Youngsters shine as United 58 hold off late Wanderers comeback

A brace from 17-year-old Gabriel Tilo inspired Sydney United 58 FC to their third straight win of the season, sealing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers FC at the Sydney United Sports Centre.

It was a tale of two halves in Edensor Park. The hosts dominated the opening 45 minutes before Western Sydney mounted a spirited second-half comeback.

United 58’s youthful energy proved decisive early, with Anthony Krilic and Tilo combining twice to hand the home side a 2-0 lead at the break.

The Wanderers clawed their way back into the contest in the 56th minute through a composed finish from Awan Lual. However, United restored their two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when substitute Michael Krslovic struck shortly after entering the fray.

Western Sydney ensured a tense finale when Harper Ryles headed home in the 79th minute, but despite chances at both ends, United 58 held firm to secure a 3-2 win.

The hosts created the first opportunity of the match, with Kyle Cimenti’s low drive forcing a strong save from Tristan Vidackovic. Tilo followed up soon after, flashing a half-volley just over the bar.

United’s attacking persistence paid dividends midway through the half. A brilliant cut-back from Krilic split the defence and found Tilo, who calmly converted from close range to open the scoring.

The pair combined again soon after. Krilic surged down the left and delivered a looping ball into the area, where Cimenti selflessly laid it off for Tilo. The teenager’s strike took a deflection on its way in, leaving the net bulging and doubling the advantage.

Tilo continued to influence proceedings, teeing up Carlos De Oliveira on the edge of the box, but Vidackovic was equal to the effort.

United almost made it 3-0 before the break when Dylan Rose embarked on a dazzling run from deep inside his own half. After evading multiple defenders, he played a dangerous ball forward that Vidackovic narrowly cleared away from De Oliveira. The clearance fell to Tomoki Wada, whose first-time effort drifted well wide.

Although United controlled much of the first half, the Wanderers showed glimpses of promise. They capitalised early in the second period when Jai Rose threaded a precise pass through the backline, allowing Lual to calmly pick out the front post and reduce the deficit.

The match opened up in a frantic final half-hour. Krslovic appeared to have sealed the result in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish, but the Wanderers responded swiftly. Ben Mewett delivered a pinpoint cross to Ryles, who headed home to set up a grandstand finish.

Chances continued to flow. Rickie Fransen’s powerful header rattled the post, while at the other end Krslovic nearly struck again on the counter. Moments later, Michael Glassock found the woodwork with a header, though he was ruled offside.

United had a late opportunity to put the game beyond doubt, but desperate defending denied Farah Koko a near open goal. Western Sydney threw everything forward in the closing stages, yet a series of heroic saves from Adam Pavlesic ensured the scoreline remained 3-2.

Post-match, United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica described the contest as “ugly,” keeping his assessment brief.

Wanderers coach Panny Nikas acknowledged his side’s resilience but lamented lapses at key moments.

“We came strong at the end there but I’m pretty disappointed with how we conceded the goals,” Nikas said.

“I’m happy with the character of the boys but they have to understand in the moments when they do go down they have to stick to their structure and style of football. I thought we could’ve snatched a point at the end there.

“There’s a lot of positives to build off but we just have to get better in key moments. I’m happy with the boys’ mentality and character and that’s one of the things we’ve been working on.”

Match Stats

Sunday 22 Feburary 2026
Sydney United Sports Centre

Referee: Ivica Covic
Assistant Referees: Oscar Waterson and Oliver Udovicic
Fourth Official: Marco Saalmans

Sydney United 58 FC 3 (Tilo 25’, 31’, Krslovic 73’)
Western Sydney Wanderers FC 2 (Lual 56’ Ryles 79’)

Sydney United 58 FC: 1. Adam Pavlesic (GK), 3. Bailey Rule (C), 6. Dylan Rose, 8. Tomoki Wada (15. Adrian Knez 71’), 9. Kyle Cimenti (19. Michael Krslovic), 10. Carlos De Oliveira (22. Nicholas Pratezina 60’), 12. Gabriel Tilo (44. Farah Koko 71), 14. Liam Mcging, 16. Anthony Krilic, 17. Michael Glassock, 23. Mason Wells (5. Anthony Tomelic 85’)

Unused subs: 2. Max Buratto, 20. Vedran Janjetovic
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 1. Tristan Vidackovic (GK), 2. Nathan Barrie, 4. Ricky Fransen, 5. Jesse Cameron (3. Ben Mewett 68’), 6. Oscar Morrison (C), 7. Alaat Abdul-Rahman (20. Harper Ryles 60’), 8. Julian Cop (16. Tristan Arrarte 76’), 9. Awan Lual, 10. Jai Rose (15. Johnny Pavlovic 76’), 21. Rocco Macnamara, 23. Oscar Moore (14. Kade Baccus 60’)

Unused subs: 35. Lachlan Allen (GK)
Yellow cards: Rose 60’
Red cards: Nil

Player Ratings:

3 – Gabriel Tilo (United 58)
2 – Anthony Krilic (United 58)
1 – Awan Lual (Wanderers)

By NPL Men’s NSW Match Reporter Dominic Criniti, @DominicCriniti