Southern starts new season the hard way National league

The scores

Western Springs AFC ...................... 6

Sofia Garcia 4’, 24’, 90’, Rina Hirano 56’, Sam Tawharu 58’, Maggie Pedersen 73’

Southern United ............................... 1

Halftime:

HATTRICK hero Sofia Garcia propelled Western Springs AFC to a crushing 61 victory over Southern United as the new national league season started yesterday.

It was a long day of travel for the southerners as they left Dunedin at 7am and flew home last evening.

The match was a freeflowing affair with very few free kicks awarded.

Southern coach Kris Ridley — making his own debut after replacing Graeme Smaill — said despite the scoreline, there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

‘‘I don’t believe the score reflects on how well our girls dug in.

‘‘We had some really good phases of play there and I was really proud and impressed with the girls for digging deep and having that southern attitude of [fighting] right to the very end.’’

Southern was happy to let the hosts play with the ball at the back and looked to pressure them in the midfield.

Southern was reduced to 10 players for a short period as Emily Morison left the game with a head injury after a physical challenge for the ball.

American star Garcia wasted no time giving Western Springs the lead. She received a long through ball then glided past Southern goalkeeper Amy Simmers for an easy finish.

The home side extended its lead through Garcia, who timed a header perfectly to beat the keeper.

Southern United hit back as a loose pass at the back was stolen by Margarida Dias, and she was able to convert a oneonone with the keeper to reduce the deficit back to one.

Dias almost had an equaliser just before halftime but struck the post in another oneononesituation with the keeper.

Western Springs regained control after the break through substitute Rina Hirano, and the Aucklanders were in again just a few minutes later.

A skilful manoeuvre from midfielder Emma Pijnenburg helped her beat two defenders and create an opportunity for Sam Tawharu, who was able to put a fourth goal in the back the of the net.

Everything was going Western Springs’ way, especially when an intended cross from Maggie Pedersen caught the Southern keeper off guard and found its way into the back of the net.

Garcia then put the final nail in the coffin as she completed her hattrick in the 90th minute.

Southern United’s first home game is against Auckland United this Saturday.

Auckland was held to a 11 draw by Northern Rovers yesterday.

On Saturday, Eastern Suburbs beat Capital 41, and Canterbury United beat Central 30.