United want more after perfect start
A QUEST for perfection continues to drive Gold Coast United’s strong early-season form ahead of Sunday’s “dangerous” NPL Women’s road trip to Sunshine Coast.
Buoyed by their 4-1 demolition of Easts in Round 1, United again showed they will be a force this season with a well-earned 2-1 win over 2018 grand final winners Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Playing at the club’s new home, Coplick Family Sports Park at Tallebudgera, for the first time, the Surfsiders went ahead 1-0 in the fourth minute through returning winger Deeanna Thompson.
Jayde Lowe then doubled the advantage shortly after halftime, before a strike from Roar’s Kijah Stephenson ensured the home side would endure some nervous moments in the dying stages.
Despite keeping their perfect record intact, coach Michael Cook said his side would not let up as they turn their attention to Sunshine Coast, who fell 6-1 to Capalaba in Round 2.
“One of the big positives (from Sunday) was that the girls came off the field talking about the little things they could be doing better, which is great when they’re identifying that,” said Cook, who steered United to sixth place last season.
“If we’re winning games while we’ve still got some improvement to do then we’re in a pretty good space.
“It’s a great three points in conditions like that against the defending champions. Zoe Corbett was really good. Every girl played their part.
“Sunshine Coast … had the bye in Round 1 so we don’t have much to gauge on them (but) every team in this league is dangerous.
“The girls will know we’ll have to be at our best again to make it three out of three ... that’s what we’ll prepare for next week.”
Cook also reserved praise for Japanese imports Momo Hayashi and Rie “Ki” Kitano.
“I think Momo is one of the best players in the league, certainly one of the best defenders,” he said.
“A lot of what she does will go unnoticed a little bit because she’s so smart and does all the simple things right.
“And Ki’s one of the fittest players I’ve ever worked with, she never stops working.
“Not only that, what she does with the ball is really good quality.
“I’m delighted with all of the imports, Kenzie (American Mackenzie Akins) keeps playing well week to week too.”