Westfield W-League action returns to Wollongong and the scenic beach-hugging WIN stadium, as the Sky Blues host Newcastle who make the long trip down the NSW coast.
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
Saturday 16 November 2013
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Local kick-off: 3pm
Westfield W-League action returns to Wollongong and the scenic beach-hugging WIN stadium, as the Sky Blues host Newcastle who make the long trip down the NSW coast. Sydney FC coach Alen Stajcic hailed his team-s depth and talent, with both clearly on display as they recorded a remarkable 5-1 win over Melbourne Victory in the Grand Final replay. The Jets, for their part, can take heart from a torrid opening against Perth Glory in which the 5-2 losing margin didn-t reflect a contest that was even until the hour mark.
Any doubts about Sydney-s hunger to retain their crown were dispelled last weekend in a fluent display, highlighted by a ten-pass move to round out the scoring. The Sky Blues are in theory boosted by the return of Wollongong heroine Caitlin Foord, although doubts persist about her fitness for this contest. Skipper Danielle Brogan remains on the sideline with a calf injury in what is the Sky Blues- last outing for three weeks ahead of the upcoming Matildas match at the same venue, followed by the team-s trip to Japan for the Women-s Club World Championship.
The Jets- young side face a massive challenge given the limited experience in their ranks. They will be looking to avoid a repeat of last week where three second-half goals ruined what otherwise had been an encouraging performance. Historically they have a solid record against Sydney, notably winning at Campbelltown a few seasons back thanks to a storied long-range goal from Tara Andrews.
Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont, Liz Ralston, Alesha Clifford, Ellyse Perry, Amy Harrison, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Leena Khamis, Sam Kerr, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Trudy Camilleri, Natalie Tobin, Sham Khamis, Chloe Logarzo, Melissa Caceres (three to be omitted)
Ins: Caitlin Foord (returns from injury), Natalie Tobin, Melissa Caceres (both promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Danielle Brogan (Calf – 1 week)
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 2. Hannah BREWER 3. Stacey DAY, 4.Siahn BOZANIC, 6. Ashley SPINA, 7. Gema SIMON (c), 8. Madeline SEARL 9. Tara ANDREWS, 10. Rhali DOBSON, 11. Grace MACINTYRE, 12. Hannah BEARD, 13. Jasmin COURTENAY, 14. Sophie NENADOVIC, 15. Libby COPUS-BROWN, 16. Cassidy DAVIS, 17. Lauren BROWN, 19. Adriana JONES, 20. Claire COELHO (gk)
(two to be omitted)
Ins: 14. Sophie NENADOVIC, 15. Libby COPUS-BROWN, 19. Adriana JONES,
Outs: Grace McIntyre (knee – indefinite)
Unavailable: None
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