Tara Murray
Western United is daring to dream as it moves one step closer to an A-League Women’s championship in its first season.
United only took one match to show it wouldn’t be easy beats this season, but that underdog mentality remained throughout the season.
On Sunday, United despite having 12 players in their squad who had never played A-League, let alone A-League finals took it to minor premiers Sydney FC for a spot in the grand final.
Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane gave United the lead in the 26th minute and that was the margin at half time.
The Sky Blues continued to put the pressure on, having 26 scoring shots to eight and having 12 shots on target to United’s three.
But United’s defence stood tall as it had all season, continuing to block out Sydney’s attack. Goalkeeper Hillary Beall showed why she is one of the best players in the competition, denying Sydney that equaliser.
United would still lead 1-0 at the end of 90 minutes, but with eight minutes of injury time it needed to hold on.
It did, securing a remarkable grand final spot.
United coach Mark Torcaso said in the post game broadcast that he never imagined being in this position.
“We worked extremely hard in the off-season to get this team right and this club right in regards to the girl space,” he said.
“To be in this moment right and to be playing in a grand final is absolutely amazing.”
Speaking in the post game press conference, Torcaso said it was pretty incredible to see where the group had come from.
Torcaso along with players Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto, Emma Robers, Julia Sardo, Aleks Sinclair, Natasha Dakic, Alyssa Dall’Oste, Stacey Papadopoulos, Raquel Deralas and Harriet Withers were all with National Premier League side Calder United, this time last year.
“It’s unbelievable because a lot of these girls come from an NPL set up and have never been exposed to this,” he said.
“Twelve girls have never been exposed to an A-League environment. I love it just for them that they get that opportunity to play in a big game like today and another big game in two weeks time.
“It’s an amazing achievement for the club and those individuals.”
Torcaso said he had been concerned about jitters entering the match, but there had been none on show. He said the likes of Angie Beard and Chloe Logarzo had been really good in helping the others.
Torcaso said the result highlighted the strength of the state league game in Australia and particularly in Victoria.
Both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory also made the final four.
“We’ve got a lot of talent here,” he said. “In our first season to be able to have that, have a number of players play in big games.
“[We were] close to the top of the ladder all year. The game has definitely come on leaps and bounds and it’s only going to get better with the World Cup coming up.”
Torcaso paid tribute to the staff that had put together a program that allowed the girls to compete week in, week out,
He said no matter what, they just worked hard each week.
“It was just about grinding out games week in week out, we knew that we would not be overly entertaining in watch,” he said.
“We’re definitely give a fight and we’re going to work hard for each other every game, literally just fight to the end.”
Torcaso said nothing changes for them in the lead up to the grand final which is on April 30. They will face either Sydney or Melbourne Victory, who play in a preliminary final this weekend.
“Always had this on day, one week at a time and it will be the same.”
