Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Western United
by Johnathan Stack (14/1/23)
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Sarina Bolden can’t believe it! Photo: Keep Up.
Western Sydney Wanderers provided a massive shock as they beat current league leaders Western United – sending the Victorian newcomers to their first-ever defeat after seven straight wins.
The 2-1 loss at Wanderers Football Park saw Western Sydney’s post their second successive major upset following their win against Melbourne City.
Sophie Harding and new signing Sarina Bolden consistently caused problems for the United defence, and they combined for the opener in the 12th minute.
Philippines international Bolden scored her first Liberty A-League goal in her second game from Harding’s pass.
Mark Torcaso’s Western United are made of stern stuff, and they responded through in form Hannah Keane, who scored her third goal in four days on the 26th-minute mark with a fine far-post header from a Khali Johnson cross.
It was United’s only effort on target in the first half and the American’s sixth goal of a productive campaign.
The Wanderers’ 53rd-minute winner came from a rare indirect free kick in the penalty area, that was awarded after a backpass.
The ball on the left edge of the six-yard box was played to Amy Harrison who lashed her shot past the wall and into the net.
WSW rise to eighth in the Liberty A-League, while Western United stay top although second place Melbourne City are yet to play. They will take over at the summit if they can beat city rivals Melbourne Victory tomorrow.
Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-1-2-1-2): Bloomer, Apostolakis, Hunt, Keir, Matos, Gordon, Harrison, Steinmetz, Price, Bolden, Harding. Substitutes: Chessari, Khamis, Massih, Rue, Saveska.
WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Sardo, Cummings, Dakic, Vlajnic, Taranto, Robers, McDonald, Johnson, Steer, Keane. Substitutes: Beard, Dall’Osre, Logarzo, Papadopoulos, Sawicki.
Referee: Kelly Jones.
Attendance: 448.
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