Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au brings to you the most significant highlights from each round of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
Continue reading for the key talking points from Round 19, courtesy of Mitre.
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A Memorable Night for Western United in Tarneit
On Friday night, Western United “achieved what is arguably their greatest win at Ironbark Fields”.
In a thrilling 4-3 victory over Canberra United, Western came from behind three times.
MATCH REPORT: Western United rallies from behind THREE TIMES to triumph over Canberra in a thrilling A-League encounter
Canberra surged ahead 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, with goals from Bethany Gordon, Madison Ayson, and Mary Stanic-Floody, but the home side continually found a way to respond.
Keiwa Hieda, Catherine Zimmerman, and Sandra Ibarguen netted the equalising goals, culminating in an 89th-minute winner. Substitute Kiara Di Domizio’s shot deflected off Canberra defender Ayson for an own goal, awarding the hosts all three points.
This exciting 4-3 result will be etched in the memory as one of the most significant in Western United’s brief history, allowing Kat Smith’s team to maintain their position in the top four, while Canberra remains in seventh, a point shy of the top six.
“What an exhilarating match! It was definitely thrilling to be part of,” shared Western forward Catherine Zimmerman on Paramount+.
“We demonstrated exceptional resilience to keep fighting back.”
“We firmly believed in ourselves and felt in control.
“It was a rollercoaster, but we had this conviction that we could re-enter the game.”
Six-Goal Thriller Feels Like a Defeat for Top-Six Contenders
Central Coast Mariners were left lamenting what might have been after their exciting 3-3 draw against Perth Glory on Friday night.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging blows in a dramatic six-goal spectacle, concluding with Glory’s equaliser in the 93rd minute.
Mariners defender Jessika Nash put the home team ahead in the 19th minute, but a double from Sarah O’Donoghue early in the second half saw Perth turn the tables.
MATCH REPORT: Incredible late drama as Glory snatch a point in a six-goal thriller
Central Coast then took charge with two rapid goals; Annalise Ramussen and Tiana Fuller scored within eight minutes, giving the Mariners a 3-2 advantage with 20 minutes remaining.
However, in the third minute of stoppage time, Tijan McKenna secured a crucial equaliser for Perth, leaving both sides to share the spoils in a thrilling match.
“Any draw feels like a loss,” admitted Mariners captain Annabel Martin – whose side is currently in sixth place by a slim margin.
“Sometimes, it feels even more disappointing because I believe we deserved to secure all three points.”
“We let it slip away ourselves.”
Last-Minute Surprise on Young Star’s 18th Birthday in Sydney
Maddie Caspers celebrated an unforgettable 18th birthday on Saturday.
Not only did she score on her special day, but her side, two-time reigning champions Sydney FC, also triumphed over Wellington Phoenix with a late winner, 2-1.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw after Manaia Elliott equalised Caspers’ first-half goal, substitute Princess Ibini took charge late in the game at Leichhardt Oval.
MATCH REPORT: Sydney’s super-sub nets a 98th-minute winner, breaking Wellington’s hopes
Ibini executed a delightful one-two with Abbey Lemon before slotting the ball into the net in the eighth minute of stoppage time, a blow to Wellington’s playoff ambitions following Tiana Jaber’s red card in the dying moments.
“It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received,” Caspers said post-match on Paramount+.
“I’m overjoyed for the girls, and Prini’s goal made my birthday even more memorable.”
Ibini remarked, “The feeling is amazing.”
This victory allowed Sydney to escape the bottom of the table, sitting one point above Western Sydney Wanderers, while Wellington now stands in eighth place, two points adrift of the Finals Series.
Melbourne City’s Response to Record-Setting Victory: ‘It’s Truly Special’
History has been made! Melbourne City etched their name in the records after overcoming Adelaide United 4-3 on Sunday.
A hat trick from City standout and CommBank Matildas forward Holly McNamara helped the reigning champions to establish a new record for the Ninja A-League’s longest unbeaten run at 19 matches.
Having entered the match tied for the league record of 18 games without defeat, City made it distinctly their own while extending their lead atop the table to five points over Melbourne Victory.
MATCH REPORT: Matildas star’s hat trick propels City to unprecedented A-League milestone
“It’s incredible to claim the three points, and that record is quite special,” Stott expressed on Paramount+ after the match.
“It’s something I hold great pride in, and this group has every reason to be proud as well. We understand the journey is not over, and we have much more to achieve, but we’re absolutely thrilled.”
“It’s remarkably special,” she continued. “This club is extraordinary, and it has had phenomenal teams in the past.
“To be able to join the ranks of such remarkable players and teams is exceptionally special, and these girls deserve it. They put in hard work day in and day out, and I’m incredibly proud.”
‘Feels Like We’ve Just Won a Grand Final’
The Newcastle Jets are on a winning streak after their surprising 3-2 victory over Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Last season’s semi-finalists overcame a struggling Roar, thanks to a dramatic 95th-minute goal from Lauren Allan at Perry Park.
MATCH REPORT: Jets stun Brisbane in the dying moments, with Matildas star surpassing Sam Kerr’s scoring record
Brisbane Roar icon Tameka Yallop scored twice in the first half, moving ahead of Sam Kerr to second place on the A-League’s all-time scoring list with her 70th and 71st career goals.
However, the revitalised Jets clinched the victory, marking their third win in a row and closing the gap with the top six, while Brisbane struggles, going four matches without a win.
“I’m not quite sure how to feel. We were just saying it feels like we’ve just won a Grand Final,” Allan told Paramount+ after the match.
“Three consecutive wins feels fantastic; it’s a relief to play without that pressure.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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