If you want to see top class football this weekend, head to Seymour Shaw at Miranda to watch Sydney v Newcastle on Saturday.
The Sky Blue Women are looking to get back to winning ways against the Newcastle Jets in their Westfield W-League clash at Seymour Shaw Park on Saturday.
After their emphatic 6-0 win over Adelaide United in Round 6, Sydney endured a frustrating match against Melbourne Victory the following weekend. They dominated much of the first half against the Victory at Deakin Reserve but struggled to break their opponents down in a match that eventually finished in a one all draw.
Sydney had fallen behind to a 62nd minute goal by Julianne Stich and were heading for defeat before a pair of late substitutions inspired a comeback, culminating in Maika Ruyter-Hooley’s own goal in the fifth minute of injury time.
Despite the solitary point, coach Alen Stajcic was pleased with the result.
“I’m actually pretty happy with the result,” he said. “We had a four hour trip that day. We travelled down that morning and played in the afternoon.”
Still, he admitted there were opportunities lost. “We probably had ten chances. A game we probably should have won, we came away with a draw.”
Sydney captain Heather Garriock was also philosophical with the draw.
“We’re disappointed that we didn’t win, especially after dominating (the game),” she said.
“But scoring in the last minute is always exciting. It’s better to come away with one point than no points.”
Up next for Garriock and her side is a match against a Jets outfit who have not won since 20 December 2008 and were beaten at home 1-0 by the Sky Blue Women in their previous meeting this season.
All signs would point to a Sydney win in front of their home fans but Stajcic is preaching caution.
“We played them this year and only won one nil,” he said. They’ve (Newcastle) had a few draws. (So) We’re not underestimating them.”
Garriock also refused to discount her opponents, but preferred to concentrate on what her team would be doing.
“I think it’s important for us to focus on what we’re doing well and that’s creating chances,” she said.
“Our finishing is the most important. We’re creating chances in the midfield, we just need to finish them.”
But with only three rounds following the Newcastle match before the end of the season – and with Sydney trailing leaders Brisbane Roar by five points and second placed Central Coast Mariners by two – the Sky Blue Women must finish in the top four to qualify for the finals.
Stajcic, however, is aiming to do better than a top four finish.
“We can’t affect what other teams do, but I think second spot is very realistic,” he said.
“We’re focusing on getting better since round one.”
Sentiments echoed by his team captain. “It doesn’t matter who we play, we don’t focus on the other players, we focus on ourselves,” Garriock said. “If we do that, we’ll be unstoppable.”
The Westfield W-League match between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets at Seymour Shaw Park this Saturday will kick off at 4.00pm.
