Hoy leads Jets; DiBernardo converts penalty

CHICAGO – The race for the playoffs heats up after two Round 12 blowouts over in the Australia W-League. Adelaide United saw its first victory, while Newcastle Jets fight to make post season.

With 20 points, Perth Glory still covets a spot in the playoffs after falling to Canberra United, 7-2. Immediately into the match, Perth found themselves down 5-0 going into halftime. Just after the break, Canberra’s final two goals were conceded. In the 57^th minute, Vanessa DiBernardo put Perth on the board when she converted a penalty kick, her third goal of the season from the penalty spot.

With their first win of the season, Adelaide United won an astounding 10-2 against Western Sydney Wanderers. The Wanderers earned the first goal after an unfortunate own goal by Adelaide’s goalkeeper in the 27^th minute. Minutes later, United would make up for it, grabbing two goals to lead the match into halftime. To begin the second half Sofia Huerta scored her first goal of the match in the 49^th minute with a perfect strike that would blaze past the goalkeeper and hit the bottom corner. Wanderers would score just one more time in the 59^th minute before Adelaide released fury. Scoring two goals in the matter of a minute, Huerta completed her hat trick in the 78^th minute, while also adding an assist to the final scoreline. Danielle Colaprico dominated the midfield, while Katie Naughton found herself serving as captain for the first time this season.

With the return of Arin Gilliland from an injury, Newcastle Jets defeated Brisbane Roar 2-1 in the final seconds of the match. The Jets found themselves with the lead in the first 10 minutes after Jen Hoy’s header toward goal was deflected in by a Brisbane defender for an own goal. However, just before half, Brisbane would tie the match 1-1 off a penalty kick. With just 10 players on the field for Brisbane, Newcastle would provide immediate pressure in their offensive half. With seconds remaining, Hoy finished a cross perfectly from Dobner and would end the match with a Jets win.

Sam Johnson and Melbourne Victory found a win after defeating Melbourne City in a 2-0 shutout, grabbing both goals in the first half. Johnson and the Victory backline produced a stellar performance and earned their first shutout of the season.

Round 13:
Sydney FC (7-2-1) vs. Newcastle Jets (3-4-3)
Perth Glory (6-2-2-) vs. Adelaide United (1-4-5)

Red Stars Stats:
Vanessa DiBernardo (Perth Glory) – 90 minutes, GOAL
Alyssa Mautz (Perth Glory) – 90 minutes

Danielle Colaprico (Adelaide United) – 90 minutes
Sofia Huerta (Adelaide United) – 90 minutes, GOAL (3), assist
Katie Naughton (Adelaide United) – 90 minutes

Arin Gilliland (Newcastle Jets) – 90 minutes
Jen Hoy (Newcastle Jets) – 90 minutes, GOAL

Sam Johnson (Melbourne Victory) – 90 minutes