Head Coach Heather Garriock lauded the opportunity for her players to take on international opposition on Thursday as Canberra United lost narrowly to the Chinese Women’s National Team in Brisbane.
China finished 2-0 winners thanks to a goal in each half, but United stuck with their international opponents throughout the match despite a full swap of the XI at half-time.
Speaking after the game, Garriock was excited by what she had seen and praised younger players for stepping up.
“Some girls were out of their comfort zone today and didn’t quite know what to expect,” she said.
“They needed to adapt, and after an initial 15-20 minute period they did adapt very well so it was great for me to see different players in different positions and some stepped up in a big way which is great.”
Garriock admitted the side struggled early against a Chinese side that played differently to how she had expected, but United bounced back and took the game on.
Being an international opponent, I expected a lot from them, especially technically,” she said.
“But they played a little differently to how I’ve seen China play in the past, they were a bit more direct than expected.”
“It was an amazing opportunity for us to play against international opposition though and get to see a different style of Football and see where we stand.
“They outplayed us for the first 15-20 minutes but then we found our groove and played our own game.”
“I got to see some of the girls who were put into the line-up really step up and play some good Football, and implement our game plan which is fantastic.”
“Some players haven’t had much time for Canberra United this season and the game gave them a great opportunity to not only see an international opponent, but to get a run out amongst their teammates and create that hunger for the rest of the season.”
United now turn attentions to the Westfield W-League round eight clash against Melbourne City on December 22nd at AAMI Park.
