Rock-solid Adelaide continue to rewrite the script with perfect defensive record

For a side used to being at the bottom end of the ladder, Westfield W-League season 2018/19 must be a dream come true for Adelaide United.

The Reds have largely struggled to be there at the business end of the season throughout their history but four rounds into this year’s edition they remain both unbeaten and yet to concede a single goal.

MATCH REPORT: Adelaide stifle Canberra

Remarkable isn’t it?

In vanquishing Canberra United 2-0 at Coopers Stadium on Thursday night, Adelaide not only racked up some impressive milestones but also put in a rock-solid performance.

Given the manner of their victory it is perhaps surprising to learn that Adelaide didn’t run away with the game statistically.

Canberra actually tallied more shots (10 vs nine) and ended the match with a superior passing accuracy inside their opponent’s half (68% vs 56%).

But it was the sheer consistency of the Reds that will have the rest of the Westfield W-League sitting up and taking notice.

Of their nine shots, seven were on target, with six of those coming from inside the penalty area.

Post those kinds of numbers each week and it will take a world-class goalkeeper to keep their opposition in the game.

Crucially for Adelaide, it wasn’t one player doing all the damage either.

Imports Veronica Latsko and Gunnhildur Jonsdottir harassed the Canberra defence all night, both with over 60 touches, while Michelle Heyman had her former side on constant alert.

Latsko was particularly effective, her first-half goal, assisted by Heyman, set the Reds on their way with just under half an hour played.

The American had a say in the second as well, her shot forcing a save from Sham Khamis only to see it rebound off Canberra defender Natasha Prior into the net.

The home side’s defence, well marshalled by Emma Checker and goalkeeper Sarah Willacy, was at its most stingy, restricting Canberra’s chances to those of the half variety.

For Canberra it is another frustrating result on the road after they went down to Newcastle Jets 1-0 last week but will look forward to returning to McKellar Park next Sunday to face Sydney FC.

Adelaide meanwhile will face an acid test of sorts when they run into defending Champions Melbourne City in the next round of fixtures.