The Western Sydney Wanderers have fallen to a 3-0 defeat to Canberra United at McKellar Park on Saturday afternoon.
A first-half strike to Josie Aulicino set the tone early for the hosts before a second midway through the second half and a late goal to Michelle Heyman sealed the result in the nation’s capital.
Canberra made a fast start and capitalised inside the opening 10 minutes. A lofted ball into the area was headed down into the path of Aulicino, who reacted quickest to volley home and hand the home side an early advantage.
The Wanderers were forced to weather sustained pressure as the half progressed, with Shamiran Khamis called into action on a number of occasions to keep the Red & Black within touching distance.
Aulicino came close to doubling the lead shortly after her opener when she rattled the crossbar from distance, while Khamis produced a strong save to deny Bethany Gordon from a tight angle.
Chasing a way back into the contest after the break, the Wanderers looked to lift the tempo, but it was Canberra who struck next. In the 66th minute, Aulicino found space outside the box and fired into the top corner to extend the hosts’ lead.
Michelle Heyman added a third in the 75th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area to round out the scoring.
Despite the disappointing result, the Wanderers will look to reset quickly with the competition set to pause for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup break.
The Red & Black return to Ninja A-League action on 14 March when they host Melbourne Victory, determined to respond and keep their finals ambitions alive.
