Western United coach Mark Rudan said his team’s second half showed plenty of positives and he says the Green and Black will continue to “fight all the way” after Friday night’s 2-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix.
“The attitude and the effort in the second half were fantastic, and it’s what we want to see,” Rudan told Sky Sport after the game.
United survived a barrage from Phoenix inside the first 20 minutes with keeper Filip Kurto pulling off a string of classy saves.
Losing midfielder Pana Kone to a shoulder injury midway through the half didn’t help United’s cause after the Greek international’s collision with Phoenix’s Steven Taylor.
Phoenix found a way past Kurto and took the one-goal lead at the break thanks to Libby Cacace.
“The first half was the charge of the light brigade, they were at us non-stop,” Rudan said of the hosts, who put in one of their best halves of football all season.
As the rain and wind buffeted the players in the second half, United battled manfully but could not find a way back into this eagerly contested encounter.
David Ball’s goal in the 90th minute confirming the points for the home side.
“A lot of positives from the second half to take away. We have Central Coast Mariners next week,” added Rudan.
“We’re still going to fight all the way. Irrespective of today’s result.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Western United’s next home game is against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, March 1 at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong.
CLICK HERE to get tickets.
CLICK HERE to become a Western United member.
