With AAP
It’s season over for Western United in the A-League Women after being knocked out in the opening round of finals.
Adelaide United secured its spot in the semi final with a hard fought 1-0 elimination win against Western.
Western United unleashed 22 shots to six in Sunday’s match at Coopers Stadium, but it was Adelaide defender Matilda McNamara’s header from a corner in the 24th minute that proved the difference.
Adelaide was lively in the first half of Sunday’s do-or-die match, with Emily Condon’s early strike well saved, before McNamara gave the hosts the lead.
It could have been 2-0, but Lucia Leon’s 34th-minute shot from just inside the box hit the post.
At the other end, stat Western striker Chloe Berryhill (nee Logarzo) also struck the woodwork just before half-time.
Western pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half but couldn’t find a way through.
It is the second season in a row that Western United bombed out in an elimination final.
“It was just one of those days pretty much,” United midfielder Catherine Zimmerman said.
“I’m pretty proud of how we played. We battled and we created a lot of chances, we just couldn’t score.”
Meanwhile, Western had a 1-0 win against Sydney FC in the men’s competition, to dint Sydney’s finals chances.
A controversial fourth-minute goal to Western winger Matthew Grimaldi was all that separated the teams in Sunday’s match at Ironbark Fields.
United (44 points) moved to third spot, just one point adrift of second-placed Melbourne City with a game against premiers plate winners Auckland to round out their regular-season campaign.
The situation is perilous for Sydney, who need a win or a draw against Melbourne City at AAMI Park next Saturday to secure sixth place.
If Sydney fails in its task, Adelaide will secure a finals berth.
That match also looms as critical for Western United, given a Melbourne City loss or draw would give them a chance to steal second spot and an AFC Champions League Elite berth.
Western coach John Aloisi was pleased with how his team bounced back from defeats to Western Sydney and Brisbane Roar.
“It was a tough game. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Sydney needed at least a point to secure finals,” Aloisi said.
“I thought defensively we were good, not only the back four, but everyone.
“We scored a really good goal. I’m really pleased with the players because it’s been a tough week.
“We just wanted to make sure we got back to winning ways.
“We want to try to see if we can finish as high as possible. We know we’re only one point away from City now.
“Hopefully Auckland are still celebrating (their premiers plate trophy).”
