Sydney FC coach Ante Juric believes his side’s togetherness was decisive as they booked a third consecutive Westfield W-League Grand Final appearance.
A 14th minute strike from American attacker Veronica Latsko proved decisive for the Sky Blues as they edged out Melbourne Victory 1-0 in their Westfield W-League Semi Final on Saturday at Epping Stadium.
However, the defending Champions were forced to dig deep throughout the contest as they weathered a series of attacking raids from the Victory – and occasionally rode their luck – across a hard-fought 90 minutes.
Juric told sydneyfc.com that his side’s determination to grind out the result against a determined opponent could not have been better timed.
REPORT: Latsko’s Semi Final winner keeps Sydney FC’s Championship defence alive
REACTION: ‘It was all Ally,’ – Latsko praises delivery for Semi Final winning goal
“I think that’s one of our best performances in terms of effort and the togetherness that we showed and I’m glad we did it in the Finals Series,” Juric explained.
“In the first half we played decent football, we were positive and were set up well defensively.
“We ground it out in the second half in the wind and against a barrage of attacks which was something special.”
The Sky Blues will now await the result of tomorrow’s second Westfield W-League Semi Final between Premiers Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers to discover their Grand Final opponent.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6141551955001
However, Juric’s attention remained firmly on his own side’s preparation – and the upcoming occasion now presented to his players – rather than speculating on his potential opponents.
“We will worry about ourselves but it will be a great week and it’s a great opportunity for these girls to achieve something special.
“I’m very pleased for the club and for the girls that we’ve made the Final for the third season in a row,” he concluded.
SEMI FINAL PREVIEW: Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
WATCH EVERY KICK: How to watch the Westfield W-League Semi Finals
RECAP: The six greatest Semi Finals in Westfield W-League history
Westfield W-League Semi Final
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Sunday, 15 March 2020
Venue: ABD Stadium, Broadmeadows
Kick-off: 1:30pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: FOX Sports, ABC TV
Stream: ABC iview, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
