United Women V Western Pride – NPLWQLD Rd11

 

 

An impressive win against the previously undefeated Capalaba last start continues a growing belief within the Women’s squad that they are capable of matching it with any side in the competition.

In probably the most complete performance from his side so far in 2019, coach Michael Cook praised his players for their commitment, focus and concentration.

“We did spend periods of the game without a lot of possession, as we knew we would against a talented opposition brimming with W-League players, but defensively we were prepared to handle whatever Capalaba threw at us,” Cook said.

“The entire team did their jobs without the ball and when we did enjoy periods in the game of possession, we combined well to threaten almost each time we went forward.”

 

“We have prepared for our upcoming match against Western Pride knowing we will have to be at our best once again to continue collecting points and making our way up the ladder.”

United currently sit in seventh spot on the NPLW ladder three points below the fourth placed Logan with a game in hand on all six sides above them.

 

United player to watch

After a stellar 2018 that included taking out the GCU Women’s Golden Boot and MVP, Mackenzie Akins continues to impress in 2019. Blessed with great vision and game sense, the Californian’s experience and the threat she poses on the ball see her create plenty of space and opportunities for her teammates. In recent weeks Akins has played a little deeper and that change has brought some positive results, the more time she spends on or near the ball, the more effective United look going forward.

 

 

Mackenzie Akins attracting attention in Rd 10 v Capalaba FC (Sportspics)

 

Western Pride at a glance

Pride finished 11th in 2018 and find themselves in a similar ladder position 10 rounds in to season 2019. A relatively young side coached by the experienced Belinda Kitching, Pride’s sole victory this season came against the Thunder in Toowoomba followed by a scoreless draw against Easts. A mainstay of the Pride side, Sophie Weatherby, recently notched up 50 NPLW appearances and tops the scoring for the club this season alongside youngster Georgia Rink, a graduate to the senior ranks from within the Pride’s female program. 

 

Past Encounters

United won both 2018 matches convincingly, a 7-1 drubbing in Rd9 at Briggs Rd and an 8-3 win at Runaway Bay in Rd22. Mackenzie Akins bagged 4 goals for the homeside and Sophie Weatherby scored all of the visitors goals in Rd22 

 

Match Details

Women’s National Premier Leagues Queensland Round 11

Gold Coast United v Western Pride

Coplicks Family Sports Park

Saturday 27th April 2019

Kick-off at 4pm