A-LEAGUE WOMEN SNAPSHOT FOR ROUND ONE
THEY SAID IT: "A lot of people did not believe that we could but after today I think they'll change their minds a little bit," striker Hannah Keane after Western United's NPLW-dominated squad beat champions Melbourne Victory in their first-ever game. On a windy afternoon, star American signing Jessica McDonald scored in the 54th minute for a 1-0 win.
HOW GOOD: A new A-League Women record for a standalone regular season match was set with 5213 people turning out for Wellington's first home match. Unfortunately for the hosts, they lost 4-1 to Melbourne City.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK: Brisbane Roar coach Garrath McPherson labelled goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff a "superstar" after three stunning saves gave the Queenslanders a first-up 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets. Hancuff is on loan with the Roar from US club Gotham FC.
TALKING POINT: Is it the end of an empire or just a scratchy start? Melbourne Victory were nowhere near their championship-winning best in their shock loss to newcomers Western United. Coach Jeff Hopkins says he hopes to have Lia Privitelli back next week after the club's title-claiming captain missed round one with a quad issue.
WORLD CUP WATCH: Football Ferns scored at both ends of the pitch in an entertaining draw between Canberra United: Grace Jale opened the scoring for Canberra before Liz Anton's equaliser for Perth. Further goals for Vesna Milivojevic and Gabriella Coleman meant United were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw in a match they dominated.
NEXT UP: The pick of the round is a Big Dub Blue and grand final rematch at Cromer Park, where Sydney FC host Melbourne Victory. Surprise winners Western head East to Wellington, while Newcastle Jets host Western Sydney, both looking for their first points.
