After Sydney FC’s table toping win against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, Ante Juric commented on the success that his team have found despite the absences and injuries that the Sky Blues have had to face.
After Princess Ibini was ruled out late with a calf complaint, Juric utilised Cortnee Vine up top and Vine’s striking half volley directly from a corner was a perfect start to the half. Vine later headed home Sydney’s third goal which put them out of sight.
“We are going through a lot of issues. We have 6 players with the Young Matildas, Ibini got injured the day before our game, we put Vine in there and she was ready to go.
“She led the team today, in everything she did. Super happy with the goals, how she created. Her energy in closing. When she does that everyone follows,” he said.
With the 4-2 win at Porirua Park, the Sky Blues push themselves one point clear the top of the Liberty A-League table with a game in hand over title contenders Western United and Melbourne City.
“It’s where we belong, it’s how we feel.
“People are trying to take our spot up there and if our motivation is not as strong as theirs to get there, then there is something wrong with us.
“We showed today we have the grit and determination.”
After winning their last three games in a row with six players away with the Young Matildas, Juric commented on the players position on returning to the starting XI after a spell away from the in-form side.
“Like I’ve said to them, whoever does the job stays in the team. Regardless of who is out or who is in, you will keep your spot if you do well.”
“In the past three weeks, there has been some really good performances so we will see how the girls return from Uzbekistan,” he added.
Juric finished the press conference highlighting the influence Cortnee Vine has had off the field since her rise to becoming ‘the face of the league’ after her run of form with the Sydney side and the Women’s World Cup with the Matildas.
“At home we get up to 3-4,000 people and it is a lot based on Cortnee, the Matildas and the excitement behind that.
“Everywhere she’s gone there has been a big crowd, even our training, girls come, and she stays behind to sign things.
“It’s great for the league and it’s great for her too,” he concluded.
The squad will return to Sydney to play the penultimate home game of the season against Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday the 24th of March.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Liberty A-League Round 21
Sunday 24th March 2024
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 4:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 3:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
