Sydney FC fullback Abbey Lemon says playing at Allianz Stadium, surrounded by the signature sea of blue, gives the team an undeniable lift—and this weekend, it could make all the difference.
The Sky Blues face a must-win clash against Perth Glory in a double-header at Allianz Stadium, and Lemon says the opportunity to play in front of a big crowd on their home turf is a special one.
“As a player, it feels great to play at Allianz,” she said.
“Just having the blue around the entire stadium—it feels good going into the game.”
With two rounds left in the season, Sydney FC remains in mathematical contention for a finals spot.
It’s a tight squeeze, but Lemon believes the team’s late-season surge gives them hope.
“It’s everything to play for, really. As long as we win our last two games, we’ve still got a chance to make finals,” she said.
“It would have been nice to grab a couple more wins earlier on, but better late than never.”
Despite shifting from a forward to fullback role this season, Lemon has continued to make her presence felt up the pitch, contributing significantly in Sydney FC’s last home win setting up Princess Ibini for the last gasp winner during Pride Round against Wellington Phoenix.
“Yeah, I love going forward,” she said. “It’s just about doing that as much as I can, but knowing when the right time to do that is.”
With the side’s defence tightening up in recent weeks and young goalkeeper Jasmine Black showing strong form, Lemon praised the backline’s resilience and cohesion.
“Our defence has been super solid, especially being led by Nat. And Jazzy has come in and done an amazing job,” she added.
“Her confidence is up, and everyone else’s confidence in her is very high too.”
The 22-year old former Young Matilda said the message from coach Ante Juric remains simple: stay focused, stay positive, and keep pushing.
“The main message is to keep going, keep doing what we’re doing—and keep having fun.”
Sydney FC’s Women’s squad kick off at 2.15pm at Allianz Stadium ahead of the Sky Blues Men who play Auckland FC at 5pm.
