Wollongong Wolves FC rally after early setback to defeat UNSW FC

Wollongong Wolves FC claimed their first win of the 2026 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over UNSW FC at Macedonia Park on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides entered the contest searching for their first three points of the campaign, and it was UNSW who made the brighter start.

The visitors struck in just the seventh minute after capitalising on a misplaced pass from Wolves centre-back Dylan Ryan. The ball fell to Jack Fulton, who delivered a perfectly weighted pass over the top for Oliver Pufflett. Pufflett rounded goalkeeper Daniel Solsky and finished calmly to hand UNSW an early lead.

The setback sparked a response from the hosts, who began to control possession and territory. Lachlan Scott nearly levelled proceedings in the 14th minute, forcing a sharp save from UNSW goalkeeper Tristian Prendergast after connecting with a cross from Sebastian Hernandez.

Wollongong maintained momentum for the remainder of the first half, with UNSW content to sit deep and look to counter. Marcus Beattie and Alex Masciovecchio both threatened as the Wolves pressed for an equaliser.

Their pressure paid dividends just before the break. Masciovecchio spread play wide to Hernandez, who unleashed a powerful first-time strike that beat Prendergast and brought the Wolves back on level terms heading into half-time.

Both teams emerged with renewed intent after the interval. Fulton tested Solsky at one end, while Flynn Madden and Masciovecchio were denied by desperate last-ditch defending at the other.

Madden then appeared to have a golden opportunity when he surged through on goal and went down inside the penalty area, but the referee waved away strong appeals for a spot kick.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 68th minute. Scott squared the ball across the box to Kazuya Yamamura, who made no mistake, driving a low finish beyond Prendergast to give Wollongong the lead.

The Wolves continued to create the better chances as UNSW were dealt a further blow when Corby Fowler was forced off with what appeared to be a serious knee injury with 15 minutes remaining.

Substitute Dylan King nearly sealed the result deep into stoppage time, but his header was well saved by Prendergast. At the other end, Kevin Lopes forced Solsky into a strong save from distance as UNSW searched for a late equaliser, but the Wolves held firm to secure all three points.

Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire praised his side’s response after conceding early.

“It was important to get the win here at home and I think we controlled the game,” Wilkshire said.

“It was a sloppy goal that we conceded and it’s hard to play against teams that sit back, but we eventually broke them down and got the goals.”

UNSW FC goalkeeper Tristian Prendergast said the defeat would serve as an important learning experience.

“That game was a learning curve for us moving forward,” he said.

“We switched off twice and they punished us. We can’t give teams the opportunity to capitalise against us.”

The Wolves will look to build momentum when they host the Marconi Stallions in Round 3, while UNSW FC face SD Raiders FC in a clash between the newly promoted sides.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves FC 2 (Hernandez 43’, Yamamura 68’)
UNSW FC 1 (Pufflett 7’)

Sunday 15 February, 2026
Macedonia Park

Referee: Ivica Covic
Assistant Referees: Matthew Harris and Alexandar Zastavnikovic
Fourth Official: Noah Moss

Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Daniel Solsky, 2. Kazuya Yamamura, 4. Dylan Ryan, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 8. Sebastian Duarte (77. Dylan King 66’), 10. Flynn Madden, 11. Sebastian Hernandez (44. Lucas Trajcevski), 13. Tate Russell, 17. Marcus Beattie, 24. Lachlan Scott (C) (21. Liam Ball 89’), 25. Alex Masciovecchio (7. Felipe D’Agostini 66’)
Substitutes not used: Jude Christie, Ryan Lowe, Max Cunial
Yellow Cards: Beattie 88’
Red Cards:

UNSW FC: 1. Tristian Prendergast, 3. Emilio Vinci, 4. Liam Wood (18. Connor Quilligan 68’), 5. Claudio Fabiano (C), 6. Grant Lynch, 11. Jack Fulton (9. Kevin Lopes 62’), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 15. Corby Fowler (2. Timothy Wohlfiel 66’), 17. Jyden Harb, 19. Oliver Pufflett (10. Nathan Roberts 62’), 20. Anthony Barbic
Substitutes not used: Matias Santos, Cassius Flavell, Angus Martin
Yellow Cards: Vinci 52’, Lopes 90+6’, Lynch 90+6’
Red Cards:

Player Ratings
3 – Sebastian Hernandez (Wollongong Wolves)
2 – Daniel Solsky (Wollongong Wolves)
1 – Tristian Prendergast (UNSW FC)

Report by Joel Martelli