UNSW FC Deliver Again as Harb Inspires Second Straight Win Over United 58
UNSW FC secured a huge three points as they took out NPL Men’s NSW heavyweights Sydney United 58 in the rain with a 2-0 victory thanks to a double from star player Jyden Harb at the Village Green on Saturday.
In a game defined by physical contests, heavy conditions and moments of quality in key areas, UNSW FC again found a way to deliver when it mattered most, with Harb the difference once more as the home side extended their strong start to the season.
Sydney United 58 controlled large patches early, but UNSW FC’s organisation and efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
UNSW FC showed their physicality early, with Lachlan Campbell picking up a yellow card less than two minutes in for an off-the-ball foul on Michael Krslovic.
Sydney United 58 were at their attacking best to open the match, with Carlos De Oliveira crossing to Gabriel Tilo, whose resulting shot went well clear of the crossbar.
Krslovic teed up another opportunity for Tilo minutes later, but Tilo’s cross through the middle of the box had no one to pick it up.
Sydney United 58 fans were up in arms when Krslovic’s ankle was clipped on his way to goal by Liam Wood, but the referee waved away appeals for a foul.
It was UNSW FC who finally opened the scoring in the 34th minute, after Jyden Harb was gifted a free kick just outside the box from a Tilo foul.
Harb took the free kick himself, sailing the ball neatly through the Sydney United 58 FC defence and past keeper Adam Pavlesic for a goal that went against the run of play and Sydney United 58 FC momentum.
Sydney United 58 almost got one back straight away as Krslovic slipped his way past the UNSW FC backline to have a shot directly in front of goal, but UNSW custodian Tristan Prendergast had no issue taking it cleanly.
Frustration was seemingly seeping through for Sydney United 58 FC at the end of the half, with De Oliveira picking up a yellow card for a needless retaliatory foul.
The rain really picked up in the second half, along with the tension brewing across both teams.
Liam Wood went to ground hard after a brilliant last-ditch defensive tackle on Sydney United 58 FC substitute Leroy Jennings, but managed to find his feet shortly after.
De Oliveira had another opportunity in the 71st minute with a great long ball that everyone on the pitch stopped to watch fly by, but it drifted just wide of the post.
Sydney United 58 FC had their best chance of the game soon into stoppage time, with a scrappy attacking move off a De Oliveira header unfortunately not able to find its way through UNSW FC.
It was the home side that capitalised on all of Sydney United 58’s players being in their box, launching a counter attack with Woods unselfishly passing off a near-clear shot to Harb, who doubled his tally and UNSW FC’s advantage.
Tensions at that point came to a boiling point, highlighted by Adrian Vlastelica kicking a ball straight into the face of a prone Sean Woods.
Vlastelica was lucky only to receive a yellow for the incident, but coach Miro Vlastelica was not as fortunate, with the referee delivering a red card for comments made in the aftermath.
After over 11 minutes of stoppage time, it was UNSW FC who came away with their second 2-0 victory in as many weeks.
UNSW FC coach Gabriel Knowles, who also picked up a yellow card in the chaos, said it wasn’t a pretty win, but his side got the job done.
“Similar to last week, we had moments where we suffered,” Knowles said.
“I’m not sure Tristan (Prendergast) had a lot to do in that second half, so I know we’re defending well.”
Match Stats
UNSW FC 2 (Jyden Hard 34’, 90+5’)
Sydney United 58 FC 0
Saturday 23 May, 2026
The Village Green, Kensington
Referee: Ayad Naji
Assistant Referees: Patrick Pike and Eduardo Briones
Fourth Official: Tom Seldon
UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Emilio Vinci (16. Kai Kamikura 64’), 4. Liam Wood, 6. Grant Lynch, 11. Jack Fulton (13. Sean Woods 64’), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 17. Jyden Harb, 18. Connor Quilligan (8. Tacettin Kumsuz 70’), 19. Oliver Puflett, 20. Antony Barbic (2. Timothy Wohlfiel 70’), 21. Alexander Malfara (22. Gil Duffy 83’)
Substitutes Not Used: 9. Kevin Lopes, 12. Cassius Flavell
Yellow Cards: Lachlan Campbell 3’, Timothy Wohlfiel 77’, Sean Woods 88’, Gabriel Knowles 90+7 (coach)
Red Cards: None
Sydney United 58: 1. Adam Pavlesic, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 6. Dylan Rose,10. Carlos De Oliveira, 12. Gabriel Tilo (7. Leroy Jennings 45’) 14. Liam McGing, 16. Anthony Krilic (17. Michael Glassrock 83’), 19. Michael Krslovic (22. Nicholas Pratenzina 73’), 21. Koya Nakano, 23. Mason Wells, 32. Tomislav Ozanic
Substitutes Not Used: 2. Max Buratto, 5. Anthony Tomelic, 15. Adrian Knez, 41. Adrian-Jamie Bazina
Yellow Cards: Carlos De Oliveira 36’, Adrian Vlastelica 90+6’
Red Cards: Miro Vlastelica (coach)
Player Ratings
3 – Jyden Harb (UNSW FC)
2 – Liam Wood (UNSW FC)
1 – Michael Krslovic (Sydney United 58 FC)
By Katrina May
