Simone Charley scores a brace leading Canberra United to victory

American import Simone Charley scored a brace to set up Canberra's 2-0 victory over the Western Australians in front a 1482-strong crowd on Sunday.

It took the Charley just six minutes to deliver on Heather Garriock's promise to be more dangerous in front of goal, with the coach fielding three internationals up front to increase their striking power.

Camila Martins Pereira sent a perfectly placed ball across the face of goal and pinpointed former Matilda Leena Khamis, whose scoring attempt was deflected by Glory goalkeeper Eliza Campbell.

But the goalkeeper's effort left Charley facing an open goal and all she needed was a touch to score Canberra's opening goal of the season.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

"It was pretty exciting but I couldn't do it without my teammates," Charley said.

"Camila had a great ball in, so she made it super easy for me and Hughes made a great dummy run as well."

But Charley wasn't done yet and fired home the sealer in the 11th minute and bagged her second goal on debut.

She received the ball near the corner-post and beat two defenders to score an absolute screamer, which soared straight into the net with ease.

Pereira capitalised on United's relentless pressure and nearly extended their lead to three goals at halftime, with the South American striking a long range shot but was saved by a diving Campbell.

United looked like they were going to cruise to a massive victory but a see-sawing second-half left the score remained locked at 2-nil.

"I certainly wasn't happy [with the full ninety]," Garriock said.

"Our combinations were excellent and the quality, weight and speed of passing was exceptional. But then we dropped off.

"We need to work out why, possibly complacency after [scoring] two goals but we need to be relentless in those areas. I think we struggled towards the end of the first half so went into halftime and critiqued a few things.

"I just think the spaces between the lines was too great in the second-half and then we ran out of legs towards the end."

Karly Roestbakken came off the field with a suspected broken nose mid-way through the second-half, allowing Emma Stanbury to step up and make her Canberra debut.

The Young Matildas captain will be assessed by medical staff before the club confirms her availability for next week's clash against Melbourne City.

Melbourne boasts a strong roster of Matildas stars including Ellie Carpenter, Lydia Williams and Emily van Egmond and Kyah Simon.

"It was super important getting the three points [on Sunday] but next week we'll be playing Melbourne City. It'll tell us where we're at as a team, " Garriock said.

"We need to have a look at the video footage and assess where their strengths are. We obviously know they have Ellie Carpenter, who is one of the best players in Australia at the moment."

W-LEAGUE

Round one: CANBERRA UNITED 2 (Charley 6' 11') bt PERTH GLORY