Western Sydney Wanderers coach Stephen Roche has named his squad ahead of this Saturday’s final clash against local derby rivals Sydney FC.
Western Sydney Wanderers coach Stephen Roche has named his squad ahead of this Saturday-s final clash against local derby rivals Sydney FC.
Although the Wanderers suffered a disappointing loss against reigning premiers Canberra United – this weekend-s match is set to be a blockbuster, with Sydney FC needing to win in order to secure a finals berth.
Roche says that a number of chances were spurned in the first 20 minutes against Canberra United and a resilient Wanderers side are determined to redeem themselves after their mid-week loss.
“The loss to Canberra United was very disappointing,” says Roche.
“I think we were lacking energy after making the long journey to Canberra then having the game deferred until Tuesday.
“In saying that, we missed a number of clear goal scoring opportunities.”
Last time the two teams met before a vocal crowd edging on 1000, a number of high profile spectators including Westfield and FFA boss Frank Lowy and Tom Sermanni attended an exciting and thrilling encounter at Leichhardt Oval.
The Wanderers suffered a narrow 1-0 loss and will be looking to turn the tables on their cross city rivals, who are desperate for a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
“This is the local derby and we want to win it,” says Roche.
“Sydney is the only team to have one up on us at the moment and we want to make it very tough for them.”
Captain Sarah Walsh, who has a birthday today, will be looking to end the season on a high note and is proud to have captained the Wanderers in their maiden season.
“It is a really big game for the squad and we are looking to go out with a bang,” says Walsh.
“It has been fantastic to have captained the Wanderers in their inaugural season.”
Supporting the ladies in this epic clash will be members of the famous Red and Black Bloc supporter base, who are set to make stadium come alive in this final spectacle.
Squad: 1. Elizabeth DURACK (gk), 2. Samantha SPACKMAN, 3, Alexandra HUYNH, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Olivia KENNEDY, 6. Rachael SOUTAR, 8. Vanessa HART, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Servet UZUNLAR, 11. Louise FORS, 12. Jessica SEAMAN, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 14. Trudy Camilleri, 15. Teigen ALLEN, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 17. Alisha BASS, 18. Candace Sciberras, 20. Thora HELGADOTTIR (gk), (*3 to be omitted)
Ins: Olivia Kennedy, Alisha Bass, Candace Sciberras (all promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Jenna Kingsley (knee – season)
