Matildas claim series win over Mexico

The Matildas have scored a comprehensive 3-0 win over Mexico today at Bob Jane Stadium in Melbourne as the team continues it’s preparations towards July’s Asian Championship in Adelaide.

Substitute Jo Burgess opened the scoring on the hour before late goals from Joanne Peters and Lisa de Vanna ensured Australia wrapped up the three-match series, following a 2-1 win in the opening match at the MCG on Thursday.

Australia had the best of the first half against a combative Mexican side with Matildas striker Sarah Walsh coming closest to breaking the deadlock but her shot ten minutes from the interval was deflected narrowly wide of the post.

Australia finally scored the all important opening goal when substitute Burgess scored at the far post after Caitlin Munoz’s low cross from the left bisected goalkeeper and defenders.

The visitors weren’t without their opportunities with Rebecca Juarez dangerous throughout and Young Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams required to make a superb diving save to deny Juarez from close range.

Despite a heavy pitch and being the team's second second outing in three days, Australia finished the match strongly securing two deserved goals in the final ten minutes.

Peters, captain for the match, powered home a Heather Garriock corner from close range seven minutes from time to double the advantage, before de Vanna ensured the win when she outpaced the defence after being set clear by Alicia Ferguson.

Coach Tom Sermanni was delighted with the result given three players were unavailable for the match - captain Cheryl Salisbury, plus midfielders Collette McCallum and Lana Harch – while a further three were substituted at half time as a precautionary measure including Dianne Alagich, Rhian Davies and Thea Slatyer.

“Overall I was very pleased with a number of aspects of today’s match not least of all the fact that once again we have shown we have good depth in the squad,” said Sermanni.

“We showed a fairly significant improvement on Thursday’s match at the MCG creating many chances and having several lengthy passages of play where we maintained possession.”

“I was also very pleased that we not only started strongly, but once again finished strongly which is a positive sign and demonstrates that we are maintaining our concentration and momentum throughout the full 90 minutes.”

The third and final match of the series, a major part of the Matildas' build-up to July's Asian Women's Championship in Adelaide, will be played on Tuesday afternoon at Port Melbourne SC's Anderson Reserve ground (2:30pm Free entry).

Game 1:
Thursday 25 May, MCG

Australia 2 (Gill 75’, Salisbury 84’) defeated Mexico 1 (Ocampo 13’).

Matildas: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Cheryl Salisbury (C), Heather Garriock, Jo Peters, Lisa De Vanna (Caitlin Munoz 70’), Kate Gill, Thea Slatyer, Collette McCallum, Sally Shipard, Dianne Alagich (Kate McShea h/t), Jo Burgess (Sarah Walsh h/t).

Cautions: Nil.

Game 2:
Sunday 28 May, Bob Jane Stadium, Melbourne

Australia 3 (Jo Burgess 58’, Joanne Peters 83’, Lisa De Vanna 90’) defeated Mexico 0.

Matildas: Lydia Williams (gk); Heather Garriock, Dianne Alagich (Kate McShea h/t), Thea Slatyer (Karla Reuter h/t), Rhian Davies (Jo Burgess h/t), Jo Peters (c), Sally Shipard, Alicia Ferguson, Kylie Ledbrook, Caitlin Munoz (Kate Gill 85’), Sarah Walsh (Lisa De Vanna 74’).

Cautions: Ledbrook 63’.