Adelaide United’s quest for a maiden Finals appearance took a hit following a 4-1 loss against Western Sydney Wanderers at Marden Sports Complex on Saturday.
The Reds never really showed up and went behind early but did score an equaliser against the run of play through Veronica Latsko.
However, WSW were too strong in the second stanza and overran the hosts, scoring three goals to complete the onslaught.
Despite the setback, Adelaide can still make finals but will now likely have to win their remaining two games.
There were two changes made to the starting XI by Ivan Karlović. Isabel Hodgson – making her first start this season – and Emily Condon replaced Icelandic duo Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir and Fanndís Friðriksdóttir, who both missed the clash through international duty.
Adelaide were on the back foot from the get go as they fell behind in the second minute.
Servet Uzunlar drove a crossing free-kick into the area and it was clinically met by Lowe, glancing her header into the top corner.
Western Sydney found a lot of space in between the lines and Leena Khamis fired several shots at goal.
Elizabeth Addo struck the crossbar from six yards when it seemed easier to score.
But although Adelaide struggled to control the game, they levelled proceedings in the 41st minute – through their top goal-scorer.
Amber Brooks executed a customary long ball over the defence and into the path of Latsko, who showed composure to round the ‘keeper and calmly finish.
Adelaide again looked sluggish as they tried to take the ascendency.
However, that went pear shaped when the visitors were given a penalty after a foul on Addo. Kylie Ledbrook stepped up and made no mistake from the spot.
The Wanderers then bagged two late goals; first through Erica Halloway and then Addo, to consign Adelaide to a second straight defeat.
Key moments:
2’ | GOAL: Lowe brilliantly heads Uzunlar’s spearing free-kick from the right wing into the top corner.
32’ | Addo nearly punishes Brooks’ mistimed clearance, whose shot from the six-yard box thunders off the crossbar.
41’ | GOAL! Brooks releases her compatriot with a long ball and Latsko breaks the offside trap, nonchalantly rounding Nicole Simonsen.
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61’ | GOAL: Addo is fouled in the box by Holmes and Ledbrook confidently steps up and converts the penalty.
90’ | GOAL: Halloway shoots from distance from the edge of the area beating Willacy.
90’+7’ | GOAL: Addo puts the result beyond any doubt, chipping the helpless Willacy.
Match details:
Saturday, 19 January 2019
Westfield W-League 2018/19 – Round 12
Adelaide United 1 (Latsko 41’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 4 (Lowe 2’ Ledbrook 61’ Halloway 90’ Addo 90+7’)
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Attendance: 973
