Ninja A-League Round

The Melbourne Derby highlighted this week’s Ninja A-League Women’s matches, but both teams ended up sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw.

Melbourne City maintains its position at the top of the A-League table, thanks to Wellington Phoenix dropping points against Central Coast Mariners.

Meanwhile, Willa Pearson made history by breaking a record that had stood since 2008, as Brisbane Roar faced off against Sydney FC. Here’s a recap of the latest A-League action.

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Newcastle Jets

In a clash between the Wanderers and Jets, both teams settled for a point as they aimed to move away from the lower ranks of the league.

Talia Younis gave the home side an exhilarating start just a minute into the match, scoring from 35 yards out to catch Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Georgia Ritchie, off guard.

Newcastle responded with a solid effort, as Claudia Cicco headed towards goal, but Sham Khamis was quick to make the save.

In the second half, the Jets had a chance to take the lead, but Danika Matos’s timely block denied Sophie Hoban.

Melina Ayres secured a well-deserved equalizer for the Jets with 12 minutes remaining. Hoban’s persistence allowed her to dispossess Wang Jing at the byline and set up Ayres to score past Khamis.

Brisbane Roar 0-4 Sydney FC

In a record-breaking performance, Willa Pearson became the youngest goal-scorer in the A-League Women’s history at just 15 years and 51 days, surpassing Sam Kerr’s long-standing record from 2008.

The first half was largely uneventful, but that changed shortly after the restart when Sydney took the lead. Following a corner, Mackenzie Hawkesby cut back past Momo Hayashi and slotted the ball in at the near post—Sydney’s first goal away from home this season.

On the hour mark, Pearson made her mark by perfectly timing her run to meet Abbey Lemon’s cross, netting her first goal for the club.

Riley Tanner scored the third goal in the 68th minute, finishing effectively at the near post, while Skye Halmarick capped off the impressive night by scoring the fourth after capitalizing on a botched clearance from Lincoln.

Sydney’s first win of the season lifts them within a point of second-bottom Western Sydney.

Perth Glory 1-0 Canberra United

Perth Glory climbed closer to the top six with a solid win against Canberra in Western Australia.

The match lacked clear chances, with Rola Badawiya coming close with a curling effort. After the break, Hayley Taylor-Young’s attempt went over the bar, and Bethany Gordon’s redirect from Emma Hawkins’ cross also missed the target.

As the hour mark approached, Susan Phonsongkham’s shot from a Sarah O’Donoghue cross forced a brilliant save from goalkeeper Sally James.

Ultimately, Glory secured all three points when Phonsongkham’s corner was inadvertently turned into the net by Taylor-Young, preventing Canberra from reaching the top of the table.

Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Central Coast Mariners

Wellington Phoenix, aiming for the top spot, fell short as the Mariners left with all three points.

Peta Trimis opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick amid challenging weather conditions at Porirua Park.

The Nix managed an equalizer due to a defensive mistake, as a back pass to Annalee Grove was pressured by Lucía León, leading to Mackenzie Anthony’s follow-up goal.

The hosts nearly took the lead before halftime, but Woods’ cross was deflected onto the crossbar. Instead, the Mariners went into halftime ahead after Temar Levin converted Avaani Prakash’s precise pass.

Despite their efforts, Wellington was unable to score again, allowing the Mariners to secure a crucial victory.

Melbourne Victory 0-0 Melbourne City

Melbourne Victory missed the opportunity to break into the Top Six following a goalless draw in the Melbourne Derby.

Holly Furphy had a golden chance to put the hosts ahead but ended up dragging her shot wide from a promising position.

City thought they had scored just before halftime when Bryleeh Henry found the net, only to be flagged offside.

Victory limited their chances primarily to long-range efforts from Chelsea Blissett and Taylor Ray that posed no threat to Malena Mieres.

With seven minutes remaining, Holly McNamara came closest to breaking the deadlock, but her shot only grazed the top of the net.