Departing Canberra United coach Heather Garriock says she’s proud of her players after they galvanised to put an end to their losing streak and provide her with a final home game to savour.
Garriock’s side arrested a four-game losing slump with a 3-1 win over Adelaide United at McKellar Park on Sunday afternoon.
They can no longer make the Westfield W-League Finals Series but Garriock was delighted with her side’s response to their recent form, in what was her last game in charge of United on home soil.
SUNDAY REPORT: Canberra United v Adelaide United
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As Garriock’s three-season tenure as Canberra boss nears its conclusion, the former Westfield Matildas star heaped praise on the players she has brought into the club, developed and unleashed on the league throughout her time at the helm.
"The players that I have signed are the ones that performed today, especially when it counted," Garriock said post-match.
"In particular Laura Hughes, who scored a great goal to kick-start the game. I am really proud of her.”
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Speaking post-match, Hughes was quick to heap praise on the entire team, as they mustered one last win for their departing boss in front of their home fans.
“I’m so proud of all the girls,” Hughes told FOX Sports post-match.
“It was a bonus to get a goal, but good job to send Heather off on a good note.
“I just hit it and hoped for the best, it was on my left foot so I didn’t expect much but it went in and I [couldn’t] be happier.
“Super excited and hopefully many more to come.”
Hughes scored the first goal of the game before Isabel Hodgson equalised for the Reds, but as if they were playing to a script Canberra dug in to go ahead through Leena Khamis.
Khamis’ goal sparked a touchline celebration with the Canberra players rushing to embrace Garriock in a sign of their affection for their coach.
It was a moment to savour for the United boss, her players and the home faithful, but Garriock says her favourite moment of the game was her side’s third and final goal scored by Simone Charley.
The goal scored with ten minutes to play sparked manic celebrations in the crowd, and Garriock says the final goal scored under her tutelage at McKellar Park may have just been the best she’s ever seen.
"The character that we saw out there was [exceptional]," Garriock said.
“The third goal was probably one of the best goals I've seen by a team, especially under me.
"I am just delighted to get the win. I am so proud of these players."
Canberra will travel to face Brisbane Roar at Lions FC Stadium on Sunday in what will be Garriock’s final game as head coach.
Round 13
Brisbane Roar v Canberra United
Sunday, February 23 - Lions FC Stadium
Kick off: 5:30pm AEDT
