Tara Murray
Western United is finally on the board after coming away with a draw against Macarthur on Friday night in the A-League Men’s competition.
The defending champions put out their best performance of the season so far in front of their home crowd.
Macarthur opened the scoring in the 24th against the run of play. United responded in the 69th minute through Lachie Wales to level the scores.
Neither team was able to find the winner, with United having to settle for a 1-1 result.
United coach John Aloisi said the only disappointing part of the game was not being able to come away with the whole three points.
“We should have got all three points,” he said. “We were dominant the whole time from start to finish which was pleasing.
“We didn’t drop our heads when we conceded a goal against a run a play, we created so many good opportunities and good opening [and] we limited them
“I thought the all round performance was excellent. It was a performance we asked for.”
Aloisi said the difference on Friday night compared to the opening two rounds was that the team continued to play and not drop their heads when they fell behind on the scoreboard.
He said there was no panic among the group which was a pleasing sign for the side moving forward.
“I spoke about it last week, we were so dominant in that first half and then we became a little bit stretched, we started to lose our structure and shape,” he said.
“Whereas today we didn’t panic… we just kept on playing our game.
“All the boys worked really well and really hard. Our defence was good. With the ball we moved the ball really quick, when we moved the ball like that it’s hard to stop.
“Goals will come, as we’re performing well.”
The performances of Josh Ridson and Lachie Wales were again some of the standouts for United.
Risdon’s name continues to be mentioned in contention for a Socceroos spot for the World Cup. Aloisi said Risdon’s performances continue to make United a better team.
“The only thing Josh missed tonight was scoring that goal,” he said.
“I don’t even need to talk about him, I think his performance speaks for himself. He comes up against top wingers in the league every week, puts on great performances every week.”
In good signs for the United was the performances of Alessandro Diamanti and Noah Botic who both come off the bench.
It was the first game for the Diamanti, since February after suffering a serious knee injury.
Aloisi said having the skipper back for them was great for them.
“It gives us the opportunity for us to bring someone on when he’s on the bench,” he said.
“It was important to get him minutes. I thought he did well when he came on his link between our wingers and him really good,
“It gives everyone a lift.”
Aloisi said Botic had been working hard in training and deserved his opportunity.
United will be hoping to get their first win of the season on Saturday against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday afternoon.
