Silverware and surprise defeats - WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
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FIFA.com reviews the latest women’s club football news where a tough weekend for the leaders in Australia, Germany and Spain was a theme. There is also news from New Zealand where a familiar name has been etched on the championship trophy.
Australia: Long run comes to an end
It took a full 18 matches into their W-League existence, but Melbourne City have finally suffered defeat. And it was a 15-year-old that delivered the mortal blow as Karly Roestbakken scored a late winner to became the second youngest scorer in the competition’s history - Sam Kerr remains the youngest - as Canberra inflicted a 2-1 defeat on the competition leaders. City went through their entire maiden season undefeated enroute to the championship, and had won four from four to start the new campaign. It was a poor round for the competition heavyweights with Sydney FC, second behind City on goal difference, suffering defeat at Perth Glory thanks to a lone goal from captain Kerr. The weekend results has caused congestion at the top with just two points now separating the top five teams.
Top three: Melbourne City, Sydney FC (both 12 points), Canberra United, Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar (all 10)
New Zealand: Canterbury maintain pride
Canterbury United Pride won their third title in four seasons with a 2-0 win over Wellington-based Capital Football in the national championship final on Sunday. Holly Pascoe scored in each half as the favourites secured the crown, having also finished top of the standings at the end of the regular season. Veteran New Zealand international Annalie Longo captained the Pride, while Meikayla Moore turned out for the first time this season having just returned from leading the national team at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Germany: Turbine stun champs
Turbine Potsdam underlined their championship credentials in stunning fashion with a 2-1 away win over champions Bayern Munich. Turbine scored twice early in the second half and there was to be no way back for the Bavarians, who have surprisingly struggled for goals this season – they now have netted just 12 times in ten games. The win saw Turbine overhaul their rivals at the summit in the penultimate round prior to the mid-season break, as the Berlin-side continued a remarkable recovery from one of their worst seasons in memory. The big winners of the round were Essen who picked up a 5-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen, with Germany youth international Nicole Anyomi bagging a double.
Top three: Turbine Potsdam (24), Bayern Munich (22), Essen, Freiburg, Wolfsburg (all 20)
Spain: New leaders in time for Christmas
Atletico Madrid will head into the mid-season break as leaders after a 2-1 win toppled Barcelona from top spot in front of a record 13,935 attendance at the Vicente Calderon. First-half goals from Marta Corredera and Sonia Bermudez proved enough, despite a rally from the Catalans who suffered their first defeat of the campaign. Champions Athletic Bilbao sit 13 points off the pace despite a comfortable 4-0 win over Transportes Alcaine.
Top three: Atletico Madrid (36), Barcelona (35), Levante (34)