Sunshine Coast Women piled on four early goals to set up a convincing 6-0 win over Western Pride Women at Briggs Road Complex on Saturday.
Fire dominated a decisive first 15 minutes to make it five wins in six.
The early onslaught began when Sofie Persson continued her fine form with a clever backheel finish in the sixth minute to make it 1-0, before strike partner Samara Christmas doubled the visitors’ advantage by heading home from a corner.
Fire’s electric start became effectively match-winning at 3-0 in the 10th minute, midfielder Kayla Moore profiting from Alexandria Psarros’ fine run and cross.
A fourth followed just three minutes later as Persson tucked home following two Fire attempts.
The away side’s bright opening was soured somewhat when goalscorer Christmas was substituted with an ankle injury and the break in momentum allowed Pride to see out the remainder of the half.
There was no stopping Persson, however, with the Swedish ace outmuscling two defenders and stepping inside to finish for her hattrick and Fire’s fifth after the hour.
Danielle White completed the scoring in the 77th minute when she finished from inside the area after a free-kick to cap the 6-0 win.
Speaking after the match, Pride assistant coach Meshelle Ryan said the chaotic opening was too much to overcome.
“They put four quick goals on us in 15 minutes and the girls just couldn’t recover,” Ryan said.
Fire’s hattrick hero Persson opted to give praise to her similarly dangerous teammates.
“It’s always fun to score. It was good to get some of the midfielders in on the scoring as well,” the forward said.
Western Pride FC Women 0
Sunshine Coast FC Women 6 (Sofie PERSSON 6’, 13’, 65’ Samara CHRISTMAS 7’ Kayla MOORE 10’ Danielle WHITE 77’)
Words: Matt Dorman
(This article originally appeared on www.nplqld.com.au)
