Despite overseeing just one point from three games, there’s a feeling that a first win under the stewardship of Kat Smith is just around the corner for Melbourne Victory after a rousing second half performance in the 2-1 loss to Sydney FC.
In a true game of two halves, Smith’s warriors fought hard to overcome a 2-0 half-time deficit at AAMI Park, with young Mindy Barbieri pulling one back almost immediately from the restart.
It was all Victory from then on, who carved out a number of sightings on Michelle Betos’ goal, but were unable to breach the American’s net for the all-important equaliser.
Smith admitted it was hard to be pleased with the result, but was proud of the way that they fought back in the second half.
“It’s difficult considering our first half performance, but as cliche’d as it is, it was a game of two halves,” the interim coach said.
“There’s things that over time we needed to have fixed up before we get to days like today. From that point of view it’s disappointing but credit to the girls who came out [after[ conceding goals and tried to push back.
“I think we were really close today and Sydney would’ve been counting themselves lucky in the second half to hold onto the game.”
Apart from young Barbieri grabbing her second W-League goal, there were some other notable performers out of the contest on Sunday afternoon.
Captain – and Mindy’s namesake – Melissa Barbieri put in a polished display between the sticks, as she displayed all her experience by relieving the pressure on her defence, claiming a countless amount of crosses and commanding her area with distinction.
“Bubs [Melissa Barbieri] made some [crucial] saves from minutes into the game,” Smith said on her captain.
“Her consistency to be able to pull those saves off [throughout the contest] is a credit to her. It’s why she is as good as she is, and what she brings both on and off the field is irreplaceable.
“With Mindy [Barbieri], an exciting young player, it’s moments like [her goal] for her where she can believe in her ability. She can take this forward and she’ll go from strength to strength.”
The closeness of the contest belied the two side’s standing on the W-League ladder, who despite being separated by six spots, were only nine points apart at the start of the game.
“I said to the girls before the start of the game, irregardless of it being a third vs. ninth on the ladder, it’s Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC,” Smith said.
“I think they took a little from that. We are where we are on the table but week-in, week-out we’re going to be a team that’s hard to beat and that’s what we can do going forward from here.”
A finals position is now mathematically out of the Victory’s reach, with Smith’s side afforded two away games to climb off the bottom of the ladder, beginning next week against Newcastle Jets.