Western Sydney Wanderers were edged 1-0 by Melbourne Victory on Sunday afternoon, with Holly Furphy’s second-half goal proving the difference at The Home of the Matildas.
After an even opening half where both sides created promising moments, it was Victory who eventually found the breakthrough in the 57th minute, leaving the Wanderers unable to find a late equaliser despite pushing forward in the closing stages.
Chances were limited in the opening period, although Rachel Lowe came closest for the hosts in the 38th minute when her half-volley from the edge of the area rose just over the crossbar with goalkeeper Sham Khamis at full stretch.
The Wanderers nearly snatched the lead just before the break when Talia Younis struck the crossbar in the final moments of the half.
Victory broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Kennedy White’s initial effort was well saved, only for the rebound to fall kindly for Furphy, who fired home from close range.
The Wanderers pressed forward late in the contest in search of an equaliser, but the Victory defence held firm to secure all three points.
Western Sydney will now return home where they will host Melbourne City next Sunday as they look to bounce back.
