Western United have suffered their first A-League Women’s loss after Western Sydney Wanderers posted their second successive major upset in a 2-1 win.
The Wanderers’ 53rd minute winner came from a rare indirect free-kick in the penalty area, awarded after a backpass.
A ball on the left edge of the six-yard box was played to Amy Harrison who lashed her shot past the wall and into the net.
United almost salvaged a point at Wanderers Football Park, hitting the post near the end as they fought to preserve their unbeaten record after winning their first seven games.
The Wanderers secured back-to-back wins for the first time since February 2021, having upset Melbourne City at their previous outing.
Sophie Harding and Sarina Bolden consistently caused problems for the United defence and they combined for the Wanderers first goal in the 12th minute.
Import Bolden scored her first ALW goal from Harding’s pass and they both had another good chance to score before United equalised in the 26th minute.
Hannah Keane scored her third goal in four days with a fine far-post header from a Khali Johnson cross.
It was United’s only first-half shot on target and the American’s sixth goal of a productive campaign.
Buoyed by the equaliser, United became more assertive and dangerous as the half progressed.
Danielle Steer struck a post from the edge of the area in the 45th minute and shortly after Julia Sando floated a shot just over the bar.
United brought new signing Angie Beard and Matildas stalwart Chloe Logarzo off the bench just before the hour but the Wanderers continued to create chances.
