Hannah Keane was the match-winner as Western United scored a superb 2-0 win over Sydney FC on Wednesday, but the American striker wants all of the praise to go to her teammates.
United’s No.9 found the net twice in the first half of the top-of-the-table Liberty A-League Women clash, helping the side hold onto its perfect record in the league and move to the top of the league.
Even though she will take the plaudits for her two goals – which put her level at the top of the golden boot standings – Keane praised the work of her teammates for giving her the chances.
“I’m so proud of the team. I know I scored, but they did all of the work and I’m just happy I was there in the right moment at the right time. I’m so proud of them, from front to back, subs and starters, it was amazing,” she said.
Mark Torcaso’s side put in one of its best performances of the season at the perfect time, needing to be almost flawless to beat a Sydney FC side littered with top class talent.
Keane said the win felt extra sweet given the difficulty of the fixture and highlighted the importance of the way the team defended against Sydney’s various threats.
“I think that was probably one of the most difficult games that we’ve had,” she said.
“We knew leading up that they score goals, they have a quick front three and we knew it was going to be difficult to hold them off for 90 minutes. But I’m really happy we did it and we got the win.”
READ MORE: ALW Match Report: Western United 2-0 Sydney FC
United became the second team to shut out Sydney’s attack and the first to do so since Adelaide United did it in Round 1.
With the likes of Cortnee Vine, Madison Haley and Princess Ibini in attack, Sydney boast the league’s second most prolific attack but Western United’s defensive performance ensured the Sky Blues would add no further to their tally.
A second straight clean sheet for United took Hillary Beall’s total to three for the season, all of which have come at home with an opposition side yet to score against the Green and Black at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field.
In difficult conditions with heat and a short turnaround playing a factor, United was once again able to ride the wave of its home support which spurred the side onto victory, and Keane reserved a shoutout to the Green and Black faithful.
“I try to kind of zone in on the game but they’re so loud and they’re such good cheers that I do hear it. They’re amazing, the cheers are all so good and I do hear it, they do a great job,” she said.
United will head back on the road on Saturday to take on Western Sydney Wanderers before the next home match the following week which will come at North Hobart Oval against Brisbane Roar.
