Andrews grabs a brace as Glory upset Sydney FC in Wollongong

Perth Glory’s sensational end to the Westfield W-League 2019/20 Season has continued with a shock 2-1 win over Sydney FC on Saturday in Wollongong.

American midfielder Morgan Andrews was the star for Glory, scoring a goal in either half to make it three straight wins for Bobby Despotovski’s side.

Andrews scored with a sensational free-kick just before the break before adding a second early in the second half before the Sky Blues got a consolation in stoppage time.

Sydney FC certainly had their chances to get something from the contest but found a resolute Glory defence and keeper Eliza Campbell in inspired form, producing two excellent stops to deny Sofia Huerta and Mackenzie Hawkesby.

The defeat for the Sky Blues means they missed the chance to lock-down a top-two berth, which could hang on next weekend’s clash against Melbourne Victory.

While Glory can’t feature in the Finals Series, they are certainly building something special for next season and could yet have a say in the make-up of the top four when they host Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 14.

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Key moments 

Tight battle in Wollongong

Sydney FC dominated the early exchanges with Remy Siemsen firing an early shot wide, while Veronica Latsko should have done better with a close-range header inside six minutes.

Glory were intent to sit back and hit on the counter and it wasn’t until the 34th minutes they had their first sight of goal.

The ball fell to defender Kim Carroll on the edge of the box and the defender hit a blistering volley which keeper Aubrey Bledsoe would have been relieved was straight at her.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134880388001

Andrews howitzer gives Glory the edge

Glory won a free-kick 25 metres from goal and Andrews thought she’d try her luck.

And it was a wise decision with the midfielder’s strike curling over the wall and past compatriot Bledsoe into the top corner.

A truly stunning goal and one worthy of giving the visitors a lead at the break.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134884875001

Andrews grabs a second for Perth

The American proved to be Sydney’s scourge again as she doubled Glory’s lead 13 minutes into the second half.

An attack down the left saw the ball cut back to Andrews who pirouetted past a defender before squeezing a shot under Bledsoe and in.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134897866001

Glory hold firm under pressure

Sydney FC suddenly sprung into action and Eliza Campbell showed great reflexes to deny Sofia Huerta midway through the second half.

Defender Arianna Romero then cleared another effort off the line 10 minutes later before Campbell came up with the save of the match a minute later.

Local girl Mackenzie Hawkesby looked set to score her first Westfield W-League goal with an acrobatic attempt but the Glory shot-stopper managed to tip it over the bar.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134897432001

Too little, too late for Sydney FC

The Sky Blues set up a grandstand finish by pulling a goal back in the third minute of stoppage time.

Sofia Huerta’s incisive cross from the left almost picked out Hawkesby, with the ball skimming off the shin of Kim Carroll and sneaking inside the near post.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134904097001

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How to watch

Round 14

Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, 29 February 2020
WML Stadium
Kick off: 10.15pm AEDT

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Match centre

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Saturday, 29 February 2020
Marvel Stadium
Kick off: 4.00pm AEDT

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Match centre

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