters as their Melbourne Victory Women’s side fell to Canberra United in the cruelest possible fashion. Here are our match ratings from the Semi-Final loss which went all the way to penalties.
Match Report > Penalty heartache denies Victory Grand-Final
***
✮ GK: Brianna Davey – 9.5 ✮
Absolutely immense for Melbourne, with the undisputed highlight of her game being the stunning triple save in the later stages of regulation time. Unfortunately couldn’t get glove on ball in the penalty shootout.
LB: Steph Catley – 6.5
Influence was tapered by the presence of the pacey Canberra forwards, which saw the skipper hold back on her trademark marauding runs. Was incisive when she did get her chance in the final third.
CB: Lauren Barnes – 8
Moved into the back four and provided a real presence across the defence. Swept up plenty of dangerous deliveries, made some last ditch tackles and dealt with a lot aerially.
CB: Hannah Brewer – 6.5
In at centre-back again and kept a clean sheet with the absence of Emma Checker over the first 90 minutes. Was decent but positioning at times was suspect, which allowed the Canberra forwards to slip through on a number of occasions
RB: Elli Reed – 5
Didn’t have a good time up against the rotating trio of Ochs, Heyman and Sykes and was eventually released further up the pitch in extra-time when Checker made her way onto the pitch.
CM: Amy Jackson – 5.5
Struggled preventing the Canberra counter, and did give the ball away too much. Entire midfield lacked structure off the ball.
CM: Ella Mastrantonio – 5.5
See above. Was ok in possession but didn’t offer drive through the centre of the park.
AM: Christine Nairn – 5
A poor game by the American international’s lofty standards. Was too trigger happy from long-range and rarely troubled. Passing was good, but not defence splitting.
LW: Lisa De Vanna – 7.5
Was Victory’s best by far in the front third. Not short of a moment of brilliance, or some slick trickery, De Vanna held the key to the Canberra defence, and went close on a number of occasions. Plenty would be wondering why the veteran didn’t take a spot kick.
ST: Racheal Quigley – 5
A largely anonymous performance from Quigley, who would be disappointed to end her season on a negative note. Still tried hard all afternoon, but the chances that came her way were few and far between.
RW: Beattie Goad – 5
Offered a start over Emma Checker ,which saw a personnel re-shuffle. Had a few bright moments down the flank but didn’t trouble the Canberra defence.
Sub: Emma Checker (on 90’) – 6
Slotted in at right-back for extra time and performed admirably. Quelled the attacking threat down the wing somewhat in an improved 30 minute display for the side.
Sub: Gulcan Koca (on 111’) –N/A
The unfortunate one to see her penalty saved.