Adelaide United Women defeated Sydney FC Women in a 5-2 thriller, in Round 14 of the Westfield W-League at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
A brace to Adriana Jones, and goals to Racheal Quigley, Emily Hodgson and Sofia Huerta instantaneously cancelled out the two equalisers from Remy Siemsen, to sprint away with the three points in an impeccable display of attacking football.
With Adelaide United Women looking to end their season on a high-note, and spoil Sydney FC’s party for the minor premiership, the United Women were the more encouraging side in the first period, with countless chances that could have seen them with a several goal lead by halftime.
Top goal scorer, Jones wreaked havoc on the second-placed Sydney’s defence, bursting out of the blocks early, threatening Sydney shot-stopper, Shamiran Khamis with several one-on-one opportunities.
Alongside Jones, Quigley, Alex Chidiac and Sofia Huerta proved a continuous danger toward Khamis’ goal, although they were unable to break the deadlock. In the 18th minute, a moment for Huerta saw her shot merely wide, in a close opportunity. Huerta then impressively delivered a through ball to Quigley, who was again thwarted by the visiting defence.
Over the half-hour mark, Chidiac headed the ball toward Jones in the box, who was ineffective due to the strong Sydney backline. Caitlin Foord fired for only the second time for her side, sending her shot far wide, and before the second half, Quigley had another chance following Huerta’s pass direct to the penalty spot, but could not get a foot on it.
The second half provided the entertainment of goals and Adelaide were ultimately rewarded, with Quigley tapping into an open goal, seconds into the second stanza following Danielle Colaprico’s free kick. A minute later in the 48th minute, Jones streamed past Khamis to strike into another empty net for a two goal advantage.
The Sky Blues were not going to give up their premiership hopes too easily, as substitute Siemsen completed a fiery brace with two thundering shots, catching the United off-guard within a two-minute timeframe.
Although, two minutes following, on 59 minutes, Sofia Huerta raced into the penalty area to square her pass to the back post for Hodgson to collect and strike for another Adelaide lead. In the 67th minute, Jones was brought down in the area after anticipating a one-on-one opportunity with Khamis. Jones then completed her brace, converting from the spot to give her side another two goal advantage.
Sydney FC looked promising in the latter moments, but Huerta venomously struck with confidence to seal a 5-2 victory over Sydney and secure sixth place on the Westfield W-League standings and also six games undefeated to end their campaign.
