The Sportsmart Women’s Premier League is back for 2014, and if the first round is anything to go by, we’re in for a very competitive season.
Box Hill United and Ashburton kicked off the season on Friday night with the result finishing 5-2 in favour of the hosts, but things could have turned out different had Ashburton put away a penalty in just the fourth minute of the contest.
Monbulk Rangers were next up and showed their capability of holding their own at this level, but were not good enough on the day succumbing to a 3-0 loss at home to Heidelberg. Fellow newcomers Boroondara Eagles sprung a surprise on title favourites Bundoora United with a gutsy 0-0 draw, while Cairlea and Casey played out a scrappy 1-1 tie.
Last season’s Grand Finalists both got off to perfect starts, with Sandringham thrashing the FFV U17s 6-1, while South Melbourne beat Bulleen Lions 4-1 on their own patch.
There were many standout performers over the weekend, and here are who we think deserved Team of the Week selection.
Starting XI (5-3-2 formation)
GK: Melissa Barbieri (Box Hill United)
Back from a successful stint with W-League outfit Adelaide United, the experienced goalkeeper saved Paula Loveland’s penalty not once, but twice after a retake was ordered by the referee. Barbieri also made a few crucial saves in the second period before conceding her two goals, one from the spot and a stunner from Jesse Kotsikas.
DR: Ally Gayfer (Boroondara Eagles)
The teenager had a sensational debut in the WPL, seeing off the double threat of Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Stacey Papadopoulos with aplomb. Gayfer was a rock at right back all night, and was a big reason Bundoora United were unable to breach the Boroondara’s back line for much of the night.
DC: Penny Bakopoulos (Heidelberg United)
Having been converted into a centre back last season, Bakopoulos has gone from strength to strength and was once again a standout against Monbulk on Saturday. She played a major role in Heidelberg’s stringent defence on the night, preventing any shots on goal from Monbulk as well as cutting off every dangerous through ball Monbulk attempted.
DC: Melissa Missailidis (Bundoora United)
It wasn’t smooth sailing by any means for Bundoora United, but Missailidis was who they needed at the back as Boroondara counter attacked with speed. Her interceptions were key for Bundoora, as the likes of Sarah Petty, Ellen Turner and Rachel Quigley played in numerous crosses. She also kept Louise Mason relatively quiet and helped Bundoora avoid a bigger upset on the night.
DC: Ellie Brush (Box Hill United)
It was a fine debut from the Canberra United defender, and she dictated the play from the back once Box Hill had wrestled control of the match. Brush also scored the crucial first goal for Box Hill, smashing in a rebound from a Jasmina Pedic shot to open the floodgates for the hosts.
DL: Angie Rassias (Heidelberg United)
The left back was another solid performer for Heidelberg, making sure absolutely nothing got through on Monbulk’s right flank. The uncompromising defender also burst forward on occasions and was rewarded for her endeavour with a goal in the 85th minute, tapping in a Julia Nicolaci cross.
MC: Emma Gross (Boroondara Eagles)
Another one of Boroondara’s teenage contingent to make the team, her performance against Bundoora belied her tender years as she found home against a midfield consisting of Gulcan Koca, Matilda Ford and Padiki Dade. While Bundoora were not at their best, Gross was a key part of ensuring Boroondara didn’t get overrun in the middle of the park.
MC: Julia Nicolaci (Heidelberg United)
The playmaker was a vital cog for Heidelberg against Monbulk. In what was a game with very little time and space, Nicolaci’s precise passing and crossing was a feature of the Berger’s performance, assisting two of the three goals. Her first was a ball over the top of the defence to Melanie Camilleri who was left with a simple finish. The second to Rassias was another cross from the left flank that drew the keeper out of goal, leaving the left back with the goal at her mercy.
MC: Selin Kuralay (South Melbourne)
No Mo, no worries. Kuralay stepped into the departed Morany Chek’s shoes against Bulleen and didn’t put a foot wrong. The former W-League player showed her class as she scored after combining well with Laura Spiranovic, then assisting Tijen Hussein for her debut goal.
ST: Jasmina Pedic (Box Hill United)
On debut for Box Hill, Pedic left no stone unturned as she fired a hat trick against her old club, rubbing salt into Ashburton’s wounds on what was a rather forgettable night from them. Her display of deadly finishing was a perfect way to start her stint at Box Hill, and now leads the goalscoring charts after the opening round.
ST: Nicola Prins (Sandringham SC)
Prins began where she left off last season by scoring two against the FFV U17s team. Not one to dwell on Grand Final memories, she was potent up front alongside Emma Runnalls and was ruthless in front of goal. She also could have had a hat trick, but had one goal chalked off for a tight offside call.
Substitutes:
Marika Kamoda (Monbulk Rangers)
The scoreline at Heidelberg could have been worse if not for Kamoda’s shot stopping in the first half. Rarely called upon in the second, she was unable to collect Nicolaci’s cross, and that was the only blemish in her otherwise strong performance.
Alex Cheal (South Melbourne)
A proven performer at this level, Cheal had another solid outing for South Melbourne against Bulleen Lions on Monday night. The no-nonsense defender was strong in the tackle, and led her side well throughout the match, keeping South’s defence organised without compromising her own game.
Jessica Tay (Bulleen Lions)
The Bulleen midfielder showed an abundance of energy throughout the match against South Melbourne and was arguably Bulleen’s best player on the pitch. She just misses out as there were just more outstanding candidates in her position.
Racheal Quigley (Boroondara Eagles)
One of three signings Boroondara made from Adelaide United, Quigley was a constant outlet either on the left flank or through the middle for the Eagles. She almost scored in the first half after finding herself inside the box, but her shot was cleared off the line.
Laura Spiranovic (South Melbourne)
Spiranovic was a constant threat for South all night against Bulleen, and scored the vital second goal for the visitors. She was also involved in setting up Kuralay’s goal which sealed the points for South.
There you have it, the team of the week for Round 1. Thanks to Teo Pellizzeri and Andrew Bishara for their contributions.