Juric says Sydney can keep the pressure on in Premiership race
Sydney FC coach Ante Juric says his side are still aiming for the Westfield W-League Premiers title after their impressive Sydney Derby win.
The Sky Blues were commanding at Cromer Park against cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday afternoon to post their fourth match undefeated and move to within three points of leaders Melbourne City, who contest their own Derby on Sunday against Melbourne Victory.
Veronica Latsko and Ellie Brush struck in the opening quarter hour to give the hosts a lightning start, before Sofia Huerta iced the 3-0 result in injury time.
Juric told sydneyfc.com.au that the performance of his side – which marks a fourth straight clean sheet – has him confident the team can keep the pressure on the Citysiders in the title race.
REPORT: Sydney surge into second with commanding Derby win
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"I'm happy, and I'm happy for the girls more than anything,” Juric said.
“We have the Premiership on top of the board, we're aiming for that and this is a step towards that.
He added: “We just need to put the pressure on City, with two games to go until the Finals you need that momentum.”
The Sky Blues performance came with a number of changes for the Sky Blues side that started the calendar year – with Westfield Matildas duo Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo departed for Bristol City and Arsenal, respectively, while their national team teammate Alanna Kennedy was rested for the Derby clash.
In their stead was Juric gave a debut to Canadian International Lindsay Agnew, while American international Huerta was utilised in a more attacking role to complement her countrywoman Latsko.
"Today we tinkered a little bit and we had the right personnel to match up, we stepped up and showed what a squad we are.
He also singled out the performance of 18-year-old Taylor Ray, who returned to action for the Sky Blues in midfield for the first time since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.
"Taylor was outstanding, she hasn't played for a long time,” Juric said.
“I know her qualities and she's one of the smartest footballers on our team."
The Sky Blues will travel to Wollongong in the next round when they tackle lower-table Perth Glory, before wrapping up their regular season with an away clash with Melbourne Victory.
SUNDAY PREVIEW: Canberra United vs Adelaide United
SUNDAY PREVIEW: Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar
SUNDAY PREVIEW: Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City
Round 13
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Saturday, 22 February 2020
WIN Stadium
Kick-off: 4pm AEDT
