Adelaide United Women will aspire to end their season on a high, with a win against league leaders, Sydney FC, in Round 14 of the Westfield W-League at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
Adelaide United Women will return to Coopers Stadium this weekend, having recently sparked a renaissance, coming off of back-to-back wins, and will have the perfect opportunity to showcase more of their finest work in the last match of their campaign.
It is the second time these two sides will meet, with the United Women falling short in a 2-0 defeat to a clinical Sydney FC in the Harbour City, back in Round 4.
Last round, Danielle Colaprico granted Adelaide a magnificent 2-1 win over a strong Perth Glory outfit, while the Sky Blues were stunned by the Newcastle Jets Women, suffering a 1-3 loss at home.
Adelaide United Women Head Coach, Huss Skenderovic, was buoyant following their glorified win last week, as well as their resiliency to stay in the game for 90 minutes.
“It was so good to get the win last week over Perth Glory, as I think they did underestimate us, and we remained resilient, and really fought for that win,” Skenderovic said.
“We really kept ourselves in the game, and sometimes when you can make that breakaway, and have that bit of fortune, as well as bravery, we can end up winning, in which we thoroughly deserved.
“Danielle (Colaprico) shot both her goals from distance, which is something we do work on in training, and it’s just about having a go, and if you don’t shoot, there is no chance to score, so it’s all about taking those opportunities.
“Both were hit very cleanly, and her second goal was absolutely beautiful, as well as the build-up by Grace (Abbey) and Alex (Chidiac), which was executed perfectly.”
Although finals are not within reach, Skenderovic is adamant the side are fulfilled with their achievements and the level of respect earned, considering the faltering start to their W-League season.
“For us, we created that momentum that we wanted to turn things around, and we are also undefeated in five games, which is a great achievement.
“Sydney are the only team that we haven’t scored against and knowing who they are, and their need to win, or get a point, to remain on top for the premiership, we want to spoil that party, and we are driven by that.
“And to just give ourselves that ‘Grand Final’ of our own and say, in those five games we haven’t lost, and be able to turn things around, is a good achievement considering our start to the season, and now we can finish as high as sixth (on the ladder).
“That’s our key objective heading into this weekend, is to finish on a high, especially playing at Cooper’s Stadium and the game being televised, they are really buzzing for it.
“As a Club, we want to show what we have achieved and how far we have come, that we are competitive, and teams respect us now as they know we aren’t an “easy-beat” any more,” Skenderovic continued. “That’s what we have achieved, and we are praised on our footballing abilities and entertainment factor.”
On facing Sydney FC, the United Women Boss, believes their opponents will be a tough match-up, and they are the leaders for a reason, but remains confident in his sides tactical abilities.
“I think tactically we can set up quite well against Sydney FC, as they will want to move the ball around, and if we get our structure right to be able to press them well, we are a good chance.
“They are the deadliest team to play against and to be able to construct a good brand of football against, and they do go forward well and are a good team all-round, and that is why they are top.
“We will definitely have to bring our A-game to the table, to be able to try and win this game, but I do believe it will be a great one.”
