A-League 2020: Western United reach finals in club’s first season
Western United will play finals football in their first A-League season following a 2-0 win over Perth Glory.
Elated coach Mark Rudan declared Western United’s effort to reach the finals in the club’s first A-League season was a “little step” in their journey and promised there was more to come.
A Besart Berisha double earned United a 2-0 win over Perth Glory at Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday night and secured them a top-six spot at Adelaide’s expense.
Both United and Adelaide are on 36 points, but the Victorian club’s for and against record is 15 goals better than the South Australians, who have completed their campaign.
Barring major catastrophes in their final two games of the regular season against Sydney FC and Melbourne City, United are finals bound.
“There’s a lot more to go as well but it’s a great first chapter in the history of this football club playing finals in its first year, that’s for sure,” Rudan said.
“We’re in the finals now, we might as well go for it, but I’ve got to be really smart in making sure we look after certain players.”
While the order of the top six is still to be decided, United joined Sydney, Melbourne City, Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar and the Glory as this season’s finals participants.
Depending on results between now and the end of the season, the in-form United could finish the regular season as high as third on the ladder.
But wherever they place in the top six, United have emerged as genuine title contenders, having won five of their past six matches.
In contrast, the Glory have been poor since the competition’s resumption and seem headed for an early finals’ exit unless they have a miraculous form turnaround.
Glory coach Tony Popovic tried to remain positive, saying Wednesday night’s effort was a “vast improvement” on Perth’s 4-0 weekend loss to Melbourne Victory.
“I thought the performance was good,” Popovic said.
“This performance will put us in good stead for (the finals in) 10 days’ time.”
Despite Popovic’s assessment, United were rarely troubled and went ahead in the 27th minute through Berisha.
The star striker was aided by Perth goalkeeper Liam Reddy, who failed to deal with a Max Burgess cross, punching it into the chest of Berisha, with the ball then flying into the back of the net.
Berisha doubled United’s lead in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot after Glory defender Ivan Franjic fouled Connor Pain.
It was Berisha’s 17th goal of the season and kept him in with a slim chance of overhauling Jamie Maclaren and Adam Le Fondre in the battle for the Golden Boot.
“Two more games - I’m getting closer and closer,” Berisha told Fox Sports.
Berisha said it was a fantastic achievement for United to reach the finals in their first season.
“Who would have thought that in our first year Western United would play in the finals?” he said.
“I’m so happy for the club, for the boys. We have a great team and they deserve it. What a great story.
“We have boys here that have never won something and they really want to achieve something.”
In the other match of the double header, Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1 with goals to Pirmin Schwegler and Jordan O’Doherty.
Add your comment to this story
City crowned kings of Melbourne football with A-League triumph
If there was any doubt about who were the kings of Victorian football, Melbourne City ended the debate with a grand final performance that mirrored their excellent season. Full analysis, and player ratings, inside.
Cohen goal the difference as City wins historic A-League title
Yonatan Cohen’s tenth minute strike proves the difference as City prevails 1-0 over Victory in a historic A-League grand final. Relive how it unfolded here.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout