Photo Credit: Sal Giovinazzo - Belconnen United 

Monaro Panthers v Canberra Olympic

Canberra Olympic will travel to Duncan Fields tomorrow looking for their first win of the season as they face Monaro Panthers. The first iteration of this matchup in Round Two saw Monaro claim a narrow 2-0 win, but both sides have arguably improved despite struggling this season. Olympic are yet to pick up a point and this matchup presents arguably their best chance, with the Panthers only four points ahead of them on the table. A win would be the perfect start to the second part of the season, and split the season series ahead of their final clash on the 16^th of July. 

For Monaro, an improbable come from-behind draw with Tuggeranong United last weekend gave them a boost and will instil confidence ahead of this match. Zoe Szeremet spearheaded that comeback with a second-half hat-trick and Olympic’s league-worst defence will need to improve this weekend to contain her threat. However, the Panthers have also not won since this round one matchup, and will know that Olympic can prove a threat to them this time out.

 

Tuggeranong United v Canberra FC

Tuggeranong United were pegged back by Monaro last weekend in a second-half that undid the work of their dominant first period, and a more complete match will be needed this weekend. When they took on Canberra FC in Round One, Tuggies picked the home side apart on the break to run out 4-2 winners but face a vastly improved side this time out. Having struggled at the back in the weeks following their early wins, Tuggeranong will be looking to build on last week’s first 45 to hold out a Canberra FC side who are now rolling.

Mark Risteski’s team powered to a 4-1 win over Gungahlin last time out, as they stretched their undefeated streak to three matches. Chantel Jones continued her brilliant form with a brace and she will be a key this weekend against a side that like to be physical at times.

Canberra FC have slowly been working back to fitness throughout the season and with an almost complete squad they are now a formidable opponent. Despite the first round result hanging over them, the visitors here will be confident of coming away with a result.

 

Woden-Weston v Canberra United Academy

The Canberra United Academy will look to bounce back from their second defeat in a row after they were soundly beaten 7-0 by Belconnen United last time out. Having lost to Canberra FC the match before that, they will this week face a Woden-Weston side who pushed them all the way in Round 1. On that occasion, it was a single late goal that separated the sides and the Academy may face the pressure here from a side that has continually improved so far.

For Diego Elmoudawar and his side, a 4-0 win last weekend was a strong bounce back from a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Belconnen the week before. A win this weekend gives them a great chance to jump into the Top Four, dependent on other results, which would be a massive jump at this stage of the season as they continue to improve on last season Elmoudawar’s concern will be squad fitness after experiencing a number of injuries in recent weeks and against a fast, fit side like the Academy it could be crucial.

 

Gungahlin United v Belconnen United

The match of the round sees first meet fourth as Belconnen roll into Gungahlin Enclosed Oval to take on Gungahlin United. Belconnen come in having scored thirteen goals in their last two matches and conceding none, while Gungahlin will need to bounce back from defeat at the hands of Canberra FC.

That defeat set them back after a run of three straight wins, and their spot in the Top Four could be in jeopardy with a negative result here. Their first match against Belconnen was close and this one promises to be the same however they need to prevent their opponents from getting on a roll as they did last weekend against the Academy.

Belconnen’s demolition of the Academy sent them clear top of the table, and another win here would keep up that degree of separation. Antoni Jagarinec’s side have been unstoppable in front of goal with a league high 39 goals to their name, and having only conceded two. One of those came in their initial clash with Gungahlin in Round 1, and the visitors know they will need to be at their best. However if they can execute as they have been and stick to their game plan, then the Blue Devils will back themselves in for the win here.