Perth take on Sydney FC at nib Stadium this weekend in the semi-final of the Westfield W-League.
After confirming a place in this season’s finals campaign almost a month ago, the moment has finally arrived for Glory. The semi-final clash against Sydney FC kicks off a massive day of football, with the match-up the first instalment of the double-header.
Caitlin Doeglas’s stoppage-time heroics against Western Sydney secured an all important home semi for the side, as they finished equal first with Canberra United on 23 points.
The vital Round 14 triumph came without Glory’s talisman Sam Kerr and influential American midfielder Nikki Stanton, who return to the fold this weekend as Perth look to book their place in the Grand Final.
Sydney spent most of Season 9 at the summit of the ladder, however, their inconsistent form at the tail end of the season saw the New South Wales club relinquish top spot and force them into travelling to WA for the semi-final.
There’s plenty of intrigue with this fixture, not just because of what’s at stake, but due to the calibre of the players on show for both sides, including former Perth Glory star Caitlin Foord, as well as our skipper Sam Kerr having spent time with Sydney FC.
It’s sure to be a scintillating blockbuster at nib Stadium with Kerr urging fans to get down early on Saturday and support the girls.
Key Battle: Sam Kerr v Caitlin Foord
Current Matildas teammates, former club teammates, but always “mates” according to Kerr. These two stars of the women’s game go head-to-head on the big stage in what promises to be a pivotal battle. Foord returned a broken collarbone this season to help cement her club’s finals spot and was also awarded Asian Football Confederation Player of the Year back in December 2016. Fresh from a week off, Kerr is raring to go and believes “if we play well, we’ll win.”
Star: Alyssa Mautz
The tireless American did not stop running against the Wanderers and it was her lung-busting run down the left-wing and eventual cross that led to the Doeglas winner. The midfielder has exemplified the fighting spirit and determination of the side this season and will again be crucial in the pressure situation of a semi-final.
Last Time We Met: Perth Glory 1-0 Sydney FC
Glory’s pace and desire proved too much for Sydney with a solitary strike in the 18th minute from Kerr ensuring an important 1-0 win over Sydney in Round 6. If this clash is anything to go by, it’s going to be a closely fought battle with plenty of open and attacking football from both sides. This victory made a big statement to the league, with Glory disrupting Sydney’s red-hot form and showing the competition they were genuine title contenders.
Entry is FREE to registered Football West players (who’ve redeemed thier tickets ) and Perth Glory (W-league and A-League) members.
Tickets to the match must be purchased for the A-League fixture which allows free entry to the Women’s game.
MATCH DETAILS:
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Saturday, 4 February 2017
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Venue:Â nib Stadium
Kick-Off:Â 3:30PMÂ (Local) (6:30PMÂ (AEDT))
Referee:Â Casey Reibelt
Assistant Referee 1: Â Avrol Beecham
Assistant Referee 2:Â Delfina Dimoski
Fourth Official:Â Lara Lee
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 506 from 6.30pm (AEDT), Live coverage on ABC TV in WA from 3.30pm (AWST) and ABC TV in other states from 10.55pm (AEDT).
SQUADS:
Perth Glory Squad:Â 1. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Kim CARROLL, 4. Alyssa MAUTZ, 5. Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6. Carla BENNETT, 7. Nicole STANTON, 8. Shawn BILLAM, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 13. JAYMEE GIBBONS, 17. Natasha RIGBY, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO 20. Samantha KERR (C), (GK), 22. Arianna ROMERO
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 7. Nicole STANTON (returns from suspension) 20. Samantha KERR (returns from suspension)
Outs: Roisin CONNOLLY (not selected) 14. Caitlin DOEGLAS (not selected)
Sydney FC Squad: Â 2. Teresa POLIAS (C), 3. Remy SIEMSEN, 4. Elizabeth RALSTON, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Nicola BOLGER, 8. Amy HARRISON, 9. Caitlin FOORD, 10. Francisca ORDEGA, 11. Natalie TOBIN, 12. Olivia PRICE, 13. Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 14. Alanna KENNDY, 15. Sarah EASTHOPE (GK), 17. Kyah SIMON, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Princess IBINI, 22. Claire COELHO (GK).
**one to be omitted**
Ins:Â 11.Natalie TOBIN (promoted), 20.Princess IBINI (promoted), 22.Claire COELHO (gk) (new signing)
Outs: 1.Sham KHAMIS (gk) (concussion – 1 week)
Unavailable:Â Nil
Tickets are FREE to registered Football West players and W-League members.
Anyone wanting to purchase a ticket to the match must purchase an A-League ticket to men’s game which allows free entry to the Women’s game.​
#GloryIsOurs
