Adelaide Import’s Stunning Double Goals Ignite Final Round Excitement in Top Four Clash

Western United’s ambitions for a top-four finish took a hit on Saturday afternoon when Adelaide United made the trip to Ironbark Fields, securing a commendable 3-1 victory over their rivals.

Entering the penultimate match of the season with third place already in the bag, Adelaide showcased their talent in Tarneit, as Lucía León netted a remarkable brace during the away match.

León’s first goal arrived in the eighth minute, executed in spectacular fashion; the Dominican Republic international’s backheeled volley set the tone, propelling Adelaide ahead. The Reds quickly doubled their advantage in the 14th minute with Sarah Morgan’s stunning long-range effort.

Western managed to pull one back just nine minutes later through Kiewa Hieda, but after the break, Adelaide restored their two-goal lead as León completed her brace with a precise finish into the top-left corner.

This outcome has left Western in a precarious position, facing the risk of slipping out of the top four ahead of the final matchday. The Central Coast Mariners, currently fifth, are just a point behind Western and will conclude the regular season with an F3 Derby clash against the Newcastle Jets.

Meanwhile, Western will wrap up their campaign on the road against Wellington Phoenix. If the Mariners secure at least a draw against the Jets, they will leapfrog Western into the top four, compelling Kat Smith’s side to defeat the Phoenix to ensure a spot in the finals and clinch a home Elimination Final.

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Lucía León’s first of her two brilliant goals came in the fourth minute at Ironbark Fields.

Emily Condon delivered a floating ball into the box, setting the stage for León to capitalise. With work still ahead, the Adelaide recruit executed a backheel flick around her defender, connecting with the ball on the volley.

Shortly after, it was 2-0. While Western had initially cleared the threat from an Adelaide corner, they were unable to counter what came next.

Sarah Morgan dashed in to meet the bouncing ball, striking first time from outside the area and sending it into the back of the net.

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Kiewa Hieda took advantage of a defensive lapse by Ella Tonkin to narrow the gap to 2-1 for Western in the first half, but that was the extent of the hosts’ scoring, as the match firmly belonged to Adelaide and their standout player León, who sealed the victory with another clinical finish in the second half.