Hristodoulou: Sydney FC won’t play it safe in pivotal Big Blue clash

Angelique Hristodoulou says it’s ingrained in Sydney FC’s DNA to ‘play for the win’ as they head into Saturday’s season-defining clash against Melbourne Victory.

In a dream final round Westfield W-League match-up, the Sky Blues and Victory face-off for a winner-takes-all battle for second spot and a home Semi Final.

Currently second, Sydney FC have the advantage knowing they will retain second place if they also draw the clash at Marvel Stadium.

But Hristodoulou scoffed at suggestions the Sky Blues will play it safe in Melbourne as they look to rediscover that winning feeling before the Finals Series.

“I always play for the win. I don’t think we’ll be happy with a draw. We want the three points,” she said on Sydney FC’s official website.

“It’s a big one for us in the context of our season, obviously we want to play for a home semi-final.

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“I have faith that we can do a job because we’ve been working hard all season.

“We are in pretty good form despite the loss on the weekend, I don’t think that reflects on how well we can play.”

The 18-year-old right-back has been a model of consistency for Ante Juric’s side in 2019/20, playing all but five minutes of Sydney’s 11 matches for the campaign.

As well as being an ever-present in a defence which has kept seven clean sheets from 11 matches, her attacking game has also improved with two assists to her name as well.

Angelique Hristodoulou gets a tackle in on the Wanderers' Kristen Hamilton
Angelique Hristodoulou gets a tackle in on the Wanderers' Kristen Hamilton

Hristodoulou, a part of the Junior Matildas program, believes her consistent form is down to being able to hone her game alongside some quality players and coaching staff.

“I’m very honoured to be able to play almost every minute this season. I’m grateful that Ante has given me the opportunity and I’m loving playing here,” she said.

“Off the field we’re such a close group of girls, we all get along and I think that reflects the way we get along on the field.

“We have good cohesion, we play for each other which has definitely made a big difference in results this season.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can off the other girls to improve my performances week in, week out and that’s not just at training but game days as well.”

TALKING POINTS: Can depleted Wanderers make it over the finish line?
READ: FFA statement regarding Perth Glory FC

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Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Saturday, 29 February 2020
Marvel Stadium
Kick off: 5pm AEDT

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This article was originally published on the Westfield W-League website.
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