Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory came away with their first draw in competition on Sunday afternoon after a competitive shoot-out resulting in 3-3.

It was goal for goal at Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium as each team fought valiantly for an early three points and demonstrated strong potential after both missing out on finals last season.  

Both sides proved impressive for the full 90, showcasing weapons in all areas.

Adelaide United - Key Players and Plays

Adelaide remained offensive throughout with multiple feeders in the forward line, applying the scoreboard pressure which has proved challenging in the past.

At the heart of the attack was Chicago import Sofia Huerta.

Huerta and her Red Stars counterparts, Danielle Colaprico and Katie Naughton, seemed to have settled right into the W-League stage as they set each other up all game-long.

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The experienced internationals were able thread to play between themselves and with their new Australian teammates and added a smooth consistency that allowed local, less experienced players to flourish.

Adelaide’s second goal came from a beautiful combination play involving a Colaprico through ball, Huerta cross and Adriana Jones’ finish from a lead in the box, who made a major impact in the Reds’ game.  

https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame/status/795367697093537793

Another highlight for Adelaide was Stella Rigon scoring the match’s opening goal and her first in the W League, an encouraging start for the captain.

https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame/status/795111594195755008

Monica and Red Star Katie Haughton made their Adelaide debuts, with each showing strength in the backline as well as up front, Monica claiming United’s third goal with a header off a free kick.

Melbourne Victory - Key Players and Plays

Victory also proved offensive, increasing momentum and goals after a slow start.

Captain America, Christine Nairn, stepped up early for Melbourne, remaining a point of consistency and strength in her attacking midfield role.

The team were able to come back from behind on three occasions, thanks to a double from English star-forward Natasha Dowie and returning Selin Kurulay.

Coming back after a year out with injury, Kurulay proved her place in the league, coming off the bench late in the game and firing a long-range cracker into the bottom left corner for Victory’s second goal of the match.

https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame/status/795162499318358016

While Victory impressed with their offensive presence and tenacity to keep themselves in the game with three cracker goals, United had the slight edge at the final whistle.

Adelaide created more chances and, had they been able to capitalize on a missed one-on-one with the Victory keeper and avoid several offsides, may have come away with the win.

“Obviously there are some things to improve on if we want to get the win but I think overall it was a very solid first game.” - Katie Naughton

One of Melbourne’s goals was the result of some confusion in the box from the Adelaide defense.

Defensive cohesion will be critical for the Lady Reds but is sure to improve as the team spend more time with one another.

“The more time we play together the better we will be.” Georgia Campagnale

Up next

The return of W-League players Alex Chidiac, Emily Condon and Grace Abbey after being away with the Young Matildas will add an extra element of familiarity in the Adelaide side when they next face Western Sydney Warriors away on Sunday 20 November at 3.00pm local time following a bye.

Melbourne Victory play Newcastle Jets Sunday 13 November at 4.00pm local time at home.

Newcastle will be hungry for the win after losing to reigning champs Melbourne City 1-0 on Sunday.

Match Details

Adelaide United 3 (Stella Rigon 13’, Adriana Jones 20’, Monica 73’)

Melbourne Victory 3 (Natasha Dowie 16’, 64’, Selin Kuralay 81’)

Sunday 6 November 2016

Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Kick-off: 2pm

Referee: Katie Patterson

Adelaide United: Sarah Willacy (gk), Emily Hodgson, Monica, Ally Ladas, Stella Rigon (c), Sofia Huerta, Adriana Jones, Georgia Campagnale, Dragana Kljajic, Danielle Colaprico, Katie Naughton

Substitutes – Claudia Jenkins (gk)

Cautions – Georgia Campagnale 3’

Melbourne Victory: Bianca Henninger (gk), Alexandra Natoli, Alexandra Cheal, Melissa Taranto (Adriana Taranto 11’), Lia Privitelli, Ayesha Norrie (Selin Kuralay 72’), Natasha Dowie, Christine Nairn, Samantha Johnson, Gulcan Koca, Rachel Alonso (Kariah White 60’)

Substitutes – Bethany Mason-Jones (gk)

Cautions – Samantha Johnson 35’, Natasha Dowie 46’