Perth Glory Women captain Sam Kerr has praised her side for fighting until the end despite falling to star-studded Melbourne City 4-0 in Saturday’s Westfield W-League fixture at Ashfield Reserve.
City proved too strong for Glory as the W-League’s newest outfit made it three wins from three matches to continue their solid start to the season.
Former Glory players Marianna Tabain and Lisa De Vanna both found the back of the net inside the first 20 minutes while Matildas representative Lisa Crummer scored a second-half brace.
Glory was without speedy forward Caitlin Foord (hamstring) and defenders Sarah Carroll (toe) and Danielle Brogan (unavailable), meaning several players had to start in unfamiliar positions.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose any game, but we don’t think the score reflects the game we played,” Kerr said.
“We had girls playing in different positions, but no excuses though. We think we were better than the 4-0 scoreline.
“I’m really proud of our girls’ effort. When the score is 4-0 it’s really hard to keep playing and I think we did that well.”
Tabain netted her third goal in as many matches when she volleyed a brilliant low cross from De Vanna in the 12th minute. De Vanna added her name to the scoresheet eight minutes later when she finished off another great cross from teammate Stephanie Catley on the left.
Glory midfielder Shannon May had the best chance for the home side in the first half, but her long-range attempt sailed over the crossbar.
De Vanna was in the thick of it again, drawing out Arnold from her goal before knocking the ball into the path of Crummer for the easiest of finishes for the 3rd City goal.
Crummer scored again in the 64th minutes to complete an impressive win for the visitors, but Glory fought valiantly to find a consolation goal.
Kerr twice hit the crossbar and was cruelly denied on another two occasions by some top goalkeeping from Trudy Burke.
“I should have scored them,” Kerr said. “I’m really proud of the girls and we’ll regroup for next week.
“City have a lot of good players, but we didn’t fear them at the start and we still don’t fear them. They’re a quality side at the moment and they’re the favourites at the moment so they are the team to beat.”
Glory will travel to Sydney next week to take on Sydney FC Sunday at 1pm. The next Glory Women home game will be on the November 28 at Ashfield Reserve, kicking off at 4pm.
