Tara Murray
Western United was unable to produce enough solid chances as it suffered just its second A-League Men’s loss in the last eight matches.
Having put together some strong form in recent weeks as it tries to turn its season around, United faced a tough challenge against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.
The Wanderers scored in the first half through Yeni Ngbakoto and that would be the difference with the Wanderers winning 1-0.
It’s just the second match this season that United hasn’t scored. United coach John Aloisi said it’s always tough when you play away from home.
He said in the end the Wanderers were the better side and that showed in the result.
“You need a little bit going your way,” he said.
“What didn’t go our way was the goal. Initially it was off side when they played the ball, [Nikolai] Topor-Stanley had to play at it and they went and scored from it,
“After that when we went to press in the first half, we weren’t pressing well and they were able to play through us at times and get down the other end pretty easily.”
“We still got into the final third really easily, our quality let us down in that final third.”
Aloisi said they had 12 corners to five which showed they were getting in the right positions and creating chances, but they didn’t play particularly well.
He said that was a positive that they were still in the game despite not being anywhere near their best.
Aloisi said the heat did have an impact on the side, with Josh Risdon having to leave the ground through heat exhaustion.
He said a couple of other players also struggled with the heat.
Despite the loss, United, which sits in 11th spot, remains only four points outside of the top six.
Aloisi said he was unsure whether they would add anyone to the list as the transfer window closes this week. United has lost three players in recent weeks, who have signed elsewhere in the competition.
He said the side just needs to stay positive.
“We know that the season can change quickly with a few wins,” he said.
“Sydney FC has shown that we beat them a few weeks ago, now their season has completely changed.”
United this week face Adelaide United back at home.
