Win and they’re in.
This week, it’s as simple as that.
Canberra United needs at least a point against Sydney FC at Viking Park this Friday to make it into the 2021 Westfield W-League finals.
It’s this do or die attitude Canberra has been forced to face for weeks now and so far they have risen to the challenge.
Coming off consecutive wins at Viking Park, they achieved their first away win of the season last weekend, taking down the Newcastle Jets 0-1, with a goal from Michelle Heyman in her 100th game in green.
The side will be hoping to continue that winning momentum up against a Sydney FC outfit who haven’t played since their Round 11 loss to Adelaide.
Their Round 13 match against Melbourne Victory was postponed due to the heavy rain leaving Canberra as the opponents they need to beat, to claim the premiership.
The two sides last met in Round 7, Canberra going down by 4 goals at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Michelle Heyman had two good chances early on but they were denied by Sydney goal goalkeeper.
From that point on, Canberra was kept busy in defence with Sydney relentless in their attack.
Keeley Richards got her hands on the ball early with a great save but eventually persistence paid off and Sydney got on the scoreboard with Mackenzie Hawkesby nudging it in from a rebound.
In the second half, Sydney appeared even more hungry. Three goals within 15 minutes saw Sydney end the night as clear victors.
But lessons were learned and this time, Canberra has the home ground advantage, hoping the fans act as the 12th man and get behind them in their last ditch push for finals football.
Kick-off is 5.35pm at Viking Park
