Picture: AUFC Media
A record crowd welcomed the Adelaide United W-League team back to Coopers Stadium for the first time in three years this afternoon as the Reds ran out 3-1 Victors over Western Sydney.
5,159 supporters helped take down the previous regular season record for a W-League game which stood at 3,105.
This comes after just over a month ago, local company My Money House purchased all available tickets to the match meaning that Adelaide United were able to give them out free of charge.
Adelaide United CEO Nathan Kosmina is thrilled with the result and credited the South Australian football community for their ongoing support.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have broken the Westfield W-League attendance record,” Kosmina said.
“This would not have been possible without the incredible support from SA Power Networks and My Money House.
“I’d also like to thank our members, fans, and the South Australian community for turning up in droves to cheer the team on.”
Australia will be the home of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and states are still vying for to have their stadium considered for hosting duties.
Kosmina, like many South Australians, is eager for the state to secure World Cup games and says he hopes results like this will only strengthen the bid.
“This attendance highlight’s the people of South Australia’s commitment and support of women’s football and in general women’s sport, which has never been stronger,” he said.
“We also hope this further strengthens our position that Adelaide and Coopers Stadium is a suitable venue to host FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in 2023.”
As for the Reds, their regular season fixtures have come to an end and they will now be hoping that results go their way so they can secure a spot in the finals for the first time in their history.
Coach Adrian Stenta has seen his squad grow over the year and despite the departure of captain Dylan Holmes, United have steered their way into third place.
He believes that fan attendance has been vital this year and credited the supporters for their ongoing support.
“Today was a very special day for our Club,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls and their efforts in what has been our most successful season as a team.
“The support from our fans has been phenomenal all year, but to see a sea of red everywhere today was quite amazing and I’d like to thank everyone for coming to watch us.”
The Reds now face an agonising wait to see if they can break their finals drought.
Canberra United and Melbourne Victory sit one and two points below the Reds respectively, Canberra with one game yet to play and Victory with two.
With Victory taking on bottom of the table Perth Glory in one of their final two fixtures, it looks increasingly likely that the final position in the top four will be decided when Canberra welcome table-topping Sydney Fc to Viking Park on Friday, March 26.
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