Western United surged back into third place in the Isuzu UTE A-League standings after an impressive 3-0 victory over Adelaide United on Sunday evening, having started the match in seventh position.
The Golden Boot aspirant Noah Botic, Hiroshi Ibusuki, and Riku Danzaki all found the net, helping Western to end a four-match winless run against Adelaide. This win puts them just one point behind the second-placed Reds following Round 20.
Botic equalled the top spot on the goalscoring leaderboard with his ninth goal of the season, breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute. Ibusuki then marked his goal against his former team by converting a penalty in the second half, paving the way for the Green and Black to return to winning form after three matches without a victory.
Coming off the bench, Danzaki ensured a memorable finish by adding a third goal just two minutes before the final whistle, capitalising on a mistake from Adelaide goalkeeper Ethan Cox, and leaving the visitors with only one win in their last five matches.
The presence of their Ninja A-League squad, including Chloe Logarzo and others, provided Western with a morale boost at Ironbark Fields, where star Angus Thurgate returned from suspension. Notably, Hayden Foxe, the current Socceroos assistant coach and former right-hand man to John Aloisi, was also in attendance.
Adelaide, who were set to catch an 8:30 pm (AEDT) flight, missed the services of players Dylan Pierias and Ryan Kitto, in addition to a quartet of Luka Jovanovic, Panagiotis Kikianis, Fabian Talladira, and Jonny Yull, who are away on international duty with the Subway Young Socceroos. Despite this, Harry Crawford made his first start for the club.
Western came out strong, creating several opportunities to score on a warm, sunny day in Tarneit.
The Green and Black found the back of the net in the 13th minute, only for Botic’s effort to be disallowed for offside.
Botic finally secured his goal just before the half-hour mark with a stunning team play. A superb pass from Matthew Grimaldi found Abel Walatee, who then cut it back to Ben Garuccio, setting Botic up to slot home the opener.
Western nearly doubled their lead two minutes later when Walatee’s forward surge resulted in a curling shot that was brilliantly saved by Cox.
A near miss for Adelaide in the 34th minute came when Crawford struck the side netting, providing relief to the home crowd.
Shortly after, Botic and Walatee combined beautifully, with Botic’s backheel creating space for Walatee to shoot from outside the box.
Western established breathing room approaching the hour mark when Ibusuki earned a penalty after being fouled by former teammate Isaias. Ibusuki converted the spot-kick confidently in the 59th minute.
Danzaki, who had just come off the bench, nearly scored 20 minutes from time, but Cox made a fine stop, scrambling quickly to prevent the ball from crossing the line after a deflection.
However, Danzaki ultimately got on the scoresheet in the closing moments, igniting passionate celebrations from Western.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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