Newly recalled Matildas star Chloe Logarzo has sent Western United second in the A-League Women with the late winner in their 3-2 home victory over Brisbane.
After fellow Australian teammate Tameka Yallop fouled Adriana Taranto in the box in added time, United co-captain Logarzo coolly smashed in the penalty to claim the victory at City Vista Recreation Reserve.
Having come from 2-1 down at halftime, United (8-3-5) now sit second on the table with a two-point buffer over Sydney FC while the Roar (4-6-6) stay unmoved in 10th.
"What’s probably most pleasing is that we’ve just shown character," Western United coach Kat Smith said.
"They’ve really got this belief in what we’re doing. It’s not a matter of the scoreboard dictating how we play.
"They always seem to find something a little bit deeper to keep going."
It was Logarzo who claimed the early ascendancy for the hosts on Sunday, heading in from a corner in the eighth minute.
Fellow co-captain and Philippines international Jaclyn Sawicki had an attempt to build their lead but fired straight into the hands of goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz.
Brisbane's Sharn Freier steered matters back the Roar's way, dominating the left flank with her speed to produce two assists.
Lurking on the wing, Freier collected the ball in Brisbane's half before bolting towards goal to produce a clinical cutback for Kijah Stephenson to level scores in the 29th minute.
And just two minutes later, after receiving a long pass from Jenna McCormick, the 22-year-old delivered a cross for Mia Corbin to snatch the lead.
Taranto restored parity with a goal from a corner on 79 minutes, before being taken to ground by Yallop for the decisive penalty.
Though disappointed with the result, first-year Brisbane coach Alex Smith was pleased with the progress his charges are making.
"As a senior manager, it's always tough when you come in ... but there's no excuses there," Smith said.
"The first half we were by far the better side - we were excellent.
"And then we came out, we were just a completely different team in the second half.
"I've got to give my girls credit. We try and play football. We try to play off in the back. We try to enjoy the ball."
