Tara Murray
Western United has equalled its wins total from last A-League season in just 13 games this season.
United won its eighth match of the season on Wednesday night, beating Sydney FC 1-0.
Playing their second game in four days, United made a couple of changes to their squad with captain Alessandro Diamanti managed and Tomoki Imai coming off the bench.
It was an even first half, before United seized control of the match in the second half, finding the winner through Steve Lustica, who found the top corner of the net after just after the hour mark.
Sydney pushed for an equaliser but like many times this season, United’s defence held strong, to seal the win for United and see them return to the top of the ladder.
United coach John Aloisi said the side responded after a slow first half. He said coming off the short break played a role in the slow start.
“We spoke before the game that when it’s difficult for us, you can’t always perform well,” he said.
“The first half we weren’t playing well and spoke about resilience and the character which we’ve been showing all pre-season and the start of the season. To dig in when things aren’t going for you and you’re doing it tough, we did that in the second half.
“I thought we were really good [in the second half]… We got our just rewards when we scored the goal.
“We could have won 2-0, 3-0 nil in the end,
“I’m so proud of the boys.”
Rene Krhin played a half, the most he’s played in his time at the club. Aloisi said he was a big improver for them, but ran out of legs late in the game.
Aloisi also highlighted the game of Neil Kilkenny.
Lustica, who recently signed a new contract for next season, scored his fourth goal of the season, continuing a hot run of form.
Aloisi said to have eight wins at this time of the season was something that they were happy with.
In his first season at the club, he said United had been the perfect match for him.
“The togetherness of the club and team is massive,” he said.
“You only win football games like that if you have a good group that is willing to work for each other.
“We spent a lot of time working hard on that in the pre-season, understanding what we are about as a football club.
“We’re building something.”
The win moved United back to the top of the table.
It was a big week for United, with the club also announcing the re-signing of Lachie Wales.
Wales has put pen to paper and will remain at the club until at least the end of the 2023-24 season.
The 24-year-old said he didn’t have to think twice about committing to his future.
“It was a pretty easy decision,” he said.
“With John (Aloisi) coming to the club, the culture that we’re trying to build here – you can already see what a difference it’s made on and off the pitch.
“He’s [Aloisi] been massively important to me. He’s really believed in me, starting me every match. To have someone believe in you and give you confidence to express yourself every weekend is really important,” he said.
United was set to face Perth Glory on Sunday, after deadline.
For that result, head to www.starweekly.com.au
