After breaking for the holidays, four Thorns FC players returned to W-League action this past weekend in Australia, sweeping the three Week Nine matches the players participated in.
Hayley Raso led Brisbane Roar FC to a 2-0 victory over Perth Glory, scoring a game-winner in the 59th minute. The goal—Raso’s second of the season—came following a flurry of attempts within the box. A set-piece corner was sent to the near-side of the box, where it was headed toward goal, but then abruptly blocked by a Glory defender who got her own head on the ball. The deflection sent the ball flying high in front of goal, where Clare Polkinghorne headed the ball down inside the six in perfect position for Raso to finish it.
The 23-year-old winger finished the day with a goal, five shots and two chances created in her 90 minute performance. Brisbane teammate Celeste Boureille also put in a strong 90 minutes with distributing the ball at a 69.8% accuracy clip, winning seven of 13 duels and making four interceptions.
Three points on Friday ✔️
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) December 31, 2017
Goals to @HayleyRaso & Toby ✔️
Top of the @WLeague table ✔️
What a way to finish 2017! pic.twitter.com/alifBBmc2s
With the win, the Roar cement themselves as league favorites as they move two points clear atop the Westfield W-League ladder. The 2-0 final also marks the first time this season Perth has been held scoreless in a match.
Emily Sonnett and Sydney FC extended their winning streak to five straight with a 2-1 win over Adelaide United, sealed by a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Caitlin Foord. Sonnett played a full 90 minutes in the match, laying off 53 passes at an 81.1% clip and snagging an interception along the way. With the win, the Sky Blues move to 5-3-0 and into sole possession of third place.
At a wet AAMI Park, goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom limited Melbourne Victory to a single goal as the 24-year-old goalkeeper led the Newcastle Jets to a 3-1 victory and their third win in their last four games. Eckerstrom made three saves in her full-time performance and helped the Jets to their fifth win of the season. At the conclusion of Week Nine, Newcastle sits squarely in second place with 16 points.
