Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0 Perth Glory
By Emma Burke 15/3/24
Above: Sophie Harding celebrates her goal against Perth Glory. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers
A goal from Sophie Harding made the difference for the Western Sydney Wanderers, keeping their finals hopes alive in their 1-0 win against Perth Glory at Wanderers Football Park.
Despite this being their third game in a week, Western Sydney Wanderers showed no signs of fatigue, spending a majority of the opening 45 minutes inside their attacking third, giving the visiting Perth Glory side no real way to break into the game.
It was further solid goalkeeping form from Perth keeper Morgan Aquino that kept Glory in the game, as she simply refused to let any attempt from the Wanderers cross her line.
The sole goal of the game was put away early in the second half, a beautiful team goal that was built out from the back by Olivia Price, who launched a pass into the midfield to Maliah Morris. Morris played square and wide to Danika Matos, and Matos’ overhead delivery fell perfectly for Sophie Harding to chest down to her feet and immediately fire on goal.
Harding’s hit came from outside the 18-yard box and was up and over the reach of Aquino, who had come slightly off her line.
While Perth didn’t come away with the win, midfielder Hana Lowry did take a corner flag with her, after shattering a pole while attempting a corner delivery.
This result does not rule Perth Glory out of finals contention, but does make the process much more difficult.
Perth will have to win both of their final two games of the season, against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City, and hope for some favourable results to reach the final six this season.
Western Sydney Wanderers (4-4-2): Khamis, Keir, Harrison, Bruce, McComasky, Matos, Chessari, Price, Buchanan, Caspers, Harding Substitutes: Collins, Brooking, Abdul-Massih, Rue, Morris
Scorerers: Harding 53’
Perth Glory (4-4-2): Aquino, Foletta, Cowart, Anton, Rigby, Lowry, Cain, Lawrence, Phonsongkham, Quezada, Farrow Substitutes: James, Dalton, Hoarau, Jale, Lala.
Referee: Isabella Mossin.
Attendance: 427.
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