Canberra United have slumped to a second straight embarrassing defeat, battered 5-0 by Western United on their home patch.
A week on from a shocking 5-0 loss at previously winless Wellington, Canberra were brushed aside again, scoring another five goals in the first half as they struggled to match the A-League Women’s best side.
Western United’s forwards helped themselves to goals at will in Canberra’s sweltering conditions, with red-hot striker Hannah Keane keeping her brilliant form rolling as she found the net for a fourth straight game.
Any hopes of a bounce-back result for Canberra were snuffed out early, with the visitors striking twice in the opening 13 minutes.
Canadian forward Danielle Steer played a huge role in both.
First Steer powered above Canberra defender Emma Ilijoski to nod home a cross inside five minutes, then her clever touch put Mel Taranto through on goal to tuck the ball home for a second soon after.
The floodgates opened after that, a poor pass from Canberra’s Sasha Grove putting the ALW’s leading scorer Keane through to pick her spot just before the half-hour, before she quickly doubled up to net a fourth for the Victorian side.
As if things were not bad enough, Canberra keeper Chloe Lincoln then fumbled a Tyla-Jay Vlajnic cross for Sydney Cummings to bash home on 42 minutes.
Canberra highlights were few and far between, striker Michelle Heyman producing the best chance with a skipping run that drew a rare save from Hillary Beall.
The home side will be wondering what has happened to their season after an impressive start, having now lost five of their last seven matches and conceded 19 goals in the process.
League-leaders Western United were able to cruise through the second half and take their ninth win in 10 games, while also keeping their fourth clean sheet in five outings.
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