The regular season for Australia’s Westfield W-League has come to an end and the playoff teams are set. For some Pride players, their time in Australia is over. But for four teams, that W-League Championship is still in reach. Here is a recap of all the action for your favorite W-League teams in the final week of the regular season.
Adelaide United
Adelaide United, home of Orlando Pride Defender Monica Alves Hickmann, seemed to find their rhythm just as the season was coming to an end. After earning their first win in Week 12, they won their last three, including their final match against 1st place Sydney FC. They won the match 5-2, with five goals scored from four different players. The match picked up pace at the start of the second half, with five goals scored between the two teams in fifteen minutes. Adelaide’s effort was not enough to land them a playoff spot, but they finish the year in 6th place; an impressive victory for a team that did not win a match until Week 12. As for Monica, she’s already heading home and gearing up for the start of the 2017 NWSL preseason.
Canberra United
Canberra United sat in 2nd place on the table last week and needed a victory, as well as a Sydney FC draw or lose, to take the “Premiership,” the name for the regular season title. They faced off against Melbourne Victory, who finished the season in last place in the league. Canberra won the match 5-1, with braces by Sykes and Kinga, as well as a goal by Maher in the 77th minute. This victory, combined with a Sydney FC loss, made Canberra United the W-League Premiers. Pride teammates will face each other on the pitch, as Jasmyne Spencer and Lisa de Vanna of Canberra United will face off against Steph Catley and Laura Alleway of Melbourne City FC in the first round of the playoffs. The match will take place on Sunday, February 5th at 2:00pm local time.
Melbourne City FC
Melbourne City FC faced off in their final week against the Newcastle Jets, and needed a victory or a draw to make it into playoffs. They found the win that they needed with two goals from Tymrak in the 56th minute and Jackson in the 93rd. They’re looking to maintain their Championship title, but before they make it to that title match they will have to get past 1st place Canberra United. The match will take place on Sunday, February 5th at 2:00pm local time.
Sydney FC
Sydney FC finished on a slightly disappointing note in the last week of the regular season. While they will be going on to the playoffs, they lost their final match of the year 5-2 to Adelaide United. Despite two back-to-back goals by Siemsen in the 55th and 58th minutes, Sydney wasn’t able to hold back Adelaide. Sydney FC will finish 3rd place in the table, and will face off against Perth Glory on Saturday, February 4th at 3:30pm local time. Sydney FC is the home of Orlando Pride Defender Alanna Kennedy.
