Mallory Weber insists Adelaide United Women are more than capable of defeating reigning champions Sydney FC Women at Marden Sports Complex on Friday night.
The Reds welcome the Sky Blues to looking to collect their first win of the season after falling short against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Adelaide were rather unfortunate to come away empty handed as they suffered a dramatic 2-1 loss, but Weber believes there were enough encouraging signs to feel confident.
“Without being able to train very long with the full team I thought we did pretty well,” she said after making her Reds debut last Thursday.
“We were really dangerous, created a tonne of chances and I felt we should’ve come away with at least a point if not the win.
“So I think just shoring up a few things defensively.”
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Weber was impressive on the left wing with her dribbling ability and dynamism causing a number of problems against the Wanderers.
The 25-year-old American, who is on loan from Utah Royals, said the team is now trying to build on that performance when they host Sydney.
“So we’ve had a handful of practices and kind of just been working on the little details now, instead of having to go through full shape,” Weber said.
“So tailoring how we’re going to set up and eliminate their threats which they’ve quite a few, so it should be a really good match up.”
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Sydney beat Melbourne Victory courtesy of a comprehensive 3-0 triumph on Sunday. An early brace from Remy Siemsen had the hosts cruising before Shay Evans sealed the three points in stoppage time.
Ante Juric’s team is one of the strongest in the competition highlighted by Matildas stars Caitlin Foord, Chloe Logarzo, and Alanna Kennedy as well as Americans and former Reds players Sofia Huerta and Veronica Latsko.
However, Weber said their willingness to push players forward leaves them susceptible on the break, something the Reds can target.
“I know a bunch of us watched their game last week and just saw how many dangerous players they have and how lethal they are in attack,” she admitted.
“I think seeing that game and seeing how much they like to go forward kind of exposed them a bit.
“So I think if we can take advantage of them trying to push numbers forward I think we’ll be really successful, especially with our speed and quick transition to attack.”
Adelaide United Women host Sydney FC Women in Round 2 of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season on Friday, 22 November at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm.
