Why Torcaso believes latest comeback win showcases who Western United are – KEEPUP
Western United manager Marc Torcaso has praised his side’s struggle and character and believes the 2-1 win over Melbourne City shows which side they hope to be on.
City led through Leticia McKenna’s first-half strike at AAMI Park on Saturday but converted the advantage just after the break when Hannah Keane accepted a gift from Sally James to level.
The 21-year-old keeper played an attempted pass straight at the prolific American forward, who took a touch and slammed the easiest chance into the net.
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It was Liberty A-League top scorer Keane’s 10th goal of the season for United as she targeted the competition’s golden boot.
Sydney Cummings stepped forward and scored United’s winner from the penalty spot in the 86th minute after Aimee Medwin’s shot caught Julia Grosso’s outstretched arm.
The result meant United suffered a two-game losing streak and were five points clear of City at the top of the ladder.
“It was just this pure fight and I loved the confidence from Sydney to go there at the end and take that penalty,” said United manager Mark Torcaso.
This game there shows the kind of team we are with this character to keep fighting to the end.
City started the derby brilliantly and Hannah Wilkinson had the ball in the net after just seven minutes but was flagged for offside.
Bryleeh Henry put McKenna ahead in the 40th minute and the midfielder seized her chance with a sweet first shot from the edge of the box.
But United equalized through Keane in the 48th minute.
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Tempers flared shortly after as United’s Danielle Steer squeezed opponent Kaitlyn Torpey into Emma Robers as the trio battled for the ball.
City’s Emma Checker was also involved in the clash and required treatment, while United’s Robers was being examined by medical staff as players from both sides rushed to the scene to object.
James made up for her earlier mistake with a lovely one-handed save to save Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s low shot in the 62nd minute and recovered to put enough pressure on Keane as the striker blasted the rebound over the bar.
But there was nothing James could do to stop the winner as Cummings sent her the wrong way from the spot.
“The (first) goal that we gave away was a big turning point,” said city coach Dario Vidosic.
“We never really recovered after that.
“We had some other chances where maybe luck got in the way and we just couldn’t punish them.
“It’s a cruel game. We’ve been the better side twice now (against United this season) and both times we’ve come away with zero points, but we can take a lot of positives from that.”
Featured Image: Rachel Bach (@bythewhiteline)