Lindsay Agnew says the motivation behind her move to Sydney FC was to lift the Westfield W-League title and the Canadian star insists the Sky Blues will rise to the challenge in Saturday’s Big Blue Semi Final.
Agnew featured in her third Westfield W-League match in Round 14 as the Harbour City side saw their Semi Final home advantage slip away in a 3-1 reverse against Melbourne Victory, resulting in the opening match of the Finals Series to be held on Big V's turf.
The two great rivals meet agains on Saturday at Epping Stadium with Agnew forced to adjust quickly to life down under after signing on January 25 following three seasons in the United States' National Women's Soccer League, firstly for Washington Spirit, and more recently for Houston Dash.
The 24-year-old forward, who has 11 international caps for Canada, admits the draw to switch to Sydney FC was their Championship pedigree and she plans to make her mark on the Westfield W-League Finals Series during her short stay in Australia.
“It’s just so exciting,” said Agnew. “That’s one reason I wanted to come here because I knew this was a playoff team and to try and defend the championship from last year.
“I’m just really glad to be part of the team and able to come and help them hopefully bring that silverware home again.”
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Goals from Amy Jackson and double from Darian Jenkins condemned Sydney to the convincing defeat two weeks ago at Marvel Stadium, which saw Big V leapfrog the Sky Blues to take second place in the Westfield W-League ladder.
But Agnew believes Jeff Hopkins' side will feel the wrath of the defending Champions on Saturday, and says that added pressure of a winner-takes-all contest will work in the favour of Ante Juric's team.
“Credit Victory, I think they had a great game last time we played against them and we struggled to find our rhythm until probably the last 10 minutes of the game,” Agnew added.
“I think you’re going to see a totally different Sydney FC.”
“I think there’s an extra added pressure of it being a Semi Final – winner goes home.
“These last couple of weeks of training have been very intense and we’re definitely ready to go and redeem ourselves and play a lot better in this next game.”
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Westfield W-League Semi Finals
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Date: Saturday, 14 March 2020
Venue: Epping Stadium, Epping
Kick-off: 2:00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: FOX Sports, ABC TV
Stream: ABC iview, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Sunday, 15 March 2020
Venue: ABD Stadium, Broadmeadows
Kick-off: 1:30pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: FOX Sports, ABC TV
Stream: ABC iview, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
