Western United will take on the Central Coast Mariners for the first time in the Liberty A-League Women, gunning for a third win in a row.
Match Details
Liberty A-League Women Round 15
Western United vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 3 February
Kick-off: 2:15pm AEDT
North Hobart Oval, Hobart
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live and free on 10Play, and on Paramount+
Team News
Kat Smith’s 20-player extended squad is unchanged from last week’s clash against Melbourne City, opening the door for two big returns to the squad.
Tyla Jay Vlajnic missed that win over her former side with a minor groin strain but has returned to training and will be pushing to be included in the matchday squad.
Smith has also named Catherine Zimmerman in the extended list, with the American continuing to push to make her Western United debut.
With two wins on the bounce, there is plenty of competition for places and selection headaches for Smith and her staff across the pitch with a host of player looking to make their case for a ticket to Hobart.
Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS, 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 9. Hannah KEANE, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 13. Avaani PRAKASH, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Keiwa HIEDA, 21. Hillary BEALL (gk), 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO, 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN
Last time out
Western United scored one of its best wins of the season so far last week, toppling the league-leading Melbourne City 3-1 in a dominant display.
Watch the extended highlights from Western United’s brilliant performance against Melbourne City
Hannah Keane ensured United held the lead heading into the final stages with a brace before Kahli Johnson punctuated the win with an outstanding finish on her return from injury.
The Opponent
Central Coast Mariners have somewhat flown under the radar in the Liberty A-League this season yet find themselves potentially a win away from jumping into the top two.
In what is a ridiculously tight competition, the Mariners are currently in fifth place but sit just two points behind United in second.
Chinese striker Wurigumula leads the team with five goals while Rola Badawiya has shone in a regular role after joining from Sydney FC, adding four goals and an assist.
In Casey Dumont, Central Coast have one of the Liberty A-League’s leading goalkeepers and Emily Husband welcomed Kyah Simon back last week in a boost for their side.
Playing a fast-paced, attacking style, Central Coast will provide United with a tough test and the Green and Black will need to be at its best to secure what would be an important three points.
Key Matchup: Chloe Logarzo vs Kyah Simon
The obvious storyline heading into this fixture is the Matildas icons lining up on opposite sides with Chloe Logarzo set to lead Western United against Simon and the Mariners.
United’s star midfielder shone once again in the win over City last week, playing a key role in Keane’s opener before assisting the American’s second to take her combined total of goals and assists up to seven for this season.
With plenty more still to give, Logarzo is getting fitter, sharper and hungrier with each passing week and will be looking to continue her run of form as one of the best players in the competition.
At the other end of the spectrum, Simon has just made her return from injury but will be a significant boost for Central Coast nonetheless.
Capped over 100 times by the Matildas and boasting playing experience in the English, Dutch and American top divisions, Simon will bring a wealth of quality and experience to the Mariners side.
She will be hoping to continue to build her comeback storyline but Logarzo and Western United will have no such sentiment in search of another big win.
Player to Watch: Kahli Johnson
Kahli Johnson has been electric this season and issued a timely reminder of her quality with her sublime substitute cameo last week.
After missing seven games with a foot fracture, Johnson was back with a vengeance and blasted her third goal of the season into City’s net to wrap up all three points.
As she continues to build her way back to full fitness, Johnson’s return comes at the perfect time as United approaches the final eight weeks of the regular season.
Johnson’s pace, direct running and creativity have been a joy to behold, but her increased deadliness in front of goal has seen her take the next leap in her development.
Whether she is able to return to the starting line-up or comes off the bench again, Johnson will be out to have an impact on proceedings and help her side add three more points onto its total.
Words from Kat Smith
On the winning mentality and drive that continues to grow among the playing group
“The mentality comes with the confidence and belief in what we’re doing. I’ve always said that’s our focus, regardless of the opposition and the threats that they pose.
“Collectively now we have a really good understanding of our principles and what we’re doing in each phase of the game.”
On if it excites her to see the attacking talent that will soon be at her disposal with everyone available
“It is, the fact we know in football is that you have to score again. There’s going to be some selection headaches going forward.
“We’ve spoken about it, it’s been identified how we’re scoring goals – again it’s a collective. The responsibility doesn’t just fall on one player.”
Western United Football Club is supported by the Tasmanian Government for its series of matches in Hobart
