Heidelberg United has opened their 2015 Women’s Premier League campaign in convincing fashion, defeating Casey Comets 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Julia Nicolaci and Maggie Eudes gifted last year’s Grand Finalist a 2-0 lead at the break before Adelyn Aton sealed the result with a second half strike.
In his first game at the helm, Bill Mihaloudis oversaw his side take an early lead with Nicolaci finding the back of the net after just 16 minutes.
Ayton held her run to perfection, setting up the striker who finished first time past Marika Kamoda in goals.
Eudes was then next to convert, doubling her side’s lead seven minutes later.
New signing Bonnie Barnes provided the assist, squaring across goal for Eudes to finish from close range.
Despite rarely venturing forward, Casey enjoyed a brief period of momentum leading into the break.
Ian Williamson’s girls conjured a few efforts, with skipper Laura Croft most notably rising highest from a corner while Kelsey Quinn was fast off her line to deny Melissa Kirby a shot on goal.
Heidelberg however restored its ascendancy upon the restart, dominating their opponents on the ball.
United too appeared to respond to the heat better than the Comets, deploying Mihaloudis’ precise expansive passing game.
With a goal for the highlights reel, Ayton volleyed home her side’s third following the hour mark.
Nicolaci delivered the penultimate cross, before the Ayton struck her effort into Kamoda’s top corner.
Casey’s endeavours forward were largely adjourned by a stringent Heidelberg back four, who were as defensively astute as they was potent in the final third.
Notwithstanding a late flurry of chances as the game opened up in the final stages, Heidelberg was unable to extend their lead, concluding the fixture with a 3-0 victory.
Next Friday night Casey Comets entertain last year’s champions South Melbourne while Heidelberg will travel to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex to take on Sandringham SC.
Casey Comets 0 defeated by Heidelberg United 3 (16’ Nicolaci, 23’ Eudes, 63’ Ayton) at Broadmeadows Valley Park [HT: 0-2]
Casey Comets: 1. Marika KAMODA (GK), 2. Antonia NITEROS, 3. Laura CROFT ©, 5. Rachel BINNING, 7. Sharnoah HURLEY, 8. Chelsie SELLECK, 9. Elsie HIBBERT, 11. Natasha MACHADO, 12. Harriet CORDNER, 15. Shaunna MURRAY, 16. Melissa KIRBY.
Substitutes: 4. Jan MUSTAC 6. Sheridan DUDLEY, 13. Amy MUSTAC, 14. Amy RADFORD.
Heidelberg United: 1. Kelsey QUINN (GK), 2. Demi MIHALOUDIS, 4. Michelle VERZI ©, 6. Laura PHILLIPS, 7. Maggie EUDES, 10. Julia NICOLACI, 12. Bonnie BARNES, 13. Adelyn AYTON, 15. Lisa FONUA, 16. Stephanie GALJAR, 17. Natasha LUSI.
Substitutes: 8. Emma GUNN, 11. Aneta KOMIJAT, 22. Ellie GAVALAS, 24. Christina MANCUSO, Belinda PANELLA