Article: Jeremy Magan
Photo: Anthony Caffery Photography

Wagga City Wanderers FC vs Canberra Olympic FC | Sunday, 2^nd August – 3pm @ Gissing Oval
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For their second home game in a row, the Wanderers are hosting an impressive Canberra Olympic that scored five goals against Woden Weston last Saturday. Following the lead of the Sykes sisters, and with a solid defensive organisation, Andrew Woodman’s team has played some great football in the first two weeks and are now one of the favourites for one of the top four spots. Wagga City did not disappoint last week in a high scoring match-up with Canberra Croatia. The three goals they scored were not enough to get a point but showed all their resilience and efficiency in front of the goals. Sam Gray will hope his defence can hold up against Olympic's attacking firepower this Sunday. Last season, both teams had won at home (2-1 in O'Connor, 3-1 in Wagga Wagga), but I am predicting an away win this time: 3-1 for Canberra Olympic.

Gungahlin United FC vs Monaro Panthers FC | Sunday, 2^nd August – 3pm @ Gungahlin Enclosed 1

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After a match against Belconnen United in Round 1 they want to forget, the Monaro Panthers bounced back with a draw against Tuggeranong. Raechel Hardwicke showcased her skills in the midfield, especially with a series of shots from long range. The trip to Gungahlin is a real test for a young team whose strikers are yet to find the net, but whose defence demonstrated strength and solidarity last weekend.

Meanwhile, Gungahlin's goalkeeper Kailey Tonini still hasn’t had to pick the ball out of her own net as United have impressed throughout the opening two rounds. The Gunners’ football in the first two weeks has been all about teamwork and efficiency and their results have not disappointed. Two important wins against two title contenders and Diego Iglesias' team is sitting nicely at the top of the table. A spot they intend to keep after hosting Monaro this Sunday, a team they could only beat once last year (6-1,1-1). Prediction: 2-0 for Gungahlin.

Tuggeranong United FC vs Belconnen United FC | Sunday, 2^nd August – 3pm @ Kambah 201

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After a week off (BYE), the champions are back! Ahmed Ugool's side will want to capitalize on a solid performance in Round 1 and get a second win in as many games, to keep up with Gungahlin and Canberra Croatia's rhythm. Last season, they grabbed all three points twice in this match-up (8-0, 5-1), and will hope to be as successful this Sunday in Kambah. Tuggeranong United's draw last week in Monaro was a blow to their finals ambitions, but what better way to bounce back than to show the champions how far you have come since the teams last met. Michael Aldred has proven his defence is solid and it is now time for his players to show their attacking threat. Filling the big shoes of Kristy Helmers, who left for the US, is no small feat, but Jacquelyn Freeman had a promising game in Monaro last week at the centre of the Tuggies’ offence. I will go for a Belconnen win this Sunday: 3-0.

Woden Weston FC vs Canberra United Academy | Sunday, 2^nd August – 3.15pm @ Melrose Synthetic (Pearce 2)

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The start of this short season has gotten off to the worst possible start for Woden Weston, the only team with two losses in the league. Facing the Academy, Mark Boyd’s players will need to remember their solid defensive performance in Round 1 and build from there. The solidarity they showed against Canberra Croatia looks like the best way to get a result at home on Sunday.

The announcement of new head coach Vicki Linton is the exciting news of the week at Canberra United. No doubt she will watch Sunday’s game with a new interest, and players will be eager to show the new W-League coach that they all deserve their shot in the big leagues. It starts with scoring goals, and hoping for better luck than last Sunday, when they hit the post three times! Coach Scott O’Donnell has plenty of firepower in his squad, led by Hayley Taylor-Young, Sasha Grove and Tara Cannon. Their compatibility and ability to win the battle of the midfield will be the key to the Academy’s success in Pearce this weekend. My prediction: CUA wins 2-1.