Sydney United 58 produce miracle comeback against plucky Wanderers
In one the games of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season, Sydney United 58 scored three goals in 20 minutes after trailing 3-1, to take home maximum points in a heart-stopping 4-3 win against the Western Sydney Wanderers at the Wanderers Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
From the get-go, it was an extremely physical clash with both sides conceding early fouls.
The intensity was shown as each team needed the win after losses last weekend.
In an all-out attacking warfare, both clubs had early opportunities but struggled to get past goalkeepers Danijel Nizic and Lawrence Caruso.
However, it was the Western Sydney Wanderers who would strike first in the 32nd minute. Pouncing on a turnover, the ball landed at the feet of Marcus Younis.
Nicknamed the ‘Aussie Neymar’ by commentary, Younis pulled off multiple stepovers before striking the ball with his powerful left foot.
As the ball curved into the left-hand corner of the net it proved too much for Nizic, who denied him minutes earlier.
Eager to tie the game back, Sydney United 58 missed three consecutive chances with the best being a free kick hit by midfield maestro Glen Trifiro.
Despite their missed chances on goal, they seemed rejuvenated and equalled the scoreline in the 43rd minute.
United 58 skipper Adrian Vlastelica jumped onto a loose ball and ran the length of the field to set up Chris Payne. The goal earned Payne his third of the season.
The physicality in the second half with four players earning yellow cards.
Seeming to take control of the match, the Wanderers controlled most of the possession. Daniel Wilmering, who appeared in the A-League last night, was the stand-out delivering expertly timed through balls.
Their control of the game paid off in the 54th minute when captain George Antonis extended their lead.
This was followed by another goal in the 71st minute by Nathaniel Blair to make it 3-1.
As the game looked done and dusted, Sydney United 58 substitution Patrick Antelmi brought hope back to the squad and fans in attendance.
The ace marksman scored an incredible two goals in ten minutes that brought the scoreline incredibly to 3-3.
With an unlikely victory on the horizon, Jason Madonis was given a chance to fire his first goal for the club in the 91st minute.
Despite Lawrence Caruso saving the initial shot, the Wanderers keeper couldn’t do it twice with Devante Clut lurking around the net to gift his team the three points and his first goal with his new club colours since making the move from the Sutherland Sharks.
Speaking post-match, Sydney United 58 assistant coach Valerio Silvestro applauded the side’s second-half performance.
“(The) second half was a good comeback, especially with the last few changes we made at the end.
“It was a tough one, to be honest, we didn’t start in the right way. We were a bit off the pace in the first half.
“The second half we started okay in the first five minutes and then we copped a great goal from distance and then the penalty was a bit naïve.
“These boys however worked hard throughout the match and their never say die attitude got us those points.”
The Wanderers will be hoping to bounce back next weekend against the Wollongong Wolves while Sydney United 58 will be looking to keep their top three spot when they face Manly United.
Match Stats
Western Sydney Wanderers 3 (Younis 32’, Antonis 54’, Blair 71’
Sydney United 58 4 (Payne 43’, Antelmi 73’ 83’, Clut 91’)
Sunday 26th February 2023
Wanderers Football Park, Rooty Hill
Referee: Nathan Shakespear
Assistant Referees: Cameron Wright and Matt Staples
Fourth Official: Nick Gela
Western Sydney Wanderers: 4. Alex Bonetig 5. Daniel Wilmering 6. Frans Deli (28. Luke Nieuwenhorf 80’) 7. Marcus Younis 8. Jarrod Carluccio (15. Luca Pecora 65’) 9. Nathaniel Blair 12. Edmond Lupancu 14. George Antonis (C) 20. Lawrence Caruso (GK) 23. Mason Fernandez (27. Farah Koko 58’) 77. Ariath Piol (24. Teng Kuol 58’)
Substitutes Not Used: 2. Matthew O’Donoguhue 30. William Loucas (GK)
Yellow Cards: Lupancu (61’)
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney United 58: 1. Danijel Nizic (GK) 3. Bailey Rule 4. Adrian Vlastelica (C) 6. Christopher Payne (9. Patrick Antelmi 66’) 7. Taisei Kaneko (5. Anthony Tomelic 58’) 11. Yianni Perkatis (8. Jason Madonis 75’) 15. Tariq Maia (21. Yianni Fragogiannis 58’) 16. Ante Bakmaz 17. Matthew Bilic 18. Glen Trifiro (10. Devante Clut 75’) 22. Leroy Jennings
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Luke Cukar
Yellow Cards: Rule (21’), Bakmaz (56’), Bilic (57’), Nizic (96’)
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3- Patrick Antelmi (SU58)
2- Marcus Younis (WSW)
1- Daniel Wilmering (WSW)
-Match Report by Ethan Lee Chalk
