Riko Ueki just has a knack of finding the back of the net against Liverpool.
The 25-year-old forward scored the equaliser against Liverpool on Sunday in the women’s team’s first home match of the new Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) season, sending the Claret and Blue Army into raptures at Chigwell Construction Stadium in Dagenham.
Ueki scored in both matches against Liverpool last season, and there was a sense of déjà vu as the forward scored once again against the Reds – this time leaping highest in the penalty area and heading beyond a stranded Rachael Laws in the Liverpool goal to equalise four minutes from full-time and snatch a point for her side.
It was Ueki’s and West Ham’s first goal of the new WSL season, and she was delighted to be able to help the team get off the mark in front of their adoring and loyal supporters.
“I’m so happy to help the team get our first point of the season, the Japan international told whufc.com. “I seem to really like scoring against Liverpool, and my goal today was a little bit lucky as I didn’t actually see it go in!”
Olivia Smith curled in an early strike for the visitors, and as time went on and the Hammers were unable to break down a stubborn defence, it looked like it might not be their day.
However, a floated cross from Amber Tysiak found the head of the high-rising Ueki and she gave Rehanne Skinner’s side a reward for a hard-working performance with a brave header that looped under the crossbar and into the Liverpool net.
The former Tokyo Verdy Beleza star was pleased with the way that her side kept going until the very end.
“We lost the goal early on, but as a team we were able to keep going and keep being consistent,” she observed. “We needed more consistency after [losing 3-0] last weekend against Manchester United and we did that.
“I’m really pleased that we were able to get the point for the fans. There were lots of them here, including some Japanese fans too. I’m thankful for their support today.”
The women’s team are back in action on Wednesday, when they host Portsmouth at Chigwell Construction Stadium in their first Women’s League Cup group stage fixture.
Ueki believes that the team can take plenty of momentum into that match and hopes that they team can come out on top and make a good start in the competition.
“Today’s game was better than last week, and we need to keeping going and make sure that the next game is even better. I think we can do that, and I hope we can get a win on Wednesday against Portsmouth,” she concluded.
