Team-first attitude paying off says Cook
THE adoption of a selfless, team-first strategy is beginning to bear fruit for Gold Coast United as they fight to keep their NPL Women’s season alive.
Knowing defeat would leave them 11 points adrift of the top four before the season had even reached the halfway point, United on Saturday produced a stunning five-goal second half to down Capalaba 6-1 at John Fredericks Field.
The victory, built on a fourgoal haul from Meg McElligott, was the second in three games for Gold Coast and came after the late switch of American Anjel Brown to the wing to replace the injured Georgia Elliston.
Coach Michael Cook said it was the latest example of the players buying into his philosophy.
“Our methodology since pre-season has been a holistic approach whereby each squad member focuses on our whole of team playing style, as well as their individual responsibilities. (Saturday) was a great example that the players’ hard work and willingness to do what is best for the team will reap rewards,” Cook said.
“The unexpected injury to Georgia on the morning of the match meant we had to move some players into unfamiliar roles. With everyone buying in to the whole-of-team approach, if we require them to play different roles then they are prepared for that scenario.”
While Mackenzie Akins opened the scoring for United on Saturday, Cook said he was “delighted” for 15-year-old Lua Suero, who netted her first senior goal.
Sitting seventh, United return home for the first time since March 10 to host Logan at 5pm on Saturday.