Tara Murray
It was a tough return to the field for Western United in the A-League on Friday night against Wellington Phoenix.
Playing their first game since Boxing Day after COVID-19 caused four games to be postponed, United fielded a nearly full strength side.
It was a case of so close, so near for United in the 2-1 loss.
The Phoenix started the better of the two teams but United had a big chance through Connor Pain.
The Phoenix responded and opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
United went searching for an equalizer with Alessandro Diamanti having multiple shots on goal as United peppered the goals.
The work went unrewarded with Phoenix scoring a second to double their lead
The second half played out similar to the first half, with United unable to finish off their work.
United would finally score late in the game, through Steven Lustica but it would be too little, too late.
The loss was compounded by Tomoki Imai receiving a red card late.
United now sits fourth on the ladder.
