Ethan Alagich says United are ready to turn belief into results as they prepare for a crucial final home game of the regular season, with Finals positioning – and more on the line.
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After a strong performance away to Newcastle Jets that ultimately ended in frustration, the midfielder admitted there was a sense of opportunity missed, despite the positives.
“I thought it was a good performance from us,” Alagich said. “There’s been some controversy with the result, but we did what we wanted. At the end of the day, it’s probably two points dropped.”
That feeling has been a recurring theme in recent weeks. United have more than matched it with some of the competition’s best, including Auckland FC and Newcastle, but haven’t always been rewarded with the final result.
For Alagich, the message is simple – the performances are there, now they must become wins.
“We’ve had the belief all season,” he said. “At the start, we probably didn’t get the results we deserved, and now we’re starting to show more and more of that. But we just have to turn it into wins. We believe we can beat anyone at any given time.”
That belief will be put to the test in what Alagich describes as a defining moment in United’s season as we prepare to take on Macarthur FC on Sunday, in front of a packed house on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s absolutely massive,” he said. “We’ve had some big opportunities in the last few weeks to get closer to that top two, but we haven’t been able to capitalise. This week is no different. We need to set ourselves up for a home final if we can, or at the very least put ourselves in the best possible position.”
The stakes go beyond Finals alone. With Auckland ineligible for continental qualification, and uncertainty around whether Heidelberg United will take part via the Australia Cup Final appearance, the highest-placed eligible side will secure a place in the AFC Champions League Two. It means United are not only chasing a home final – they are also firmly in the hunt for a return to Asian competition for the first time since 2017.
Alagich also highlighted the importance of the Coopers Stadium crowd, believing the fans can play a decisive role in the outcome.
“The home crowd will be massive,” he said. “Hopefully we can get good numbers out, because that support really lifts us and gives us that extra edge.”
Despite the frustration of recent results, there is no panic within the group — only a clear understanding of what needs to improve.
“We’ve shown we can compete with the best teams,” Alagich said. “Now it’s just about making sure we’re clinical and getting those wins when the opportunities come.”
With belief strong, performances trending in the right direction, and everything still to play for, United now have the chance to deliver when it matters most.
“It’s in our hands,” Alagich said. “We just need to take it.”
