Despite last week’s defeat against Sydney FC continuing what has been a frustrating start to the year for Glory’s W-League team, the squad remain confident that they can still rescue a finals place.
To do so, Bobby Despotovski’s side need to take three points from their Round 12 clash with Canberra United, a game which is being played at Bunbury’s Hay Park as part of Glory’s 2018 south-west tour.
And skipper Sam Kerr is adamant that they have what it takes to down their old nemesis from the capital.
“We were really unlucky against Sydney,” she said. “Me and Rachel [Hill] just couldn’t find the back of the net, but I thought that it was one of our better games this season as we created a lot of chances.”
The National Women’s Soccer League MVP also expressed her delight at the prospect of playing in front of the Bunbury section of the Glory fan base.
“I love heading down there,” she said. “I used to spend a lot of time down there as a kid and a lot of the girls haven’t seen it, so we’re really looking forward to it.”
Canberra United, who currently sit in fifth place, will head into the contest full of confidence following their clinical 2-0 triumph over Western Sydney last Sunday.
A win for either side on Saturday could open up a thrilling finish to the season as they both chase a coveted finals spot.
Centurion: Nicola Bolger
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The Westmead local will make her 100th Westfield W-League appearance against Canberra after 80 appearances for the Sydney FC, 10 for the Jets and 10 for Glory. It’s no shock to see the creative midfielder reach the prestigious milestone after what has been another impressive campaign following her debut goal against Melbourne City in Round 1.
Congratulations Nicola!
Last Time We Met: Canberra United 2-3 Perth Glory
It was a five-goal thriller back in Round 5, with youngster Lexie Moreno marking her first W-League appearance with a spectacular free-kick that deceived the entire United defence. Moreno’s late strike wasn’t enough, however, as the capital side held on to claim an entertaining 3-2 win with goals from Grace Maher, Amy Sayer and Laura Bassett either side of Rachel Hill’s fine first-half equaliser.
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Match Details
Saturday, 20 January 2018
Perth Glory v Canberra United
Hay Park, Bunbury
Kick-Off: 4:30pm (Local) (7:30pm AEDT)
Referee: Katie Patterson
Assistant Referee 1: Arvin Shanmuganathan
Assistant Referee 2: Adrien Liechti
Fourth Official: Josh Mannella
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Perth Glory Squad: 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Natasha RIGBY, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rachel HILL, 10.Raquel RODRIGUEZ, 12.Shannon MAY, 13.Jaymee GIBBONS, 15.Alexia MORENO,16.Amanda FRISBIE, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Melissa MAIZELS (Gk), 20.Samantha KERR (c), 30.Morgan AQUINO (Gk)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 2.Sarah CARROLL (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 1.Gabby DAL BUSCO (Gk) (arm – 1-2 weeks)
Canberra United Squad: 1.Haley KOPMEYER (Gk), 3.Clare HUNT, 4.Toni PRESSLEY, 6.Caitlin MUNOZ, 8.Liana DANASKOS, 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Elise THORSNES, 14.Ashleigh SYKES, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18.Taren KING, 20.Amy SAYER, 21.Ellie CARPENTER, 23.Michelle HEYMAN, 34.Laura BASSETT, 36,Georgia BORIC (Gk)
Ins: 6.Caitlin MUNOZ (promoted), 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN (promoted)
Outs: 17.Madelyn WHITTALL (Not Selected), 19.Aoife COLVILL (omitted)
Unavailable: 7.Nicki FLANNERY (foot – indefinite)
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