Canberra United produced one of the standout performances of the A-League Women season, overturning an early deficit to secure a stunning 3-1 victory over ladder leaders Melbourne Victory at the Home of the Matildas. In a match that began with the hosts tightening their grip on top spot, it ended with Canberra celebrating one of their most significant wins in recent years — and breaking an eight-year drought in Melbourne.
Victory striker Kennedy White, who has been in irresistible form this season, struck almost immediately, continuing her brilliant run with a fourth-minute goal that reinforced why she has become one of the competition’s most dangerous forwards. Her clinical header, guided in from a superb Holly Furphy cross, marked her sixth goal from as many appearances — an outstanding return for the American, who has quickly become the focal point of Victory’s attack.
But while Victory appeared poised to dominate, the tone of the match shifted dramatically. Canberra responded with grit, confidence, and persistence, recovering from the early blow to deliver a commanding display that ultimately left the home side reeling.
Their equaliser came with a heavy dose of fortune, but it was the moment that breathed life into Canberra’s evening. Bethany Gordon’s long-range strike in the 22nd minute appeared routine for the goalkeeper until a wicked deflection off teammate Nanako Sasaki completely wrong-footed the defence. The ball spun unexpectedly into the net, levelling the match and giving the visitors renewed belief.
Sasaki’s role may have been accidental, but its impact was immense. From that point on, Canberra’s energy lifted dramatically, while Victory struggled to regain the authority they had shown in the opening stages.
By the second half, Canberra’s confidence was on full display. Their attacking sequences became more fluid, their pressing more coordinated, and their belief increasingly visible. The reward arrived in the 55th minute through Sasha Grove, whose finish was as composed as it was crucial.
Grove capped off a slick team move by controlling a sharp pass with her left foot before quickly shifting onto her right. Her follow-up strike floated sumptuously toward the far side of goal, clipping the post before bouncing in. It was an audacious finish and a moment that stunned the league leaders as much as it ignited Canberra’s travelling fans.
Speaking after the match, Grove described the emotion behind her decisive goal.
“It was just a crazy game,” Grove told Paramount.
“The girls were absolutely sensational. It couldn't feel any better, because we put in the effort, we just grinded that one out, and we're coming home with the win.”
Her comments reflected not only Canberra’s resilience, but also the internal belief that despite their struggles in Victoria — just one win in their previous 16 trips — they were capable of toppling the competition’s frontrunners. Remarkably, the last time Canberra had beaten Victory on Melbourne soil was December 28, 2016. The significance of snapping that drought was not lost on the team.
Grove admitted she had not anticipated her goal unfolding in such dramatic fashion.
“I was a little bit shocked,” she said.
“But heading into this week, even at home, my brother was like, ‘If you don't shoot, you can't score’.”
Her decision to back herself shifted the match entirely, but Canberra were not done yet. As Victory pushed forward desperately searching for a response, the visitors remained composed and waited for their opportunity to exploit the home side’s defensive gaps.
That chance arrived in the 77th minute, and just as the equaliser required some luck, the third goal came courtesy of another misfortune — though this time for Melbourne Victory. Substitute Sofia Christopherson delivered a curled cross into a crowded penalty area, prompting Victory defender Kayla Morrison to attempt a clearance. Instead, the ball skewed off her boot and looped agonisingly into her own net.
It was the moment that sealed Canberra’s upset triumph, completing a three-goal turnaround and leaving the Victory players visibly stunned. Morrison, one of Victory’s most reliable defenders, could only watch as the ball rolled over the line, symbolising a night in which very little went right for the league leaders after their early breakthrough.
The result has significant implications for the A-League Women ladder. Canberra, who entered the round on seven points, temporarily climbed into the top four — though they have played one or two more matches than most teams. For a side that has shown glimpses of potential but lacked consistency, this victory represents a major step in re-establishing themselves as genuine finals contenders.
Victory, meanwhile, risk slipping down the table depending on other weekend results. Their defensive frailties, compounded by individual errors and a failure to regain momentum after their fast start, raised questions about their ability to maintain top spot under pressure.
But above all, Friday night was about Canberra United. Their tactical discipline, improved second-half execution, and willingness to trust their attacking instincts turned a daunting challenge into a defining victory. The squad’s response to the early setback showed a maturity and resilience that will encourage their supporters as the season progresses.
Canberra have long struggled in Melbourne — and against one of the league’s most consistent teams — but this performance demonstrated that when they find rhythm and confidence, they can trouble any opponent. With momentum now on their side and key players stepping up in crucial moments, Canberra United’s season suddenly looks far more promising than it did a week ago.
