The season may not have finished the way they would have hoped but Canberra United were worthy runners up in season one.  Remarkably consistent performers, United were rewarded with a grand final berth.  Although outclassed in the decider, the ladies in green had the honour of being the only side to post a win over Brisbane Roar with a 1 – nil victory in round 2.

United heads into season two with a new coaching line up including Ray Juna.  Juna has a familiar assistant in striker Caitlin Munoz with Munoz sidelined for the season following a third knee reconstruction.  Canberra United has recruited well and topped up their squad with the quality signings of Matildas Emily Van Egmond, Ellyse Perry and former Matilda Sally Shipard to play alongside a couple of internationals.


Canberra’s great strength is their back half led by back up Matilda’s custodian Lydia Williams.  Along with defenders Bronwyn Studman, Ellie Brush and Grace Gill-McGrath, United recorded four clean sheets and the second best defensive record in the league.

The defensive quartet played a large majority of the season one together and will need to do so again if United are to repeat their results or even go one better.


Canberra’s major weakness in season one was their attack.  While the defence was one of the best, on record United’s attack was the one of the weakest.  Ultimately it was the relative lack of firepower that contributed to their defeat in the grand final.

United have lost three of their leading goalscorers from season one.  In season two it falls on Ashleigh Sykes, Shu O Tseng and Ellie Raymond to fire and cover the nine goals lost through Munoz, Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray. 



It’s not often that the goalkeeper is considered the key player in a side but Canberra’s results start and finish with Lydia Williams. 


Lydia Williams

Not bad for a player who made her way into the position by default. 

“For me it was the only position left on the team so basically I just got stuck with!”

“I really did like it but it was when I saved a penalty in one game that my coach said "Okay you are not changing positions ever again".  It was kind of just thrown on me but I love it now.”

In the off-season Williams has honed her craft in the WPS, one of the toughest women’s leagues in the world. 

“I think playing over in the States in the best league in the world you are training with world class players everyday.  Hopefully I bring that type of experience back and teach the girls the intensity that you need to be training and playing at the higher level.”

Lydia Williams was rewarded for her great season with the co-captaincy.  With Canberra making major changes to the squad, Williams’ experience will be invaluable.    

“We have a quite a young side this year.  We have played a few practice games in the last two weeks and from those practice games there is a positive outlook on the team.  I am really excited to play with these new girls and help them to play soccer.”

Photo Credit: Lydia Williams