Melbourne Victory Women Secure Late Draw Against Central Coast Mariners in Unite Round Clash
Melbourne Victory Women fought hard to claim a valuable 1-1 draw against the Central Coast Mariners in today’s Ninja A-League Unite Round match. Captain Kayla Morrison delivered a crucial equaliser in the 84th minute, securing a point for her side in a thrilling encounter.
The Mariners struck first in the 12th minute through Annalise Rasmussen. The goal gave Central Coast confidence as the battle continued to half-time. Despite their best efforts, Victory couldn’t capitalise on their chances, coach Jeff Hopkins admitting that the heat only added to the challenges on the pitch.
“It was very, very difficult and hotter than we expected,” Hopkins said post-match.
“Both teams did as well as they could in the conditions and I think you could see at the end of the game that both teams were struggling to push on to get the winner.
“Overall, it was a game of two halves. I think we started reasonably well and then as the half went on, Central Coast took control, especially in our half and we never really dealt with the spare players they were getting in the midfield.” Hopkins said.
Victory emerged from the break with renewed intensity, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Despite creating multiple chances, the Mariners’ defense held firm for much of the second half.
The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute when Kayla Morrison, rising above the defense headed home a shot delivered by Claudia Bunge. The captain’s goal sent the traveling Victory fans into celebration and set up a tense final few minutes.
“Second half, we made a couple of changes in the way we defended, the pressure, and I thought we started to get on top,” Hopkins said.
“One thing we pride ourselves on is going right to the last minute, and like we did a lot last year, we scored late on with a set play later.”
Both teams pushed for a winner, but the match ended in a stalemate. Victory, thanks to Morrison, walked away with a hard-earned point.
“The things you want from a captain, a leader, a central defender, (Kayla Morrison) gives all of those. She’s dependable on and off the field, she sets plays, like today, she pops up and pulls out and can win games.
“It didn’t go unnoticed that the game was won from a central defender to another central defender. It was great work from Claudia (Bunge) and from Kayla.” Hopkins said.
The result sees Melbourne Victory Women looking to build on their momentum heading into the international break. Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac now both depart for the Matildas’ November/December campaign.
Victory Women’s next fixture will be on December 8 when they travel to face Perth Glory.
