Rock-Solid St George March On as UNSW Left Frustrated

St George FC continued their imperious start to the campaign with a commanding 2–0 triumph over UNSW FC at Barton Park securing a remarkable fourth straight clean sheet in the process.

In a contest laced with tension and physicality, it was the Saints who delivered in the decisive moments, leaving the promoted visitors still searching for their first win after four rounds.

The tone was set inside the opening minute when UNSW goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast reacted sharply to deny Katsuyoshi Kimishima with a strong outstretched save. At the other end, Nicholas Sorras was equally alert in the eighth minute, racing off his line to palm away a powerful Corby Fowler strike as UNSW threatened early.

Defensive resilience defined much of the first half. A stunning goal-line header from Kota Toyooka in the 19th minute denied Lachlan Campbell what looked a certain opener, preserving parity in a fiercely contested battle.

But St George’s persistence eventually paid dividends.

In the 33rd minute, Kaidyn Wright showed sharp instincts, collecting his own deflected effort before firing decisively past Prendergast to break the deadlock. Five minutes later, the Saints struck again. A surging run down the flank from Jaden Casella ended with a dangerous ball into the area that forced an unfortunate own goal from Campbell, doubling the advantage in quick succession.

UNSW’s uphill battle steepened just before halftime when Timothy Wohlfiel received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Kimishima, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Yet to their credit, UNSW refused to fade.

Alexander Malfara ignited the second half with a powerful run down the wing, signalling their intent despite the numerical disadvantage. Toyooka continued his standout defensive display, rising superbly to head away Claudio Fabiano’s inviting delivery as UNSW pushed for a route back into the contest.

Chances continued to emerge. Jake Trew saw a promising effort disrupted by Fabiano’s relentless pressure, while Toyooka nearly turned provider-turned-scorer in the 78th minute but couldn’t guide his header into an inviting net. Danaskos remained heavily involved late, forcing Prendergast into a strong save in the 85th minute as the tempo refused to drop.

Tempers flared in the 89th minute after Fabiano tripped Casella, sparking a heated exchange that resulted in both captains entering the referee’s book. It was a fittingly fiery finale to an uncompromising encounter.

But through it all, St George’s defensive discipline never wavered.

Post-match, clean sheet custodian Nicholas Sorras praised his side’s focus and resolve.

“We knew UNSW would come here looking for the win, so there was that physical aspect to the game,” he said.

“But our concentration helped us through in the end.

“It was a fantastic effort and great to get the clean sheet — everybody played their part perfectly. We took our moments when it mattered, stayed defensively switched on and kept our shape intact.

“Even when it got physical, we stayed true to our game plan — and it paid off.”

Four games. Four clean sheets. And a Saints side rapidly building both belief and momentum.

Match Stats

St George FC 2 (Kaidyn Wright 33’, Lachlan Campbell OG 38’)

UNSW FC 0                                                                      

Saturday 28 February, 2026

Barton Park

Referee: Thomas Dale

Assistant Referees: Benjamin Eisikovich and Daniel Cornofsky

Fourth Official: Ivica Covic

St George FC: 1.Nicholas Sorras, 4.Jayden Seeto, (3.Troy Danaskos 58’), 5.Nicholas Kalogerou, 7.Justin Poon, 8.Evangelo Souris, 9.Jake Trew, 10.Jaden Casella, 14.Katsuyoshi Kimishima, (15.Mark Rodic 58’), 16.Kaidyn Wright, 20.Kota Toyooka, (21.Harry Keys 56’), (25.Harrison Farrow 84’), 88.Christoper McStay

Substitutes not used: 2.Rocco Smith, 13.Sebastian La Luz, 23.Javier Rodriguez,

Yellow Cards: Jayden Seeto 6’, Evangelo Souris 43’, Troy Danaskos 69’, Nicholas Kalogerou 87’, Jaden Casella 90’

Red cards: None

UNSW FC: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 2.Timothy Wohlfiel, 3.Emilio Vinci, 5.Claudio Fabiano, (7.Matias De Silva Santos 74’), 9.Kevin Lopes, (11.Jack Fulton 64’), 14.Lachlan Campbell, 15.Corby Fowler, (16.Kai Kamikura 64’), 17.Jyden Harb, 19.Oliver Puflett, 20.Anthony Barbic, 21.Alexander Malfara, (22.Gil Duffy 74’), (24.Thomas Hynes 79’)

Substitutes not used: 12.Cassius Flavell, 34.Jackson Chambers, Claudio Fabiano 90’

Yellow Cards: Corby Fowler 74’

Red Cards: Timothy Wohlfiel 44’

Player Ratings

3 – Nicholas Sorras (SFC)

2 – Kota Toyooka (SFC)

1 – Jaden Casella (SFC)

-By Tobias Canning