Adelaide United Women Head Coach Adrian Stenta praised the team’s fightback and lauded the fans after breaking the regular season attendance record for a standalone Westfield W-League game.
The Reds came from behind to secure a thrilling 3-1 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers Women in front of 5,159 supporters at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
Adelaide made a slow start and conceded inside four minutes before Isabel Hodgson equalised with a clinical finish.
Maruschka Waldus and Fiona Worts then added a goal each after half-time to seal a memorable win on a day history was made.
Stenta was delighted with the Reds’ response after going down so early in the match.
“I think it was a great comeback after conceding so early,” he told Fox Sports after the game.
“A lot of teams would go into their shell especially in front of a big crowd and at home and the girls really fought back well and the second-half was excellent.”
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Stenta praised the crowd for playing its part and supporting the team and hoped this was a good demonstration that Adelaide would be a successful city to host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
“I think it’s a very proud moment,” he said after the record-breaking attendance.
“It just shows that we’re a football state and if you put on a good show people will come out and support.
“And that’s why I really hope we’re one of the cities that can host the Women’s World Cup.
“I know the whole state would get behind it and it would be great to play here more often if we could because I’m sure people will come out and support us.”
Adelaide’s finals fate is out of their hands despite collecting its seventh win of the season.
The Reds, who have a Round 14 bye, need Canberra United Women to lose against Sydney FC Women or hope Melbourne Victory Women register only a point from its remaining two games to qualify for a maiden finals appearance.
“We’re going to prepare like we’re going to play,” he explained.
“Even though we’ve got the bye week we’ll still train and prepare and one of our players is turning 21 and having a birthday so I’m sure we’ll be able to have a good time as well.
“We’re hopeful and we’ve just got to prepare like we’re going to play in the following week if it’s possible.”
