Tara Murray
Western United saved its best for last to come away with a stunning win against Adelaide United in the A-League Women’s competition on Sunday.
United seemed destined for its first loss in the women’s competition, trailing 1-0 as the match entered six minutes of injury time.
Chelise Dawber had put Adelaide in front early in the second half in the top of the table battle.
The game got turned on its head when Sydney Cummings eqailised at the beginning of added time, her second goal in as many weeks.
As the six minutes of injury time had come and past, play continued. It was enough for Emma Robers to hit a long bomb to give United the 2-1 win to remain on top with three wins from as many matches.
United entered the match with a stable side, with only Kahli Johnson out from the previous match with a minor knee injury.
Francesca Iermano came into the starting line up, while Natasha Dakic and Aimee Medwin were both included in the matchday squad for the first time.
United had to make an early change with Stacey Papadopoulos falling heavily in the opening minutes of the game.
She was carried from the ground and taken to hospital as a precaution. The club later said in a statement that she had sustained concussion and precautionary scans had come back clear. Adelaide began to control more of the possession in the first half but United defended stoutly to keep out their advances.
It meant Medwin had her first taste of action early on.
United grew further into the game as the half wore on and created two half chances when Jessica McDonald sent a tantalising ball into the area, and Medwin nearly stole a march on Adelaide’s defence soon after.
Matildas’ star Chloe Logarzo came on at half-time for United and created an early opening for Hannah Keane who forced a sharp save from Adelaide’s goalkeeper.
The game opened up at the beginning of the second half and it was a swift transition moment that gave Adelaide the lead.
United continued to pile the pressure on in attack, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
They turned up the pressure in the final 10 minutes.
There was set to be six minutes of injury time, but with that running over was enough for United to seal the three points.
United coach Mark Torcaso admitted he was stunned after the win.
“These girls just have an unbelievable belief to want to beat anyone who comes in front of them,” he said.
“We literally shifted a couple things, brought one or two other players on, who could affect the game in certain areas and then literally threw it all there and see what happens and pinched it.”
The win ensures Western United move to outright top of the league with three wins from three matches.
United has its first bye of the season this weekend.
Their next match is against Melbourne City on December 12.
