Sounder-down-Under is a look at the beautiful game from the other side of the world, written by Seattle ex-pat Drew Dickson.
Sunday will see two Seattle Reign teammates working together to bring home Australia’s W-League Trophy to their Down Under posting at debutante Melbourne City.
Lady Citizens Jess Fishlock and Kim Little ended the season for Brisbane Roar’s Haley Kopmeyer in the semi-finals to keep their unbeaten streak of 12 games intact. But in defense of the Reign’s backup keeper, it took 120 minutes and a penalty shootout. Brisbane’s net-minder didn’t allow the oppressive Queensland heat to affect her reflexes as the game wound into extra time. Kopmeyer came off her line as extra time neared an end, parrying away a quick shot from City and Matilda captain Lisa De Vanna for what looked to be the goal City had been so deserving.
Sydney FC booked their place in the final with a controversial goal against Kendall Fletcher’s Canberra United. From everyone’s angle but the officials, Sydney striker Kyah Simon looked to have obstructed Canberra’s keeper. With the goalie off her feet this allowed her strike partner Jasmyne Spencer to seal the game for the Sydneysiders. Fletcher provided several dangerous corners but the ladies from the capitol could not find the goal they needed in their quest to defend last year’s championship run.
This season’s final promises to set a new record. Sydney will travel to Melbourne this Sunday for a clash against the top team of this season in the hopes of returning from City’s home ground with their third trophy, putting them above Perth Glory and Canberra United who are also two time winners. On the other side of the pitch Melbourne City are looking to make history of their own as they are the newest team in the league, having only debuted this 2015-2016 season.
