Late Sydney FC Fightback Falls Short as UNSW Claim Crucial Victory
UNSW FC have snapped a four-game losing streak with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sydney FC at The Village Green on Saturday in an entertaining and high-tempo contest.
UNSW FC wasted no time getting on the scoresheet, with Alexander Malfara producing a scorching strike from just outside the box that flew past Sydney FC keeper Alexander Zaverdinos.
Kevin Lopes had an opportunity to double the lead shortly after, finding himself in front of goal, but he couldn’t find a way past Zaverdinos.
Sydney FC responded quickly, levelling the contest against the run of play when Zac Fowler made his mark. Fowler timed his run perfectly to stay just onside, and although his initial shot was saved by UNSW FC keeper Tristan Prendergast, the rebound spilled loose, allowing Fowler to slot home from close range.
UNSW FC thought they had regained the lead in the 23rd minute when Lachlan Campbell found space from a set piece, but the effort was ruled offside.
Campbell made amends minutes later, rising well to head home from a free kick and restore UNSW FC’s advantage.
Jyden Harb was a constant threat, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box that forced a brilliant save from Zaverdinos.
Sydney FC started the second half with intent, but it was UNSW FC who created the first clear opening on the counter, with Lopes delivering a dangerous cross to Harb, whose shot was comfortably gathered by Zaverdinos.
Harb continued to threaten, striking another long-range effort that again brought a strong save from the Sydney FC goalkeeper.
UNSW FC appeared to seal the contest in the 83rd minute when Sean Woods finished confidently to make it 3-1.
Sydney FC refused to go away, with Oliver Puflett firing over from distance before Taye Hedley produced a stunning long-range strike with the final play of the game to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Despite the late pressure, UNSW FC held on for a crucial victory.
UNSW FC coach Gabriel Knowles praised the effort of his side post-match.
“A little bit (disappointing), because we worked hard for that,” Knowles said.
“We talked a lot about our effort during the week and it’s been missing in key moments, that’s why we’ve been on the wrong end of some results in the last couple of weeks.
“They worked hard for it today and they got the reward.”
Match Stats
UNSW FC 3 (Alexander Malfara 5’, Lachlan Campbell 30’, Sean Woods 83’)
Sydney FC 2 (Zac Fowler 17’, Taye Hedley 90+5’)
Saturday 3 July, 2026
The Village Green, Kensington
Referee: Rowan Fisher
Assistant Referees: Sam Stewart and Callum Gamper
Fourth Official: Tom Love
UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Emilio Vinci, 4. Liam Wood, 6. Grant Lynch, 9. Kevin Lopes (11. Jack Fulton 65’), 10. Nathan Roberts (13. Sean Woods 65’) 14. Lachlan Campbell, 15. Corby Fowler (24. Thomas Hynes 89’), 17. Jyden Harb (20. Antony Barbic 89’), 18. Connor Quilligan, 21. Alexander Malfara (19. Oliver Puflett 73’)
Substitutes Not Used: 2. Timothy Wohlfiel, 12 Cassius Flavell (GK)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Sydney FC: 3. Reef Farias (34. Tyler Williams 45’), 4. Caelan Marshall-White (47. Corey Cronin 73’), 8. Samuel Lancaster (5. William Pezzutti 58’), 9. Zac Fowler, 10. Taye Hedley, 14. Jared Middleton, 18. Ethan Dyer, 19. Mitchell Glasson (c), 27. Lachlan Middleton (11. Junior Conde 58’), 30. Alexander Zaverdinos, 33. Marin France (15. Zinadein Ardiansyah 45’)
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Jared Williams (GK)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Player Ratings
3 – Jyden Harb (UNSW FC)
2 – Alexander Zaverdinos (Sydney FC)
1 – Lachlan Campbell (UNSW FC)
-By Katrina May
