Sydney FC star striker Cortnee Vine says the Sky Blues are realising their potential at the most crucial time of the season.
A win on Sunday afternoon against Adelaide United will mean Sydney FC are within three points of creating history and winning a fourth consecutive Premiers Plate.
After a spectacular three match winning streak and seven consecutive undefeated games, the Sky Blues have ascended to top spot on the ladder.
With only three games remaining and one point separating their rivals in equal second, who have played one game more; the Harbour City club need two wins from their final matches to lift the Premiership.
However Vine remains undaunted with the task in hand.
“We are hitting a good stride at a good time,” she said.
“We are in good space right now. We got our Young Matildas back this week which I think is a win for us.
“I think we are in a good spot but we are devastated to see Fenton do her ACL. That is a big blow for us,” she continued.
“Everyone wants to beat Sydney. We are the reigning Premiership team. Everyone that comes up against us plays 100%.”
Vine on Sydney FC’s pre-finals success.
“For me, I just focus on each game as it is. We verse Adelaide this weekend and we need to win. It is the palm of our hands. We need to go out there and want to win games,
“I think each team in the league is difficult to verse. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses,
“Adelaide have some great players. You can’t underestimate them to any extent. They are still fighting for their pride. I think it will be a difficult game,” she added.
Sydney FC’s success rate at home against their interstate competitors has had a positive effect on their performance. Returning to their stomping ground at Leichhardt Oval, Vine and the Sky Blue squad are ready to secure another victory for members and fans.
“We are loving the crowds that are coming to Leichhardt. The atmosphere, the grounds, all of it is amazing. We use to look at Jubilee as our fortress but now it has turned especially after our first win at Leichhardt. We look forward to every game at home,” she said.
After a terrific match-up against Wellington Phoenix last weekend, Sydney FC need to win the next two rounds to add their fourth back-to-back Premiership title to their already stocked cabinetry. A successful Premiership win could mean an 11th Grand Final appearance.
A Championship victory will mark their second consecutive title and their fifth overall trophy in the Liberty A-League.
“Wellington was a great game. We think Wellington is one of the best teams in the league. They really stood up against us and we had to fight for that win,” Vine said.
Vine was the first goal scorer for the match after nailing an outstanding half-volley within the first 18 minutes of play.
“It is up there as one of my favourite goals. I have never hit a half volley before. It was good to get the momentum going. It lifted everyone and made us want it even more.”
Not only would a Premiership title cap off the 25-year-old’s season, but an Olympic debut for the Matildas would add to Vine’s growing resume.
“I am super excited to be apart of the Matildas squad in this upcoming camp. I am still hoping to be apart of that Olympic squad. I am feeling very grateful that Tony has called me back in and I am feeling in a much better position than I have been.
“The Olympics has been a goal of mine since I was nine. I have always wanted to go to the Olympics so to be able to do it in the sport that I love with the team that I love is a dream,” she said.
You can watch Cortnee and the Sky Blues take on Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday afternoon or broadcast via Paramount+ or 10BOLD.
Match Details:
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Liberty A-League Round 21
Sunday 24th of March, 2024
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, Australia
Kick Off: 4:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 3:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ and 10BOLD
Tickets: Click here
