Avondale FC starting XI: Bennett (GK), Walsh, Studman, Nishihara, Genitsaris (C), Lamaj, Kellond-Knight, Scriven, Lines, Steiner, Okino
Goals: Steiner (6), Lines, Studman, Kenny, Okino, Own goal
After a tightly contested opening 15 minutes, the breakthrough came from none other than American striker Addison Steiner, who went on to complete a stunning double hat-trick.
Saphri Lines also got on the scoresheet after finishing off a brilliant passing sequence, involving Elise Kellond-Knight and Saki Nishihara, with a clinical side-foot volley.
Soon after, Bronwyn Studman, who was the quickest to react after a goalkeeping error, calmly side-footed home from a ball whipped in by Kellond-Knight.
Kurea Okino’ thunderous header from a Jess Beddows cross deflected off the goalkeeper and into the net to further increase Avondale’s lead.
Larissa Walsh, who outpaced her marker on the right and delivered a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, was rewarded for her effort thanks to a deflection by a Melbourne Uni defender for an own goal.
It was a dominant performance from start to finish, capped by a finishing masterclass from Steiner, who now leads the league with 25 goals - with half the season still to play.
Focus now turns to our next big challenge in the Nike Cup, where we face NPL powerhouse South Melbourne in a clash that promises high quality as we look to prove our standing among Victoria’s elite.
