The Western Sydney Wanderers are through to the final of the Asian Champions League after securing a 2-0 victory in the second leg of their semi-final against FC Seoul at Pirtek Stadium on Wednesday night.
Mateo Poljak got the Wanderers off to the perfect start with a long range effort finding the back of the net in just the third minute of the match.
Shannon Cole sent the home side’s second into the back of the net in the 64th minute.
FINAL SCORE:
Western Sydney Wanderers 2
FC Seoul 0
Tonight will decide the second finalist for the 2014 Asian Champions League as the Western Sydney Wanderers host FC Seoul at Parramatta Stadium. Join The Roar at 7:30pm for live scores and coverage.
Western Sydney head into tonight’s second leg in pole position after they held on in Seoul, despite not getting the important away goal.
They have left themselves with the home ground advantage and knowledge that an early goal may kill off the tie.
The Wanderers have had an indifferent pre-season, being knocked out of the FFA Cup by Adelaide City and of course, their run throughout the Asian Champions League (ACL) knocking out Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Chinese heavyweights, Guangzhou Evergrande on the way.
If the Western Sydney side was able to get past FC Seoul, it would make them the second A-League side to make a final, following Adelaide United’s footsteps.
FC Seoul have built their campaign on defensive stability much like the home side tonight. First they got past Kawasaki Frontale on away goals before a goalless tie with fellow K-League side and former champions, Pohang Steelers.
The visitors have made two ACL finals, in 2001-02 and 2013, losing both, while Western Sydney are on their maiden voyage in the Asian Champions League.
Looking to the style of game tonight, both teams prefer to stay fluid to their defensive structures, looking for a solitary goal early in the piece and holding onto a lead.
The Wanderers will take the initiative as the home side which may be an uneasy approach.
Seoul will play to their strengths, defending stoutly and trying to catch the Wanderers on the break, something the home side have done to several A-League sides over their short existence.
Prediction: The game will go to penalties, with Seoul edging out the home side.
Join The Roar at 7:30pm for all the thrills, spills and hopefully goals in tonight’s second ACL semi-final.
Ked
Guest
Bruce Bochy's decision-making with his oulieetdfrs this year has left a lot to be desired, and in no case is that more obvious than his decision to bury Lewis in favor of Nate Schierholtz, and to a lesser extent Eugenio Velez, back in June. Lewis is the third-best offensive player on the Giants, behind Pablo Sandoval and, oddly, Juan Uribe. He is the only regular other than Sandoval with an above-average OBP, making him water for an offense thirsty for baserunners. Yet Lewis has started just 20 games, about twice a week, since June 9, a time during which the Giants as a team have an execrable .305 OBP.
Dragi Ralevski
Guest
Well done boys go go go in my eyes you will always be champions best thing to happen to Australian soccer
Josh
Guest
My god what an amazing night, it's cold, I am wet from the beer showers, I have no voice but I wouldn't change a thing. Western Sydney has never looked, sounded or felt so good since the A League became part of the fabric.
Waleed Yemen
Guest
Ala zubi ; Al Hilal is champion
The Minister
Guest
Hats off to WSW and Popa! Amazing...
Marc
Guest
The return leg of the final is being played at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. Holds 70k so should be a fearsome atmosphere (there were 57k there for the semi-final against Al-Hilal) although that should be lessened by the running track ... Congrats to WSW.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I think it'll be awesome preparation. We're always talking about the apparent lack of match fitness. Here's our chance to build some up in two massive clashes in the lead up to the final. It'll be nice to have a run on the SFS a week before the first leg. Still struggling to believe this is real.......
AZ_RBB
Guest
Even bigger thing, the Melbourne Derby clashes with the first leg of the ACL final. I wonder if Fox will have anything to say about that.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Do you think Poppa will ask for the derby to be postponed in preparation for the final?
AZ_RBB
Guest
After two visits by the RBB in the space of 7 days, SFC won't have a home stadium left :P but we'll promise not to damage the pitch. Don't think the SFS needs any help in deteriorating.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Maybe the monster trucks might be less destructive than a Sydney derby and the fans.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers/western-sydney-wanderers-will-have-to-move-from-parramatta-if-they-make-acl-final-20140910-10exl4.html
Roarsome
Guest
Congrats WSW!!! So, where's the final going to be? I just read they might move it from Parra.
Punter
Guest
Congrats WSW, great for them & great for the A-League & football in this country. Crowd was amazing, 12th player.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Actually I take that back. Olympic has a monster truck event on the 18th, which means the turf will be torn up and in shocking condition. SFS will have a Derby a week earlier and FFA Cup on the Tuesday but will be by far the best option despite its location.
AZ_RBB
Guest
That's how I read it the first time haha then I thought nah maybe he is being genuine. I'll be more careful next time :P
AZ_RBB
Guest
Busy times ahead. I'm off to Melbourne in a just a few days time for the A-League opener, come home and it's Derby week, then we start counting down to the ACL Final. I wonder if they'll let us play these re-scheduled games during the Asian Cup break?
Bondy
Guest
AZ_RBB I think you missed my point, it was a joke . Well Done Dragon Punk...
gaga
Guest
Very well done! That Wanderers' midfield is very disciplined.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Thank you DragonPunk