Melbourne Victory has recalled youngsters Alex Natoli and Emily Hulbert to an extended squad for its Westfield W-League semi-final showdown with Sydney FC on Sunday.
Melbourne Victory has recalled youngsters Alex Natoli and Emily Hulbert to an extended squad for its Westfield W-League semi-final showdown with Sydney FC on Sunday.
A win against the reigning champion on its home turf would see Victory contest the grand final for a second consecutive season on Sunday February 23, against the winner of Saturday’s other semi-final between Canberra United and Brisbane Roar.
Enza Barilla (personal reasons) and Katie Hoyle (New Zealand national team duties) will be available for selection should Victory make it to the decider.
Star midfielder Jess Fishlock told FFV she was confident about the task ahead of her teammates.
“Sydney have got a great attack. They have got an absolutely fantastic attack and there’s no denying that,” Fishlock said.
“We’ve just got to make sure we make them play to their weaknesses, not their strengths.
“We know what their weaknesses are. I’ve played them once this season and for me we were by far the better team, so I have no worry that we won’t be able to control the game.
“I hope that it all comes together…because I do think in the last two weeks we have played some great football.”
2013/2014 Westfield W-League semi-final
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, February 16, 2014
WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, Sydney
Kick-off: 3:00PM
TV: ABC1 extended highlights at 6pm
Radio: Live broadcast on VWL Radio – www.livecast.com.au
Head-to-head record
Played: 10 times
Sydney FC win: 3
Melbourne Victory win: 1
Draw: 6
Last time they met: Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne Victory, Round 5 2013/2014
Melbourne Victory squad (two to be omitted): 1. Brianna DAVEY (GK), 3. Jessica HUMBLE, 6. Cindy LAY, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 9. Caitlin FRIEND, 10. Jess FISHLOCK, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Jessica SAMUELSSON, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beattie GOAD, 17. Gülcan KOCA, 18. Emily HULBERT, 19. Alexandra NATOLI, 20. Cassie DIMOVSKI (GK), 21. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 22. Lauren BARNES, 25. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY
In: 18. Emily HULBERT, 19. Alexandra NATOLI (promoted)
Out: None
Unavailable: 4. Katie HOYLE (national team commitments – 1 week), 14. Enza BARILLA (personal reasons – 1 week), 8. Ashley BROWN (knee – season)
