South West Phoenix Firebirds suffered their first loss of 2018 when they were knocked out of the BankWest State Cup by premier league side UWA on Sunday.
The Firebirds took the lead but UWA came back to win 3-2 as the Firebirds were ultimately overrun. UWA’s experience in the premier league impacted the young Firebirds’ side.
Firebirds went into the match without injured defender Analeise Gibaut, and were dealt a further blow early on when Captain Lucy Scott sustained a foot injury and was unable to take any further part in the game.
Firebirds started well, however, and dominated early possession and territory.
It was no real surprise when Firebirds took the lead midway through the half, when Nicole Suttie cut inside and fired a shot which went in off the crossbar.
Firebirds were on top, but, as the half wore on, UWA came into the match more and more.
UWA equalised just after the half-hour mark when they opened up the Firebirds’ defence and took advantage with a cool finish.
Firebirds hit back and were unlucky not to score on two occasions from corners, but were glad to hear the half-time whistle following some sustained attacks from UWA.
The second half resumed with UWA taking control.
They scored two goals in three minutes to break the game open just after the hour mark, and looked like they might pull away before the Firebirds came again.
Nicole Suttie scored her second with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box to make it 3-2, but Firebirds were unable to make any further inroads as UWA closed the match out.
The Firebirds enjoyed some great spells during the game but were unable to sustain that level over the full ninety minutes.
UWA, regularly facing fierce competition for the full-game duration in the premier league, kept their level and intensity constant throughout.
“We matched it with them for periods but couldn’t sustain it over the full match, and ultimately that cost us,” Coach Stephen Suttie said.
“Nonetheless, we are a very young team and took it right up to a much more experienced team, so it’s a great experience and a great lesson for us.”
The Firebirds return to league action this week against Perth Soccer Club away from home, looking to preserve their spot on top of the ladder.
The South West Phoenix men’s side will go up against Morley-Windmills Soccer Club at Hay Park on June 30.
Read more:
