Adelaide United’s Dominance Halts Canberra’s Unbeaten Run

Clinical First-Half Goals Sink Canberra United at McKellar Park

Canberra United Falls to Adelaide United in Round 3

Canberra United’s unbeaten start to the Ninja A-League season came to an abrupt end as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Adelaide United on a humid afternoon at McKellar Park. A crowd of 1,249 witnessed a clinical display from Adelaide, with two first-half goals securing the win.

First Half: Adelaide’s Precision Strikes

Adelaide United seized control early, breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute with a moment of brilliance. A delicate flick from Lucia Leon set Erin Healy into space, who threaded a pass into the box. A partially cleared ball fell perfectly for Emily Condon, who unleashed a stunning first-time volley into the corner beyond Canberra goalkeeper Sally James.

The visitors dominated possession, with Leon and Condon orchestrating the midfield. In contrast, Canberra struggled to find their rhythm, as striker Michelle Heyman was left isolated upfront. Adelaide’s pressure paid off again in the 35th minute when Emily Hodgson’s precise pass found Fiona Worts inside the penalty area. Positioned perfectly, Worts calmly side-footed the ball home, doubling Adelaide’s advantage.

Canberra’s best opportunity of the half came in the 42nd minute when Maja Markovski volleyed over from a delightful Mary Stanic-Floody cross, leaving the home side trailing 2-0 at the break.

Second Half: Canberra’s Efforts Fall Short

In a bid to mount a comeback, Canberra head coach Antoni Jagarinec introduced Jynaya Dos Santos and Lillian Skelly at halftime. Despite the tactical adjustments, Adelaide continued to threaten, with Fiona Worts forcing a diving save from James shortly before the hour mark.

Canberra created a handful of opportunities, with Skelly coming closest in the 72nd minute. Following a parried shot by Adelaide goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins, Skelly’s close-range effort was heroically blocked by defender Zoe Tolland, extinguishing Canberra’s hopes of a late resurgence.

Key Match Statistics

Round 3 – Saturday, 16 November 2024

Canberra United 0 – Adelaide United 2

Goals: Condon (11’), Worts (35’)

Venue: McKellar Park, Canberra (16:00)

Canberra United Starting XI: Sally James, Alex McKenzie, Elizabeth Anton, Holly Murray (Jynaya Dos Santos 46’), Mary Stanic-Floody (Ruby Nathan 73’), Emma Robers, Hayley Taylor-Young (Darcey Malone 66’), Sofia Christopherson, Maja Markovski, Michelle Heyman, Tegan Bertolissio (Lillian Skelly 46’).

Substitutes not used: Coco Majstorovic

Adelaide United Discipline: None.

Canberra United Discipline: Yellow Card – Darcey Malone.