Western United made a statement with the 2024-25 Finals Series looming as they defeated Isuzu UTE A-League premiers Auckland FC 4-2 in Tarneit on Saturday night.
Melbourne City’s 5-1 rout of Sydney FC earlier on Saturday ended Western’s hopes of a second-placed finish but John Aloisi’s men still had plenty to play for at Ironbark Fields, where the 2022 champions snapped Auckland’s 14-game unbeaten streak.
Western, who crushed Auckland 4-0 earlier in the season, sealed third position and an Elimination Final at home to Adelaide United thanks to goals from Michael Ruhs, Noah Botic and Angus Thurgate.
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Ruhs broke the deadlock in the 18th minute before Golden Boot hopeful Botic moved within one goal of the lead with his 12th of the season five minutes later, while Thurgate capped the scoring in the second half.
Neyder Morendo did pull a goal back before Jesse Randall struck deep into stoppage time to set up a nervy finish but substitute Oli Lavale scored at the death to see off the visitors and seal third position.
Western carried a four-game winning streak at home into the contest, having not lost in Tarneit since their 3-0 loss at the hands of Auckland in February.
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The Championship hopefuls extended that victorious run thanks to a dominant display from start to finish.
Auckland, who clinched the Premiership last week in their inaugural season, tried to play out from Western’s press but they were picked off as backup striker Ruhs found the back of the net.
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Alex Paulsen produced a spectacular save to deny Matthew Grimaldi in the 22nd minute. However, Botic scored from the resulting corner – ending his four-game goal drought.
There was plenty of spice and niggle under the lights in Melbourne’s west, where the Black Knights struggle to make an impact against the home side.
Auckland’s defence was carved upon again four minutes into the second half, with Western star Thurgate on hand to slot the ball underneath Paulsen.
There was a lifeline for Auckland in the 62nd minute, when Colombian attacker Neyder Moreno somehow found the back of the net from an acute angle following a corner.
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