Canberra United W-League season 2008-09
Encyclopedia
The 2008–09 season is Canberra United's first season of football (soccer)
in Australia
, and competed in the W-League 2008-09 season.
as coach for the inaugural season, and ACT Senator
Kate Lundy
as club chair. United also announced its first key signing in local Canberran and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams
. Hooker made a number of key signings in the first registration window, also securing Caitlin Munoz
, Amy Chapman
, Grace Gill-McGrath
, Hayley Crawford
, Rhian Davies
, Thea Slatyer
for the inaugural season. The squad was further expanded in the lead up to the first round, signing on a number of players from the ACT and Southern NSW, and also signing Sasha McDonnell
and Kara Mowbray
from Queensland. The final squad presented significant strength on paper, boasting eight full internationals and a further four Young Matildas
.
United started the season steadily, alternating losses and wins in the opening rounds - including a win over eventual Premiers Queensland Roar. Scoring came with some difficulty for the side, with four goals in their opening first five matches. Influencing this record was an injury to striker Caitlin Munoz in Round 1, keeping her sidelined for a number of weeks. Munoz's return to the side in Round 6 immediately lifted the scoring rate, contributing four goals in the last five rounds. Despite early losses, Canberra were unbeaten in the last seven rounds of the competition, achieving a third placed finish with a record of four wins, four draws and two losses. Canberra's strength throughout the season has been in defence, drawn from a number of experienced players. In front of a dependable Williams in goal, a defensive backline led by Thea Slatyer and captain Ellie Brush frustrated opposition and ensured the second-best defensive record in the competition, bettered only by Premiers Queensland.
United won their away semi-final against Newcastle Jets, and progressed to the inaugural final, where they were defeated by Queensland Roar.
Rules for classification:1st points; 2nd goal difference; 3rd goals scored.
# = Position; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points.
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, and competed in the W-League 2008-09 season.
Season
The first announcement of the club came in July 2008, coinciding with the establishment of the new W-League. The formation of the new club presented a unique situation in the league, that it was not associated with an established A-League side. In August, Canberra appointed Matildas assistant coach Robbie HookerRobbie Hooker
Robert Hooker is a former Australian football player and current manager. He is currently the assistant manager of the Australia national association football team.-Playing career:...
as coach for the inaugural season, and ACT Senator
Australian Senate
The Senate is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Australia, the lower house being the House of Representatives. Senators are popularly elected under a system of proportional representation. Senators are elected for a term that is usually six years; after a double dissolution, however,...
Kate Lundy
Kate Lundy
Kate Alexandra Lundy is a member of the Australian Senate, representing the Australian Capital Territory.Born in Sydney, Lundy dropped out of Year 11 without telling her parents and went to work on a construction site...
as club chair. United also announced its first key signing in local Canberran and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams
Lydia Williams
Lydia Williams is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-Early life:...
. Hooker made a number of key signings in the first registration window, also securing Caitlin Munoz
Caitlin Munoz
Caitlin Munoz is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League....
, Amy Chapman
Amy Chapman
Amy Chapman is an Australian football player and a member of the Matildas, appearing for the national team on 18 occasions between 2007 and 2008.-External links:*...
, Grace Gill-McGrath
Grace Gill-McGrath
Grace Gill-McGrath is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:...
, Hayley Crawford
Hayley Crawford
Hayley Crawford is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2002 FIFA World Under 19 Women's Championship.-External links:*...
, Rhian Davies
Rhian Davies
Rhian Davies is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-National duties:...
, Thea Slatyer
Thea Slatyer
Thea Slatyer is an Australian female football player and member of the Australia women's national football team.-Club career:Slatyer plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.-International career:...
for the inaugural season. The squad was further expanded in the lead up to the first round, signing on a number of players from the ACT and Southern NSW, and also signing Sasha McDonnell
Sasha McDonnell
Sasha McDonnell is an Australian football player, who plays for the Brisbane Roar FC in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Under 20 Women's Championship.-References:...
and Kara Mowbray
Kara Mowbray
Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :...
from Queensland. The final squad presented significant strength on paper, boasting eight full internationals and a further four Young Matildas
Australia women's national under-20 football team
The Australian women's national under-20 football team, more commonly known as the Young Matildas, represents Australia in international women's Under 20 football competition.-Current squad:GoalkeepersDefendersMidfieldersForwards...
.
United started the season steadily, alternating losses and wins in the opening rounds - including a win over eventual Premiers Queensland Roar. Scoring came with some difficulty for the side, with four goals in their opening first five matches. Influencing this record was an injury to striker Caitlin Munoz in Round 1, keeping her sidelined for a number of weeks. Munoz's return to the side in Round 6 immediately lifted the scoring rate, contributing four goals in the last five rounds. Despite early losses, Canberra were unbeaten in the last seven rounds of the competition, achieving a third placed finish with a record of four wins, four draws and two losses. Canberra's strength throughout the season has been in defence, drawn from a number of experienced players. In front of a dependable Williams in goal, a defensive backline led by Thea Slatyer and captain Ellie Brush frustrated opposition and ensured the second-best defensive record in the competition, bettered only by Premiers Queensland.
United won their away semi-final against Newcastle Jets, and progressed to the inaugural final, where they were defeated by Queensland Roar.
Fixtures
| Round | Date | Opponent | H/A | Score | CU Scorers | Stadium | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 October 2008 | Newcastle Jets W-League | A | L 1-2 | McDonnell Sasha McDonnell Sasha McDonnell is an Australian football player, who plays for the Brisbane Roar FC in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Under 20 Women's Championship.-References:... |
Wanderers Oval | 1069 |
| 2 | 1 November 2008 | Queensland Roar W-League | A | W 1-0 | Mowbray Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :... McDonnell Sasha McDonnell Sasha McDonnell is an Australian football player, who plays for the Brisbane Roar FC in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Under 20 Women's Championship.-References:... |
Perry Park Perry Park, Brisbane Perry Park Stadium is a sporting ground located at Enoggera Park in the Brisbane suburb of Bowen Hills.It is known widely as the "spiritual home of association Football" in Queensland.... |
610 |
| 3 | 9 November 2008 | Central Coast Mariners W-League | H | L 1-2 | Brush Ellie Brush Ellie Brush is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League. She is also studying physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University.... , Mowbray Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :... Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre, also known as McKellar Soccer Centre and McKellar Park, is a stadium in the Canberra suburb of McKellar, in Australia. The playing surface is rectangular in shape and is used almost exclusively for football matches... |
1637 |
| 4 | 15 November 2008 | Melbourne Victory W-League | A | W 1-0 | McDonnell Sasha McDonnell Sasha McDonnell is an Australian football player, who plays for the Brisbane Roar FC in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Under 20 Women's Championship.-References:... Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
Bob Jane Stadium | 700 |
| 5 | 22 November 2008 | Adelaide United W-League | H | D 0-0 | Slatyer Thea Slatyer Thea Slatyer is an Australian female football player and member of the Australia women's national football team.-Club career:Slatyer plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.-International career:... Studman Bronwyn Studman Bronwyn Studman is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... McDonnell Sasha McDonnell Sasha McDonnell is an Australian football player, who plays for the Brisbane Roar FC in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Under 20 Women's Championship.-References:... Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre, also known as McKellar Soccer Centre and McKellar Park, is a stadium in the Canberra suburb of McKellar, in Australia. The playing surface is rectangular in shape and is used almost exclusively for football matches... |
804 |
| 6 | 29 November 2008 | Perth Glory W-League | A | D 2-2 | N.Sykes Nicole Sykes Nicole Sykes is an Australian football defender, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :... Munoz Caitlin Munoz Caitlin Munoz is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.... , A.Sykes Ashleigh Sykes Ashleigh Sykes is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League. She grew up in Dubbo, New South Wales.... |
Members Equity Stadium Members Equity Stadium Perth Oval, known by its sponsored name nib Stadium since July 2010, is a sports stadium in Perth, Western Australia. It has been the home of A-League club Perth Glory since 1996 and has housed the administrative facilities of the Western Australia Rugby League since 2003... |
479 |
| 7 | 6 December 2008 | Sydney FC W-League Sydney FC W-League The Sydney FC W-League team, also known as the Sydney FC Women, represents the Sydney FC in the Australian Women's National football League, the W-League.-Season 2011-12:-Standings:-Squad:As of November 3, 2010.... |
H | D 1-1 | Munoz Caitlin Munoz Caitlin Munoz is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.... Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... Slatyer Thea Slatyer Thea Slatyer is an Australian female football player and member of the Australia women's national football team.-Club career:Slatyer plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.-International career:... |
Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre, also known as McKellar Soccer Centre and McKellar Park, is a stadium in the Canberra suburb of McKellar, in Australia. The playing surface is rectangular in shape and is used almost exclusively for football matches... |
840 |
| 8 | 13 December 2008 | Central Coast Mariners W-League | A | W 3-0 | Brush Ellie Brush Ellie Brush is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League. She is also studying physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University.... Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... Crawford Hayley Crawford Hayley Crawford is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2002 FIFA World Under 19 Women's Championship.-External links:*... Munoz Caitlin Munoz Caitlin Munoz is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.... |
Parramatta Stadium Parramatta Stadium Parramatta Stadium is a sports stadium situated in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.The stadium is used primarily as the home ground of Australian National Rugby League club the Parramatta Eels... |
300 |
| 9 | 20 December 2008 | Melbourne Victory W-League | H | W 3-2 | Brush Ellie Brush Ellie Brush is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League. She is also studying physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University.... Davies Rhian Davies Rhian Davies is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-National duties:... Mowbray Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :... Chapman Amy Chapman Amy Chapman is an Australian football player and a member of the Matildas, appearing for the national team on 18 occasions between 2007 and 2008.-External links:*... , |
Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre, also known as McKellar Soccer Centre and McKellar Park, is a stadium in the Canberra suburb of McKellar, in Australia. The playing surface is rectangular in shape and is used almost exclusively for football matches... |
1152 |
| 10 | 27 December 2008 | Queensland Roar W-League | H | D 1-1 | Crawford Hayley Crawford Hayley Crawford is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2002 FIFA World Under 19 Women's Championship.-External links:*... Munoz Caitlin Munoz Caitlin Munoz is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.... |
Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre Belconnen Soccer Centre, also known as McKellar Soccer Centre and McKellar Park, is a stadium in the Canberra suburb of McKellar, in Australia. The playing surface is rectangular in shape and is used almost exclusively for football matches... |
712 |
| SF | 10 January 2009 | Newcastle Jets W-League | A | W 1-0 | Mowbray Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :... |
EnergyAustralia Stadium EnergyAustralia Stadium Newcastle International Sports Centre is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It is the home ground of the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle United Jets teams. It is owned by the New South Wales government and administered by the Hunter Region... |
2289 |
| F | 17 January 2009 | Queensland Roar W-League | A | L 0-2 W-League Grand Final 2009 The 2008–09 W-League Grand Final was the grand final of the inaugural season of the W-League, the premier league of football in Australia.... |
- | Ballymore Stadium Ballymore Stadium Ballymore is the name of a rugby union stadium situated in Herston, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia. It was the home of Queensland Rugby Union, and used to be the home ground for the Queensland Reds and the Brisbane Strikers Football Club. The Queensland Reds have since moved to Suncorp Stadium... |
4554 |
Standings
Rules for classification:1st points; 2nd goal difference; 3rd goals scored.
# = Position; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points.
Players
| Name and position | No | Joined in | Former team | Birth date | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers Goalkeeper (football) In association football, the goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's offence and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend his team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring a goal... |
|||||
| Lydia Williams Lydia Williams Lydia Williams is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-Early life:... |
1 | 2008 |  ACT Academy of SportAssociation football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
May 13, 1988 (age 23) | |
| Maja Blasch | 20 | 2008 | Canberra City SC Canberra City SC Canberra City Football Club, also known for some time as the Canberra Arrows, is an Australian football club based in Canberra in the ACT... |
June 19, 1990 (age 21) | |
| Defenders Defender (football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|||||
| Ellie Brush Ellie Brush Ellie Brush is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League. She is also studying physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University.... (c) |
7 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
August 19, 1988 (age 23) | |
| Rhian Davies Rhian Davies Rhian Davies is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-National duties:... |
2 | 2008 | NSW Institute of Sport NSW Institute of Sport The NSW Institute of Sport , located at Sydney Olympic Park, was established as a statutory body under the Institute of Sport Act, 1995 following a review recommending central coordination and monitoring of high performance sports programs. Operations officially commenced in 1996... |
January 05, 1981 (age 31) | |
| Grace Gill-McGrath Grace Gill-McGrath Grace Gill-McGrath is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
9 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
June 27, 1989 (age 22) | |
| Rebecca Kiting Rebecca Kiting Rebecca Kiting is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
8 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
May 08, 1991 (age 20) | |
| Thea Slatyer Thea Slatyer Thea Slatyer is an Australian female football player and member of the Australia women's national football team.-Club career:Slatyer plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.-International career:... (vc) |
13 | 2008 | NSW Institute of Sport NSW Institute of Sport The NSW Institute of Sport , located at Sydney Olympic Park, was established as a statutory body under the Institute of Sport Act, 1995 following a review recommending central coordination and monitoring of high performance sports programs. Operations officially commenced in 1996... |
February 02, 1983 (age 29) | |
| Bronwyn Studman Bronwyn Studman Bronwyn Studman is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
4 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
March 24, 1992 (age 19) | |
| Snez Veljanovska Snez Veljanovska Snez Veljanovska is an Australian football player who plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
16 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
(age 20) | |
| Christine Walters Christine Walters Christine Walters is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
17 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
June 17, 1991 (age 20) | |
| Midfielders | |||||
| Lucy Allan Lucy Allan Lucy Allan is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
18 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
June 30, 1991 (age 20) | |
| Jennifer Bisset Jennifer Bisset Jennifer Bisset is an Australian football player who plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
19 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
January 28, 1992 (age 20) | |
| Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski Cian Maciejewski is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
11 | 2008 | Belwest Foxes |
June 14, 1987 (age 24) | |
| Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray Kara Mowbray is an Australian football player currently playing for Australian W-League team Newcastle Jets.- References :... |
12 | 2008 | Queensland Lions Queensland Lions Soccer Club Queensland Lions Football Club is an football club based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.-History:The club was founded in 1957 as Hollandia-Inala Soccer Club by Dutch immigrants. From the start they were based at grounds in the Brisbane suburb of Richlands, where they still play... |
May 07, 1985 (age 26) | |
| Nicole Sykes Nicole Sykes Nicole Sykes is an Australian football defender, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:... |
15 | 2008 | Western NSW Panthers FC |
December 15, 1991 (age 20) | |
| Forwards | |||||
| Amy Chapman Amy Chapman Amy Chapman is an Australian football player and a member of the Matildas, appearing for the national team on 18 occasions between 2007 and 2008.-External links:*... |
3 | 2008 | ACT Academy of Sport Association football in the Australian Capital Territory Association football in the ACT is predominantly amateur with local competitions organised by Capital Football involving teams from within the ACT and from the region of New South Wales... |
December 02, 1987 (age 24) | |
| Hayley Crawford Hayley Crawford Hayley Crawford is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Newcastle Jets in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2002 FIFA World Under 19 Women's Championship.-External links:*... |
10 | 2008 | NSW Institute of Sport NSW Institute of Sport The NSW Institute of Sport , located at Sydney Olympic Park, was established as a statutory body under the Institute of Sport Act, 1995 following a review recommending central coordination and monitoring of high performance sports programs. Operations officially commenced in 1996... |
March 27, 1984 (age 27) | |
| Sasha McDonnell Sasha McDonnell Sasha McDonnell is an Australian football player, who plays for the Brisbane Roar FC in the Australian W-League.She has represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Under 20 Women's Championship.-References:... |
5 | 2008 | Queensland Lions Queensland Lions Soccer Club Queensland Lions Football Club is an football club based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.-History:The club was founded in 1957 as Hollandia-Inala Soccer Club by Dutch immigrants. From the start they were based at grounds in the Brisbane suburb of Richlands, where they still play... |
January 12, 1987 (age 25) | |
| Caitlin Munoz Caitlin Munoz Caitlin Munoz is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.... |
6 | 2008 |  Pali BluesPali Blues Pali Blues is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2008. The team is a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
October 04, 1983 (age 28) | |
| Ashleigh Sykes Ashleigh Sykes Ashleigh Sykes is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League. She grew up in Dubbo, New South Wales.... |
14 | 2008 | Western NSW Panthers FC |
December 15, 1991 (age 20) | |
Short-term signings
| Player | Team | Start Date | End Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellie Raymond |
ACTAS | 29 October 2008 | 6 November 2008 | Cover for Ashleigh Sykes while on international duty |
| Sophie Kochinos |
ACTAS | 29 October 2008 | 6 November 2008 | Cover for Christine Walters while on international duty |
| Michaela Day |
Belwest Foxes | 29 October 2008 | 6 November 2008 | Cover for Bronwyn Studman while on international duty |