This pair are unlikely companions at the bottom of the ladder with champions Brisbane Roar having accrued just a single point from their two outings to date.
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 12 November 2011
Burton Park, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 4pm
This pair are unlikely companions at the bottom of the ladder with champions Brisbane Roar having accrued just a single point from their two outings to date. However, Roar coach Jeff Hopkins will accept nothing less than three points from the trip to Adelaide.
Despite their position on the ladder, the Roar have so far had to play last year-s grand final opponents, Sydney FC, and arguably the form team of the competition, Newcastle Jets.
A hard-fought opening draw against the Sky Blues was followed by a somewhat unlucky defeat against the Jets. The Roar were on target for victory until the latter stages of the match when they were hit with a match-defining double blow, with goalkeeper Casey Dumont sent off and the Jets converting the resultant penalty.
The red card means Dumont will be missing for this encounter, with untested Japanese custodian Hoshimi Kishi stepping into the fray for her starting debut.
While the visit of the Roar is a tough challenge for Adelaide, as it is for any team in the league, the home side should take confidence from their showing against Perth Glory.
After a disappointing opening day 4-1 capitulation against Canberra, Adelaide turned in a heroic effort in the west and were unlucky not to come away with at least a share of the points.
An early contender for goal of the season from Racheal Quigley was followed by a succession of attempts on goal, as United-s attack showed cohesion that was missing in the opening game and during much of last season.
Match squads
Adelaide United squad: 20. Kristi HARVEY (gk), 2. Ruth WALLACE, 3. Anna GREEN, 4. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 5. Abby ERCEG (C), 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Leanne SLATER, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 11. Ashleigh GUNNING, 12. Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY, 13. Vanessa REED, 14. Donna COCKAYNE, 17. Katherine EBBS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 1. Sian MCLAREN (gk)
* one to be omitted
In: Katherine EBBS (return from suspension)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emma CHECKER, Grace HENRY, Ebony PHILCOX (All international duty – Australia U-17), Angela FIMMANO (injured)
Brisbane Roar squad: 30. Monique NELSON (gk), 2.Laura ALLEWAY, 3.Karla REUTER, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5.Brooke SPENCE, 6.Joanne BURGESS, 9.Catherine CANNULI, 10.Lana HARCH, 12.Ashley SPINA, 13.Tameka Butt, 14. Vedrana POPOVIC, 15.Sasha MCDONNELL, 16.Michaela HATZIRODAS, 17.Emily GIELNIK, 19.Ellen BEAUMONT, 20.Hoshimi KISHI (gk)
* one to be omitted
In: Monique Nelson (promoted)
Out: Casey Dumont (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: Elise Kellond-Knight, Kim Carroll, Aivi Luik (all overseas – 1 week)
