Adelaide United Women produced its best match of the Westfield W-League 2020/21 season against Sydney FC Women, according to Head Coach Adrian Stenta.
It was a complete performance from the Reds, who dominated the league leaders for the entire contest with a 2-0 win to climb into third spot on the table with two matches remaining.
Adelaide’s lightning start secured the triumph as Maruschka Waldus and Mallory Weber had the hosts two goals up inside the opening 20 minutes.
Stenta believed the way his side controlled the game was indicative of the growth the team has made since the beginning of the season.
“I just think we’ve matured a little bit,” Stenta said post match.
“Exactly the same sort of thing happened in Round 1 against Canberra. We were 2-0 up at half-time and we ended up conceding really early and losing that game.
“I just think the team has grown and matured and I think they put in a really composed and professional performance tonight.”
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Stenta admitted the plan was to put Sydney under immense pressure early, believing they could get the edge over them with the Marden home crowd behind them after narrowly losing 2-1 in the reverse fixture two weeks ago.
The fact that it was Dylan Holmes’ final game for the Club this campaign provided another incentive.
“We’re at home and we were really confident based on our performance against Sydney away from home,” he explained.
“So we just felt like being at home in front of our fans and with Dylan’s last game we really wanted to start positively if we could and I think the start was fantastic.”
Another tough test awaits Adelaide as they travel to Brisbane to tackle the undefeated Roar, who sit second in the standings.
Stenta embraced the challenge and said it was the ideal time to be playing against the competition’s supreme sides.
“We’re really looking forward to testing ourselves against teams that currently above us on the ladder,” he continued.
“Sydney was one team tonight and Brisbane hasn’t lost a game I don’t think all year, so they’re a quality side.
“I can’t think of a better way to test out where we’re at then to play two really, really good sides at this stage of the season.”
Match details:
Friday, 12 March vs Brisbane Roar Women
Westfield W-League 2020/21 – Round 12
Kick-off 8.35pm ACDT
Venue: Lions FC Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
