Reds forward Erin Healy says the belief remains strong as the Reds prepare for a huge second leg clash in Melbourne, following a 3-1 defeat to Melbourne Victory in the opening leg of the Ninja A-League Women Semi-Final at Coopers Stadium.
Healy, who recently returned from injury, scored an invaluable equaliser in the 40th minute to bring United level before two second-half goals gave the visitors the edge. Despite the result, the Reds head into the return leg full of determination, knowing a place in the Grand Final is still within reach.
“I was ready today, and I’ll be ready next week,” Healy said post-match. “I feel good and I’m ready to push even more. We have nothing to lose — we’ll go out there, be stronger, and try to get that result.”
The San Diego born attacker was a constant threat throughout the opening half, linking play and finding space in behind. Her goal — her 8th for the Club — gave United a deserved lift after sustained attacking pressure.
Head Coach Adrian Stenta praised Healy’s impact on the match and explained the decision to substitute her in the second half was a cautious one, given the physical demands of the contest.
“It’s just been unfortunate in the last couple of weeks that we’ve had to manage her very carefully,” Stenta said. “We could have kept pushing a little longer with her tonight, but she did her job really well. It was a physical game and we didn’t want to risk further injury.”
Healy’s influence didn’t go unnoticed. “She was outstanding tonight,” Stenta continued. “She scored the goal and was involved in a lot of our creative play going forward.”
While the Reds will need to overturn a two-goal deficit away from home, Healy and her teammates remain confident they can rise to the occasion.
“We were putting a lot of pressure on them,” she said. “When they scored again, it killed a bit of our momentum. But next week, we dig deep and go again.”
The squad now faces a unique week on the training pitch, preparing for a match they know will require a fast start and an attacking mindset from the first whistle.
“It’s a bit unknown,” Healy admitted. “But we’ll keep focusing on ourselves like we’ve done all season — find the back of the net at training, and then take that into the game.”
United will take heart from their strong first-half display, the return of key players, and the fighting spirit that has defined their campaign.
The stage is set for a potential comeback story, and Adelaide United are calling on their fans to stay with them as they look to defy the odds and book their place in the Ninja A-League Women Grand Final.
