DiBernardo leads Perth over Sydney

CHICAGO – Perth Glory advanced to the W-League Grand Final after a 5-1 blowout against third-place Sydney FC.

In the semifinal matchup, Sydney FC started off strong, sealing the first goal of the match in the 23^rd minute. Just six minutes later Perth found an equalizing moment when Glory’s Alyssa Mautz was fouled inside the 18-yard box. Vanessa DiBernadro stepped up to the spot, scoring her fourth penalty kick of the season. The first half ended 1-1, waiting to be settled in the final 45 minutes.

The second half action picked up in the 58^th minute when Perth struck some luck off DiBernardo’s cross into the box that was deflected into the goal by Sydney defender Alanna Kennedy, giving Perth the 2-1 lead. In the final 15 minutes, Perth took control over the match, netting two goals within two minutes by DiBernardo and Rosie Sutton. But Perth wasn’t quite content with the scoreline, netting another goal in the final seconds of the match to end the game with a 5-1 victory.

In the league’s second semi-final match, Melbourne City FC defeated 2017 W-League premires Canberra United 1-0 with a goal in overtime. Earning home field advantage, Perth now looks to take on reigning W-League Champions Melbourne City in the Grand Final.

W-League Grand Final
Perth Glory vs. Melbourne City FC

Red Stars Stats
Vanessa DiBernardo (Perth Glory) – 90 minutes, 2 GOALS
Alyssa Mautz (Perth Glory) – 90 minutes