Australian Liberty A-League Preview
The Liberty A-League Women, previously known as the W-League, the season is set to get underway on Friday, November 18, with three games slated for the opening day of its 15th season.
It’s set to be the longest season ever with 11 teams, and each team playing 18 games will bring excitement. Here’s our preview of four teams and players to watch.
Teams To Watch
Melbourne Victory
Last season Melbourne Victory just barely finished in fourth place with a 7-3-4 record. Despite that, though, they advanced to the Grand Final, where they defeated Sydney FC 2-1 to lift the championship. Melbourne Victory has won the last two championships. Melbourne Victory’s offseason acquisitions are highlighted by Alex Chidiac, who will be another offensive weapon for the team.
Sydney FC
Sydney FC was dominant during the season, only losing once with an impressive 11-2-1 record, but they fell just short of the Championship for the third straight season. They’re leading goalscorer Cortnee Vine is returning for another season as Sydney tries to get over that last hurdle and lift the trophy. Mackenzie Hawkesby, who led the league in assists (8), and young star Princess Ibini will also be returning.
Last season Sydney led the league in goals with 36 through 14 games and only conceded six goals.
Western United
The 2022/23 season will be the first for Western United as they embark on their inaugural season. Most clubs struggle in their first seasons, but Western United has already made a big splash with their signings. The club brought on Chloe Logarzo and Jessica McDonald to lead the team offensively. It’ll be exciting to see what head coach Mark Torcaso and the club can put together when they take the field for the first time.
Adelaide United
Adelaide United finished in third place last season, the club’s highest finish ever. They fell in the semi-finals to the eventual champions Melbourne Victory. Part of their success can be attributed to the performance of Fiona Worts, who had 13 goals for the club. Midfielder Chelsie Dawber is also returning to the club for the season from the Chicago Red Stars as Adelaide looks to make it to their first-ever Championship.
Players To Watch
Fiona Worts – Adelaide United
Worts made a splash during her first season with Adelaide United. She finished the season with 13 goals and three assists, earning the Julie Dolan Medal, awarded to the best player in the league. She also earned the Golden Boot.
Hannah Wilkinson – Melbourne City
The New Zealand international joined Melbourne City last season. In 12 games, she found the back of the net 12 times, leading her team in goals scored. Melbourne City went 11-0-3 last season, and Wilkinson was a big part of that. Wilkinson will continue to be a key player this season as well.
Jada Mathyssen-Whyman – Sydney FC
Whyman had nine clean sheets last season, the most in the league. She was a massive part of the Sydney squad that only conceded six goals the whole season. The goalkeeper finished the season with 43 saves and a 0.43 goals-against average. She’ll look to continue her good form as she enters her third season with Sydney FC.
Alyssa Whinham – Wellington Phoenix FC
Wellington Phoenix had a tough first season in the A-League, but Whinham was a bright spot for the young team. The 19-year-old played in all 14 matches for Wellington, starting 12 of them. Last season, the midfielder was nominated for the young player of the year award. Despite being young, she’ll be a leader for this Wellington Phoenix club that looks to improve in its second season.
NWSL Players In The League
Chicago Red Stars
- Chelsie Dawber – Adelaide United
- Sarah Griffith – Newcastle Jets FC
Racing Louisville FC
- Jessica McDonald – Western United
- Hillary Beal – Western United
- Alex Chidiac – Melbourne Victory
- Emina Ekic – Melbourne City FC
- Jordyn Bloomer – Western City Wanderers
North Carolina Courage
- Rylee Baisden – Perth Glory
Featured image via Getty Images
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