Who would have seen that coming? Western United have started their maiden season with intent, showcasing what they can do in a 3-1 win over our City girls who had been smashing it to start this season.
Of course, you would hardly be blamed for not seeing our unfortunate result over the weekend after the horrific situation that unfolded elsewhere. Some are even boycotting the A-Leagues entirely.
But either way, I will personally always support the players. That is the focus. Without further ado, we will explore the three talking points leading into this one:
Good opportunity to bounce back
We take on a Canberra side who are able to score goals but haven't been picking up the accompanying points so far this season. It goes without saying that it is a perfect fixture to inflict more pain on the ACT side while pushing us back into title-winning talks.
If our girls turn it on as they have in the majority of matches this season, there is no reason why we shouldn't be taking a convincing win from interstate.
Some would say we outplayed Western United over the weekend, striking the woodwork twice and missing a penalty all before their second goal, so we are certainly still in the mix at the top end of the league. However, we need to master the ability to turn possession (and shots) into goals. Imagine the records we would break.
Best goal difference in the league!
You read that correctly. Yes, we just copped three goals at home, but our performances prior have been so positive that we can still boast a handy goal difference of eight.
From what we've seen so far from Western United and Adelaide, it may turn out to be a tight race home come the end of the season; goal difference can be a very important statistic. Luckily for us, our girls are well-drilled and ready to take on anyone at any time.
Before the end of the year, we have Canberra and Perth to face, two sides prone to conceding a goal or two. We must absolutely use these opportunities to our advantage and come out guns blazing.
Protest action to continue
As most of you may have seen, the A-Leagues active support groups (excluding OSM) have banded together to release a statement of demands to the Australian Professional Leagues:
This means there is a clear intent to not let the Melbourne Derby incident overshadow the rights of the fans regarding league decisions. It makes sense that OSM has not been noted at the bottom of the statement; including them would have completely undermined the power that we - the fans - hold.
That being said, I can imagine A-League Women and Men fans will continue to display their dissatisfaction on their own peaceful terms, be it through banners, walkouts, or refusal to attend.
We will still be watching though. This is our club, and we will not give up that easily.
To the players, you have been absolutely fantastic this season. Keep pushing and you could bring us home silverware, pride, and some amazing memories.
Score prediction: Canberra 1 - 2 City
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