WESTERN United have kicked off life in the A-League Women in style, stunning reigning champions Melbourne Victory 1-0 in their first game.<\/p>\n
Star American signing Jessica McDonald scored in the 54th minute to seal a historic win over United’s powerhouse rivals in brutal wind at City Vista Recreation Reserve on Saturday.<\/p>\n
It was a deserved win for United, who handled the conditions far better than Victory, who had Matildas Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight among their starters.<\/p>\n
United striker Hannah Keane constantly threatened while Guyana defender Sydney Cummings marshalled their defence with aplomb in front of 2753 fans.<\/p>\n
Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo came on as a second-half substitute and showed glimpses, including going close with a late free kick.<\/p>\n
Victory dominated possession early but struggled to use the heavy wind at their backs.<\/p>\n
They should have led in the 16th minute when Chidiac teed up Melina Ayres but the striker swung wildly and blasted her shot over the bar.<\/p>\n
A minute later, Ayres lashed a long-range strike over.<\/p>\n
From there, United, with their men’s team watching from the front row, dominated the chances.<\/p>\n
Victory left-back Natalie Tathem came off in the 32nd minute after hurting her left wrist in a collision with Francesca Iermano.<\/p>\n
In the five minutes Tathem was off, United almost scored twice.<\/p>\n
In the 34th minute, Keane skimmed a shot just over the bar and seconds later dragged the ball just wide of Casey Dumont’s near post.<\/p>\n
United opened the scoring when Adriana Taranto’s free kick was blocked but sister Melissa whipped the ball back into the 18-yard box.<\/p>\n
Keane forced a save from Dumont but 2019 Women’s World Cup winner McDonald pounced on the rebound.<\/p>\n
Victory should have equalised in the 61st minute when Ayres slipped through Chidiac to send her one-on-one with Hillary Beall.<\/p>\n
But the playmaker’s chip drifted wide.<\/p>\n
Victory threatened one last time when Beattie Goad beat Cummings in the 83rd minute and found Catherine Zimmerman, but the striker had consecutive shots blocked as United held on for a memorable win.<\/p>\n
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