Emily Condon experienced the full range of emotions in one football match against Perth Glory in January 2021.
From the extreme low of squandering an open goal to later the sheer euphoria of scoring the winner. All in the space of 90 minutes.
Having defeated Perth a few days prior 1-0 at Marden Sports Complex thanks to a Condon penalty, the Reds travelled west to tackle the Glory due to a fixture reshuffle instigated by border closures around the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was early on in the season and we just played Perth the week before, so we had a back-to-back game against Perth – a home game and then an away game,” Condon said.
“So we were looking for another win. We were fortunate enough to get the win against them the first time at home where I was able to put the penalty away.
“We were looking to do a similar thing against Perth away.
“Both games were actually quite challenging because it was pretty hot here in Adelaide when we played them and Perth away again was very hot.”
Condon recalled missing her guilt-edged chance after rounding the goalkeeper before redeeming herself in the second-half.
“For those that watched that game would know that I missed a clear opportunity to put the team in front earlier on in that game,” the 22-year-old said.
“So pretty much after that obviously I was a little bit devastated straight away but I had to quickly change my mindset.
“I tried absolutely everything in my power to get the win for the team.”
But from zero, Condon went to hero – a testament to her resolve and ability to immediately move on and refocus to produce an impressive performance.
The attacking midfielder guided Mallory Weber’s perfect delivery into the box with an expertly placed header to seal a memorable 2-1 victory.
“I think Cote (Maria Rojas) had the ball for a little while, took on a few players and got the ball back to the top of the 18-yard box,” she said.
“Mallory put the cross into the back post which is where I was – the was a couple of us back there and a few Perth defenders.
“I remember the ball coming across and it was perfect. It was right where it needed to be and all I had to do was get my head in the right spot pretty much.
“It was just an amazing feeling. I couldn’t believe it at the time. It was near the end of the game that we got that goal.”
