Western United’s final game of this season in Geelong is on Sunday.
With the fans and the players creating magical moments on and off the pitch that will be remembered forever, we’re looking back at some of the great times we’ve had so far.
First-ever fan march
Before Western United’s first home game, a sea of green and black marched through Geelong. The noise, colour, banners, and flags from the Western Service Crew made a statement down Moorabool St. The West had arrived. The WSC carried their passion inside the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere in front of 7,000 fans.
First home game
After a 1-0 win away in Wellington in round 1, United hosted its first home game against the Perth Glory. Led by their captain and marquee Italian Alessandro Diamanti, the Green and Black took to GMHBA Stadium for a clash with the reigning premiers and remained unbeaten after a 1-1 draw.
First home goal: a banger from Kone
While one international marquee led United as captain, another was scoring wonder goals. Early in the second half against the Glory, Greek international Panagiotis Kone received the ball outside the area, before placing it in the top left-hand corner, giving keeper Liam Reddy no chance. The goal will go down in history as the first-ever scored on Western United’s home deck.
First home win
Andrew Durante doesn’t score often, but the A-League’s record games holder popped up against the Wanderers in round 5 with a clinical header. Durante was quick to respond to the Wanderers’ opener, meeting a Diamanti corner before heading past Daniel Lopar. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi scored a well-taken goal in the second half to hand United their first home win.
3-1 win over Victory
In front of over 10,000 fans, United came from 1-0 down to score three first-half goals and overcome their Victorian rivals. Former Victory favorite Besart Berisha netted a brace, while Panagiotis Kone also found the net in the 3-1 win. It was United’s second win over the Victory in five weeks, after coming from two goals down to win 3-2 in round 4.
https://players.brightcove.net/6043102936001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6114175125001
Fantastic Filip saves the day
Having been awarded the A-League goalkeeper of the year a season prior, Western United knew what they were in for when they signed Filip Kurto. His shot-stopping ability is second to none, as proven by two magnificent saves against Melbourne Victory in round 9. Victory’s Ola Toivonen looked certain to bury two chances to keep his side in the match, but Kurto’s one-handed stops kept out the big Swede.
Singing the Besart Berisha song
Who doesn’t love hearing the Besart Berisha song? The fans love Bes and they love singing his name. Re-live the magic of the song sung in Geelong HERE
On the pitch with the boys
A photo and autograph opportunity after every match in Geelong – win, lose or draw – put smiles on thousands of kids across the seven home games there so far.
Let’s Unite
A special day as the club raised funds for those affected by bushfire and drought. There were plenty of activities around the ground with all donations going towards Red Cross Australia and Rural Aid, while the boys on the pitch also got it done, defeating the Central Coast Mariners 3-0.
Showtime
As well as the football on the pitch, there was loads of entertainment off it. Live performances from Taylor Henderson, Bella Paige and Alex Rose, pre-match parades and green fireworks got the fans off their seats at GMHBA. A special commemoration in round 5 for remembrance round was also a highlight in the first season in Geelong.
