Words: Matt Dorman
Additional Reporting: Cara Confessore

Terri-Amber Carlson hit a hattrick to earn Souths United Women a 3-3 draw with The Gap Women in the two teams’ opening match of pre-season.

Gators recovered from a goal down to twice lead at Wakerley Park, before Carlson converted from the spot to settle matters with just over 20 minutes remaining.

New signings Greta Bodey, Katie Winter and Eden Jones all netted for the reigning champions as both sides began pre-season in potent form.

In their first outing under new coach Gary French, Souths made a perfect start when Carlson finished from inside the area for a 1-0 lead within a minute of kick-off.

Gators quickly hit back to level matters with a well-placed finish from Bodey, who has made the switch from UQFC Women in the off-season.

Winter, who has returned to her former club, then put the visitors 2-1 ahead just four minutes later by capping off a move involving Bodey and Bethany Ashton.

With their lead overturned, Souths steadied and notched an equaliser of their own on the stroke of half-time as New Zealand international Carlson netted her second.

Last season’s double-winners reclaimed a 3-2 advantage shortly after the restart as Gators forward Jones pounced on a loose ball from a shot initially saved by Bianca Warrener.

Kirsten McGilvray almost squared the ledger once more from a Rita Marshall cross but was denied by the woodwork.

However, Souths did secure a draw when a foul inside the area allowed Carlson to beat Caitlin Mandrusiak from the spot for 3-3.

Both teams are scheduled to continue their preparations for the new campaign when they meet again on Sunday, 7 February.

Pre-season friendly
Saturday, 23 January
Wakerley Park, Brisbane

Souths United FC Women 3 (Terri-Amber CARLSON 1’, 45’, p.67’)
The Gap FC Women 3 (Greta BODEY 8’ Katie WINTER 12’ Eden JONES 48’)