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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Australia News Sydney Off To A Flier In W-League

SYDNEY FC kicked off the new W-League with a goal feast as they enjoyed a 4-0 triumph over Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium.

The opening match for the National Women's league may have been one-sided from the outset, but a stunning two-goal performance form Sydney striker Leena Khamis ensured the goal-fest had some bite.

Khamis netted both her goals in a two-minute period just six minutes into the match.

And when Danielle Small capitalised on Sydney captain Heather Garriock's (pictured) clever ball in the 40th minute the contest was effectively over.

Glory goalkeeper Kate Stewart was under pressure for most of the match, making some spectacular saves in the process.

But she had no answer Garriock's goal in the 59th minute– the Sydney star slotting a powerful strike in the top left corner to provide the highlight of the match.

Both sides took a while to adjust to the occasion and find their rhythm, but when the dust settled Khamis pounced.

An opportunistic goal from the star striker – made possible by a dangerous Servet Uzunlar corner and loose checking from Glory in the box – put Sydney 1-0 up after just six minutes.

One minute later, the home crowd was well and truly silenced as Khamis powerfully headed home Danielle Brogan's corner at the near post.

And to add a touch of theatre to the marquee match, the flashy Sydney forward raised a hand to her ear, wondering why the Perth crowd was so subdued.

Indeed, the home fans had nothing to cheer about for the first half - their side was comprehensively outplayed by a physical and desperate Sydney that continued to threaten the goals through Khamis.

With Collette McCallum and Young Matilda Marianna Tabain combining on the wing for Perth and Stacey Learmont starting to threaten in attack the home side looked better.

But Sydney's defence was rock solid.

Young Matilda Sam Kerr was sent in after 36 minutes for Perth but it was the visitors who finished the half off stronger.

Uzunlar's lobbed shot flew just over the bar for Sydney, but in the 40th minute Garriock pulled a low ball into the box for Matildas teammate Small to run onto, sending Sydney three goals clear.

Perth was again under siege in the second half as Sydney monopolised the football and forced goalkeeper Stewart to make two superb saves.

However, Stewart had no defence for Garriock's devastating strike, the skipper following up her own free kick to send Sydney four goals clear and give them a dream start to their W-League campaign.

Speaking after the game Garriock said: "Very happy. It’s fantastic to start off with two early goals and to finish off the game 4-0, it’s brilliant to start of the W-League.”

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