By Lance Jenkinson
There is a ruthless attitude about Western United in its inaugural A-League season.
United has picked up four out of a possible six points, claiming a victory overseas against Wellington Phoenix and drawing with premiers plate holders Perth Glory.
That start would be enough to satisfy most newly established clubs, but the boys in green and black were left yearning for more after Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw with the Glory at GMHBA Stadium.
Young United substitute Dylan Pierias, who came on late in the second half to add some spark up front, is not one to settle for honourable results.
A homegrown western suburbs product, Pierias conveyed his team’s disappointment at failing to send the home fans away with a win over the Glory.
“At the end of the day, we’ll take the point, but we’re definitely a team that always wants to win and doesn’t accept losing,” he said.
“We’ll look back and review it and see what we can improve on.”
Pierias was involved in one of the key moments of the game.
The 19-year-old almost stole the headlines when winger Josh Risdon played a delightful ball in behind the Glory defence.
Pierias used his blistering speed to split two Glory defenders, took two delicate touches on the ball and then chipped Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy.
The ball looked for all money destined for the back of the net, but it did not dip enough and kissed the crossbar.
“Sometimes it doesn’t go your way,” Pierias lamented.
“It was just instinct to chip it and a few of the boys asked me, could I slot it past him?
“I’m the type of guy that I get on the field and try to just do my thing and I decided to chip it and unfortunately it didn’t go in, but what can you do?
“He’s obviously a good goalkeeper, I just did my best and it didn’t go in.”
In the 10 minutes that Pierias was on the field, the former Spring Hills and Keilor Park junior showed that he has the goods to mix it at A-League level.
Pierias might even be an ace up the sleeve of United coach Mark Rudan to use in an attacking sense, though he is happy to play whatever role is best for the team.
“I’m traditionally a right wing back, but I’ve got a bit of pace and I’ve got a few attributes to play up front,” he said.
“I used to actually play up front when I was younger.
“The boss trusted me to go up there and he said just make some runs and use my pace, so that’s what I did.
“I listened to instruction and tried to have as much fun as I could and try and make an impact for the boys.”
Pierias conceded it was a result that could have gone either way, but felt Western United finished the stronger of the two teams.
“Both teams had their moments,” he said.
“It was a tough tight game, but I think in the second half we took it to them.
“We should’ve deserved the points there.
“Our first half was a bit shaky, but we re-grouped and took it to them in the second half.”
Pierias will be eager for more game time when Western United take on his former club Melbourne City at GMHBA Stadium this Sunday at 6pm.
City had a big impact on Pierias’s development and he still has friends who play for the club.
“I was there last year,” he said.
“It’s exciting for me to play against them and I know a lot of the boys there.
“We’ll take it week by week and hopefully we can get the win against them.”
