The Wellington Phoenix defence will be heavily in the spotlight after conceding eight goals from their opening two games of the A-League Women campaign. buy valif online buy valif generic
The Nix put on a decent first half showing before collapsing in the second, conceding three quick goals with head coach Natalie Lawrence having no answers to Western United’s American attackers.
“It’s hard because of the experience they have,” Lawrence said.
“Jess McDonald has won a World Cup. I have no idea how many other players in the league have won a World Cup.”
McDonald scored the opening goal of the game while fellow American Hannah Keane netted twice as Western United ripped the Phoenix apart 4-1.
McDonald has represented the USWNT on 19 occasions, netting four goals in the process.
Keane, meanwhile, has not represented her country, but has a plethora of experience at eight different clubs.
Despite these two having a threat on the game, Lawrence believes set pieces were the main reason for her sides back-to-back defeats.
“A couple of set-pieces is quite easy fixes and right now we are getting punished by top players that are very experienced,” she said.
Lawrence blames a lack of experience for her sides poor start, but having conceded the most goals in the league after two rounds, there is cause for concern.
The backline led by stand-in captain Kate Taylor and Mackenzie Barry have struggled to keep teams out so far this year.
From last weeks same result against Melbourne City to this weeks game, the backline needs some serious improvement.
With the Phoenix mainly signing attacking players for this season, it’s going to come back to haunt Lawrence, especially if her side keep up their current defensive rate.
Despite there still being 15 games remaining in the ALW season, a slow start can hurt a team’s chances of playing finals football – something the Nix will want to improve upon sooner rather than later.
Featured image credit: Photomac
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |
