Western Sydney Wanderers W-League coach Stephen Roche has named his squad ahead of Saturday’s clash against Canberra United at McKellar Park.
Western Sydney Wanderers W-League coach Stephen Roche has named his squad ahead of Saturday-s clash against Canberra United at McKellar Park.
The Wanderers are trailing two points behind the reigning premiers, and Roche says that it is imperative that the squad secure a victory this week if they wish to keep their hopes for a finals berth alive.
“This game is do-or-die for both teams,” says Roche.
“We need to make sure we bounce back and ensure that we are consistent in our performance this week.”
Many pundits tipped Canberra United to win another title, but the squad has appeared to struggle for consistency throughout the season.
Conversely, the Western Sydney Wanderers have surprised many in their inaugural season in the W-league, winning new fans with their progressive style of play.
Although the Wanderers are coming off the back of two consecutive losses prior to the festive period, Matilda and star striker Catherine Cannuli says that the team have maintained intensity and enthusiasm throughout training and are determined to secure a victory this week.
“A win is critical this week to stay in contention for a top four position and we have remained focused during the festive break, continued training and are looking forward to this performance,” she says.
“We put out head down and lost a lot of possession against Melbourne, but we have not given up yet and are looking forward to this Saturday.”
Roche says that he was disappointed with the team-s performance against Melbourne Victory last week, but is confident that the Wanderers can regain their momentum and elevate themselves into a coveted top four position.
“Although there were some good performances against Melbourne, across the board, there was no one who was outstanding in the game,” he says.
“Even if there is a slight improvement in each individual performance, the team-s performance overall will improve.”
Canberra United are buoyed by the signing of young USA starlet Kristen Mewis, who arrived in the capital on January 1.
Mewis, 21, recently graduated from Boston College as their leading goalscorer and narrowly missed out on selection in the USA Olympic squad which took home the gold at London last year.
However Roche says that his team is not fazed by Canberra United-s recent signing and are working hard at training to redeem themselves after their loss last week.
“We are just treating each game as it comes and on its merits,” says Roche.
“We have still been training hard throughout the break and if we get back to mastering the basics, we will cause Canberra United a lot of grief.”
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: Rachael Soutar, Alisha Bass, Candace Sciberras (all promoted)
Outs: Nil
