Western United stun reigning champions Melbourne Victory in A-League Women debut

Western United have kicked off life in the A-League Women competition in style with an upset 1-0 win over defending champions Melbourne Victory in their opening match.

Star American signing Jessica McDonald scored in the 54th minute to seal a historic win in blustery conditions at Melbourne’s City Vista Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

It was a deserved win for United after they handled the difficult weather far better than Victory, who had Matildas’ Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight among their starters.

United striker Hannah Keane constantly threatened, while Guyana defender Sydney Cummings marshalled their defence with aplomb in front of 2,753 spectators.

Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo came on as a second-half substitute for United and showed glimpses of her best form, including going close with a late free kick.

Victory dominated possession early but struggled to use the heavy wind at their backs.

They should have led in the 16th minute when Chidiac teed up Melina Ayres but the striker swung wildly and blasted her shot over the bar.

A minute later, Ayres lashed a long-range strike over, however United dominated proceedings from this point.

Victory left-back Natalie Tathem came off in the 32nd minute after hurting her left wrist in a collision with Francesca Iermano.

In the five minutes Tathem was off, United almost scored twice.

In the 34th minute, Keane skimmed a shot just over the bar and seconds later dragged the ball just wide of Casey Dumont’s near post.

United opened the scoring when Adriana Taranto’s free kick was blocked but her sister Melissa whipped the ball back into the 18-yard box.

Keane forced a save from Dumont but 2019 Women’s World Cup winner McDonald pounced on the rebound.

Victory should have equalised in the 61st minute when Ayres slipped through Chidiac to send her one-on-one with Hillary Beall.

But the playmaker’s chip drifted wide.

Victory threatened one last time when Beattie Goad beat Cummings in the 83rd minute and found Catherine Zimmerman.

But the striker had consecutive shots blocked as United held on for a memorable win.

AAP