The sky blues dominated possession but fell 2-1 to a hungry and dogged Perth Glory in their W-League clash in front of more than 1500 spectators at WIN Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Two goals by American Morgan Andrews proved the difference, while Sydney FC's only goal came via a Kim Carroll own goal.

It is Sydney FC's second successive defeat in two seasons on Wollongong soil, following a 2-0 loss to Melbourne City last Janaury.

Despite the loss, Ante Juric said the sky blues were happy to play at WIN Stadium.

"We always enjoy coming down here in terms of the atmosphere and field. We don't get good results here. But in terms of everything else, it's great and good for the community," he said.

"We didn't play to our best and we probably didn't deserve the game. Perth defended well, they were behind the ball and caught us on the break twice to score two goals. We knew they were going to sit back but we didn't do any combinations, we didn't do any diagonal balls over the top.

"There was no forward run so there were a lot of issues that came up because we didn't do what we were supposed to do."

Sydney FC control possession for the majority of the first half, but weren't able to find the back of the net. It appeared like it was going to be a tough afternoon for the visitors when young star Hana Lowry limped off the field in the 21^st minute.

Both teams had their chance in the first half, but Sydney FC goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe and her Perth counterpart Eliza Campbell were up to the challenge. Perth's defence, led by Kim Carroll and Shannon May, in particular was impressive in the first half.

A strong challenge in Sydney's defence in the 40th minute led to Ellie Brush receiving a yellow card. From the ensuing play, a lovely long-range kick by Andrews curled into the back of the net and the Glory led 1-0.

The sky blues continued to press hard without luck and Perth took a 1-0 advantage into half time.

Neither side was able to take the ascendancy in the early stages after the break.

In the 58^th minute, Perth was able to press hard and they reaped the reward. A nice cross deflected off the legs of two Sydney defender and fell at the feet of Andrews, who beat her opponent and goalkeeper Bledsoe to score her second goal as the Glory led 2-0.

With his side struggling to remain in the contest, Juric injected Figtree local Mackenzie Hawkesby from the bench in the 64^th minute - which drew a loud cheer from the crowd.

Hawkesby had some nice touches early, but was unable to find that breakthrough. The sky blues - led by an energetic Veronica Latsko, Sofia Huerta and Lindsay Agnew - continued to work hard and had plenty of scoring opportunities.

However, Sydney FC's sole goal came via a deflection from Carroll into her own goal in the 90^th minute. The home side pressed hard in the dying minutes, but Perth held on for an impressive 2-1 win.

Despite the loss, Sydney FC remains in second spot on the W-League ladder with one round remaining before finals. But Juric is wary of Melbourne Victory, who could move into striking distance of stealing that position with a win against Newcastle on Sunday.

The sky blues and Victory will face off in the final round next week.

"Depending on how they go tomorrow, hopefully it won't be do or die [next week]," Juric said.

"We've been pretty steady in our line up, but I think we'll make some changes next week. We'll give some minutes into the legs for finals as well."

On the other hand, Saturday marked Perth's third successive win. They remain in seventh place on the ladder.

Fresh from booting two goals, Morgan Andrews said the Glory were enjoying a good vibe within the club.

"The vibe in the locker room is really positive and exciting. We're all dancing and having fun," the 24-year-old said.

"I mean we're all playing soccer for a reason and part of that is we enjoy it and have fun. Of course we're here to do a job. In the beginning [this season], it wasn't really working out the way we wanted to but we've consistently worked hard throughout the season and practise and it's finally starting to show up a little bit.

"Sometimes it just doesn't click, but it's starting to feel like it does now. It comes down to the work ethic the girls have put in, I think we're doing our jobs and help the person next to you do their job too. It's been really positive lately."

Andrews said she was delighted with her performance, but even happier the side could secure a win.

"Every team has their individual talents and strategies but they're [Sydney FC] a really good side, full of quality players and good staff. Today it just came down to grit and who wanted it more, and I think we showed that we did," she said.

"It feels good to finally put the ball in the back of the net again. I lost that part of my game for a little bit and it feels good to finally have that part of me again."

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.