United 58 edge out Sydney FC late in drama-filled encounter

Sydney United 58 provided more late drama in their 3-2 win over Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon at Sydney United Sports Centre.

In an action-packed first half, Sydney FC went in front through Mathias Macallister 37 minutes in, but United 58 scored two quick goals before halftime through Mason Wells and Bailey Rule.

Sydney FC captain Will Kennedy’s red card soon after halftime gave the away side an uphill battle in the remainder of the game.

Sydney FC found an equaliser with five regular minutes to play through Junior Conde, yet Rule’s second goal deep into stoppage time snatched victory for the hosts.

The visitors had most of the ball in the first half as they looked to break down their opponents, however, United 58 were leaving few gaps in their defensive shape.

United 58 were also a threat in transition and fashioned a decent shooting chance in the 19th minute. Patrick Antelmi laid the ball back to Aidan Milicevic, whose low shot drew a sharp save from Alexander Zaverdinos.

Four minutes later, Milicevic came close for the hosts again, hitting a first-time shot from the edge of the area that Zaverdinos expertly palmed behind.

In the 28th minute, Lachlan Middleton returned fire for Sydney FC, forcing Tristan Prendergast into a sharp save with a volley from outside the box.

The Sky Blues found the opener in the 37th minute. Michael Glassock severely under hit his back pass, allowing Macallister to race in one-on-one with Prendergast, going around the goalkeeper and finishing confidently.

It took United 58 just five minutes to restore parity. Wells shifted inside from the right and drove a low shot past Zaverdinos from the edge of the area.

The hosts kept pushing and took the lead in stoppage time. Rule’s original effort from the right of the box fell back to the defender, who made no mistake on his second effort, picking out the bottom left corner.

United 58’s late turnaround gave them the advantage heading into the sheds.

Sydney FC nearly made the perfect start to the second half six minutes in when Joe Lacey made room for an acute-angled shot from right of the area that Prendergast parried away.

The Sky Blues’ positive opening was halted moments later as they went down to 10 players, with Kennedy shown a second yellow card.

United 58 had a flurry of chances after the red card as Milicevic and Anthony Tomelic saw their efforts denied by Sydney FC’s defence.

Despite the home side’s advantage, Sydney FC continued to create chances. In the 75th minute, substitute Conde whipped in a well-placed cross from the right that met Macallister’s head, but the forward nodded over the bar.

Ten minutes later, the visitors produced a stunning equaliser. Prendergast’s attempted clearance clattered off Conde, sending the ball bouncing towards the goal, with the goalkeeper unable to prevent it crossing the line.

Early in stoppage time, United 58 had an excellent chance to snatch the points. Leroy Jennings latched onto a ball in behind the left channel, racing towards goal, but Zaverdinos turned away his shot spectacularly.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Zaverdinos was called into action again. Mario Shabow sought out the bottom left corner, however, Sydney FC’s goalkeeper got down to the effort.

United 58’s pressure proved inevitable, though, as they grabbed the winner in the final moments. Rule squeezing in a shot from the tightest of angles in the right of the box to send the hosts’ supporters into raptures.

The home side saw out what remained to secure a dramatic Sunday afternoon victory.

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 FC 3 (Mason Wells 42’, Bailey Rule 45+2’ 90+6’)

Sydney FC 2 (Mathias Macallister 37’, Junior Conde 85’)

Sunday 1 June 2025

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: Jake Rose

Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch and Matthew Staples

Fourth Official: Mia Velarde

Sydney United 58 FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast (31. Josip Orlovic 85’), 3. Bailey Rule, 4. Adrian Vlastelica (14. Liam McGing 77’), 5. Anthony Tomelic, 9. Patrick Antelmi (37. Luke Zuvela 46’), 10. Carlos De Oliveira, 16. Anthony Krilic, 17. Michael Glassock, 19. Aidan Milicevic (8. Mario Shabow 73’), 23. Mason Wells, 32. Leroy Jennings

Substitutes Not Used: 7. Jordan Ivancic, 13. Alessandro Lacalandra

Yellow Cards: Leroy Jennings 40’, Anthony Krilic 63’

Red Cards: Nil

Sydney FC: 12. Alexander Zaverdinos, 4. Joseph Calusic (7. Nickolas Alfaro 82’), 9. Mathias Macallister, 10. Taye Hedley (3. Kyle Shaw 55’), 14. Jared Middleton, 22. Zac Fowler (15. Samuel Lancaster 51’), 27. Lachlan Middleton (25. Ethan Dyer 73’), 29. Joe Lacey (23. Junior Conde 72’), 37. Will Kennedy, 39. Dylan Rose, 47. Corey Cronin

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Max Bertoia

Yellow Cards: Will Kennedy 40’ 52’, Kyle Shaw 84’

Red Cards: Will Kennedy 52’

Player Ratings: 

3 – Bailey Rule (SU58)

2 – Aiden Milicevic (SU58)

1 – Alexander Zaverdinos (SFC)

Report by Tim Gibson