It was a crazy contest at Broadmeadows Valley Park, where Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers played out a fluent 5-3 result. There were plenty of goals for an expectant crowd to enjoy, and The Corner Flag staff were amongst those there to enjoy the contest. As such, we’ve provided our player ratings for the Melbourne Victory girls.
GK: Brianna Davey – 5.5
A bit hard to judge her game. Nothing she could do about the first two goals but really should’ve done better with the third. In saying that, she made a number of strong saves and her handing was as reliable as always.
LB: Steph Catley – 6
The captain was industrious down the left flank, putting in a number of decent deliveries and got herself in all the right positions. Ever confident on the ball, the main blight on her game was the free-kick she gave away that resulted in the Wanderer’s opener.
CB: Maika Ruyter-Hooley – 5
Was caught out for the second goal, as she first kept Hannah Beard onside before failing to deal with the subsequent cut back. Was a force in the air as usual however and wasn’t involved in either of the other two goals conceded.
CB: Emma Checker – 5
Was decent in the heart of defence bar that costly mistake in the final minute. Three goals conceded is a bit harsh on the defence in terms of how well they contained the lively Wanderers forward line.
RB: Hannah Brewer – 5.5
Covered well throughout the game, often tucking in to preserve the structure when Checker besides her pushed further up the pitch. Link-up play was good down the flank.
CM: Amy Jackson – 8
A great return to Melbourne for Jackson who was a workhorse in the midfield. Broke up the play well and distributed cleanly. Added a goal for good measure.
CM: Ella Mastrantonio – 7
Another strong performer in the Victory midfield. Mastrantonio put in a decent shift, dropping deeper along side Jackson, which provided a sturdy base for Christine Nairn to wander in front of the pair.
★ AM: Christine Nairn – 9.5 ★
What a way to introduce yourself to the home crowd! Supplied five assists for her teammates and despite a few heavy touches on the ball in the early moments, she shone through the contest. Her passing was incisive and her movement smart.
Huge team win tonight! So happy to get the 3pts & be a part of the @victorywleague! We are looking stronger each performance! ⚽️☝️
— Christine Nairn (@NairnChristine) September 21, 2014
LW: Lisa De Vanna – 7.5
The type of performance you’ve come to expect from De Vanna, she was powerful, silky and ultimately clinical as she slotted the fourth goal. A neat nutmeg and run on the left wing was a highlight of her game.
ST: Racheal Quigley – 8
Scored two opportunistic goals on her home debut and provided a great focal point for the Victory. Subbed out on 70 minutes in her home debut but earned plenty of admirers.
RW: Beattie Goad – 5
Was surprisingly off the pace against the Wanderers. Showed a heavy touch early but did toil hard along the right flank until she made way on the hour mark. The young winger will be a star in the future and shouldn’t let one game dictate her season.
Subs:
Gema Simon (on 59’) – 5.5
Dropped to the bench after last week’s visit to her former side. Rewarded Montemurro with a decent shift on the wing as a part of the front three. Missed a golden chance to net her first for the club as she cannoned a shot into the frame of the goal
Gulcan Koca (on 69’) – 6
Cool, calm and collected on the ball was Koca, who made a neat little cameo in midfield. Popped up with a goal in her short spell on the pitch.
Tiffany Eliadis (on 76’) – n/a