Kerr earns brace for Perth 

CHICAGO – The Newcastle Jets defeated Canberra United, 5-1, to seal its second semifinal berth. Perth Glory’s postseason hopes were halted after a 4-2 defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers in their final game of the regular season.

Newcastle’s Emily van Egmond and Katie Stengel each notched a goal in the 12^th and 23^rd minute, respectively, giving Newcastle a steady lead. But Canberra came back and grabbed a goal with minutes left in the half to bring the scoreline by one.

During the second half, van Egmond earned her brace in the 66^th minute. Stengel finished her hat trick at the 80^th and 90^th minute mark, as Arin Gilliland earned an assist.

With Newcastle earning a coveted position in the playoffs, it was not the same fate for Perth Glory. In just the first four minutes, Perth trailed by two goals and would head into the half down 2-0. Sam Kerr quickly struck up momentum and tallied a brace to put the Glory back in contention.

Kerr’s first goal came in the 51st minute, after Wanderers’ goalkeeper mistimed her jump for a ball, giving Kerr an open net. Minutes later, Kerr beat the back line, receiving a threaded ball to put it past the diving keeper.

Despite Rachel Hill giving Perth the lead in the 78^th minute, two goals in the last two minutes for Western Sydney sealed a win for the Wanderers, ending a semifinal run for the Glory.

Adelaide United fell 2-4 to ladder leaders Brisbane Roar. Brisbane scored first, but just two minutes later, Adelaide’s Makenzy Doniak equalized for the only goals in the first half. Adelaide took the lead after Emily Condon added another in the 60^th minute.

After Brisbane tallied three more goals, including an own goal from United’s Jenna McCormick, the Roar came out on top to further prepare for the post season.

Round 14:
Adelaide United (2-8-1) vs. Melbourne Victory (3-6-2)
Newcastle Jets (6-3-2) vs. Melbourne City FC (5-4-2)

Red Stars Stats:
Arin Gilliland (Newcastle Jets) – 86 minutes, assist

Sam Kerr (Perth Glory) – 90 minutes, Two Goals

Danielle Colaprico (Adelaide United) – 90 minutes
Alyssa Mautz (Adelaide United) – 90 minutes
Katie Naughton (Adelaide United) – 90 minutes