Bundoora United’s W-League connections had the goal-scoring touch as Melbourne Victory routed Newcastle Jets 6-0 on Saturday.
Striker Caitlin Friend netted a hat-trick to become the Victory’s all-time leading scorer, while Enza Barilla scored two and Gulcan Koca the other.
Koca’s goal was her first in Victory colours, the Australian-raised Turkish international scoring from the edge of the penalty area in the 34th minute to make the score 2-0 in the match at Kingston Heath.
Victory took a temporary hold on top spot on the W-League ladder with the win, although a number of teams had games in hand played after The Weekly went to print.
Friend scored in the 31st, 42nd and 69th minutes to complete her second W-League hat-trick.
Her 12 career goals for Melbourne Victory draws her level with English striker Jodie Taylor as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
But Friend enjoyed a couple of lucky breaks, including one goal bouncing in off her back.
“I was shielding my face from the ball so I had no idea it went in until I looked in the back of the net,” Friend said.
“It always takes a couple of weeks for a team to mould and come together. We’re getting to know each other and we have a bit of confidence behind us now.
“Dave (Edmondson, coach) mentioned there is a lot of competition for spots and we have to play well to keep the shirt. It’s a positive.”
The only sour note from the match for Melbourne was a knee injury to midfielder Ashley Brown. The eight-time international was coming back from a knee reconstruction but appeared to reinjure the knee in the dying stages.
