The stakes couldn’t be higher as Central Coast Mariners are set to host the biggest game of their season at Industree Group Stadium! With a Semi-Final spot on the line, it’s a must-win for Emily Husband’s team against Canberra United.
A fourth-place finish in the Ninja A-League secured the Mariners a home final, finishing on 34 points with Canberra just one place and one point behind.
With little to separate the two teams on the ladder and in the two regular season fixtures, another close and exciting clash is expected.
FIXTURE UPDATE AND TICKET INFORMATION:
Mariners vs Canberra Elimination Final POSTPONED – now Monday 6pm kick-off
Team News
Taylor Ray has stepped in seamlessly to anchor the backline with Jessika Nash this season and that partnership will likely continue this for this week’s must win game whilst the midfield trio of Brooke Nunn, Isabel Gomez and Bianca Galic has also performed strongly in recent weeks.
Shadeene Evans and Tiana Fuller both impacted last week’s F3 Derby win from the bench, the latter scoring her sixth goal of the season before Jade Pennock struck the winner.
Fellow young stars Annalise Rasmussen and Peta Trimis will both be vying to keep their starting spots, leaving Husband with plenty of attacking options to consider.
Husband will also be pleased to have Leia Puxty and captain Taren King back on deck, both recently returning to the pitch from injury and getting valuable minutes against the Jets last week.
Emily Husband has locked in her 19-player squad for Sunday's Elimination Final against Canberra United! 🔒
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) April 24, 2025
🎟: https://t.co/Nie5eQXyIV#CCMFC #ReclaimTheGame pic.twitter.com/qnIUQt7doP
🔎 Canberra United
Former teammates at Sydney FC and best friends off the pitch – Taylor Ray and Aideen Keane will go head-to-head on Sunday in one of the key battles in this highly anticipated fixture.
Canberra arrive into finals with momentum after three straight wins, including a 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers last time out.
Keane set up Ruby Nathan’s debut goal, while Darcey Malone and Bethany Gordon also found the net. Sally James was key at the back and Alex McKenzie returned to the starting XI.
Of course, you can’t talk about Canberra United without mentioning Michelle Heyman, the A-League legend’s tally of seven so far this season has her set to win the club’s Golden Boot for a fifth consecutive season.
🗣 Taylor Ray: “We know there’s a lot on the line”
Emily Husband, Bianca Galic, Taylor Ray and Taren King are all on media duty this week ahead of this huge game. Get all their pre-match thoughts via the Official Central Coast Mariners YouTube.
