Match Preview: Essendon Royals vs. Casey Comets – VPLW Season Opener

The Essendon Royals are set to make their Victorian Premier League Women (VPLW) debut this weekend as they face off against Casey Comets in the first round of the 2023 season.

Promoted from State League 1 in 2022, the Royals are eager to prove themselves in the VPLW. They kicked off their competitive season on a high note last week, securing a 4-1 victory over Bayside Argonauts in the Nike FC Cup. The team’s performance showcased their determination and skill, which they hope to carry into their VPLW campaign.

Head coach Vince Battiato has assembled a strong squad for the new season, bolstering the team’s depth with several key signings. The Royals’ players are raring to go, and fans can expect a high-energy performance in their VPLW opener.

Casey Comets, a VPLW mainstay, will provide a stern test for the Royals. The Comets finished in the middle of the pack in 2022, securing 5th place out of 10 teams, with a record of 9 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses.

Like the Royals, the Comets also triumphed in their Nike FC Cup match last week, defeating Mazenod FC with a resounding 6-1 scoreline. Mami Ambo was the star of the show, netting a hat-trick, while Candela Ferreyra Bas, Caitlin Hinds, and Karen Jacobs each contributed a goal. The Comets’ impressive attacking prowess will undoubtedly pose a challenge for the Royals’ defense.

As the Essendon Royals prepare for their VPLW debut, the stage is set for an exciting and fiercely contested match against the experienced Casey Comets. Both teams have already displayed their attacking talents in the Nike FC Cup, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter as they battle for supremacy in the first round of the VPLW season.