UNSW FC Capitalise on Red Card to Secure First Win of Season
UNSW FC claimed their first victory of the campaign with a 2–0 win over ten-man Sydney FC at Ilinden Sports Centre on Friday night.
Both sides started brightly in their Round 7 clash, moving the ball sharply as they looked to gain an early foothold. Sydney FC produced the first notable chance, with Zachary De Jesus delivering an excellent cross to Lachlan Middleton, whose header was comfortably handled by UNSW FC goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast.
The match turned in the 19th minute when Sydney FC were reduced to ten men, as Reef Farias was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Jack Fulton.
UNSW FC looked to take advantage of the extra man, with Jyden Harb delivering several dangerous balls into the area, though no attacker could convert. Sydney FC threatened primarily from set pieces, with Taye Headley testing Prendergast from a free-kick.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. After a recycled corner, a clever dummy from Oliver Puflett created space for Jack Fulton, who fired home to give UNSW FC a 1–0 lead.
UNSW continued to press, with Corby Fowler forcing a save from Sydney FC goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot with a deflected strike. Despite being a man down, Sydney FC remained competitive, with captain Mitchell Glasson going closest—first heading wide before forcing a save after controlling a pass from Joe Lacey.
In the second half, UNSW had chances to extend their lead. Substitute Kai Kamikura and Grant Lynch were both involved in promising moves, while Nathan Roberts set up Puflett, who narrowly missed the target.
Sydney FC continued to push for an equaliser, with Middleton seeing a volley drift just wide from a corner.
The result was sealed in the 78th minute when UNSW FC broke quickly, and Puflett provided a composed assist for substitute Nathan Roberts, who finished to make it 2–0.
UNSW nearly added a third late on, but Hoefsloot produced an excellent save to deny Harb.
Post-match, Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren praised his side’s resilience.
“Fair credit to our players—we played some good football despite being down to 10. We created some big moments but couldn’t convert them. There are plenty of positives to take from the group’s character.”
UNSW FC coach Gabe Knowles expressed pride in his team after a challenging week.
“It’s a good feeling. I’m proud of the boys—we were missing seven players for various reasons. I thought we were on top before the red card. There were some nerves chasing that first win, but it was great to get the result.”
Match Stats
Sydney FC 0
UNSW FC 2 (Fulton ’37 Roberts ‘78)
Friday 20 March 2026
Ilinden Sports Centre
Referee: Ethan Zvargulis
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields & Thomas Aalders
Fourth Official: Oscar Stewart
Sydney FC: 1. Gus Hoefsloot, 3. Reef Farias, 7. Jordan Graorski (9. Zac Fowler ’69), 8. Wataru Kamijo, 10. Taye Headley (26. Nickolas Alfaro ’88), 14. Jared Middleton, 19. Mitchell Glasson (17. Samuel Lancaster ’83), 21. Zachary De Jesus, 27. Lachlan Middleton, 29. Joe Lacey, 34. Tyler Williams (33. Marin France ’83)
Unused subs: 30. Alexander Zaverdinos, 47. Corey Cronin
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: Farias ‘19
UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Emilio Vinci (34. Jackson Chambers ’66), 4. Liam Wood, 6. Grant Lynch, 11. Jack Fulton (10. Nathan Roberts ’66), 14. Lachlan Campbell (16. Kamikura ’18), 15. Corby Fowler (24. Thomas Hynes ’77), 17. Jyden Harb, 19. Oliver Puflett, 21. Alexander Malfara (18. Connor Quilligan ’77), 22. Gil Duffy
Unused subs: 12. Cassius Flavell, 39. Ahmed Codmani
Yellow cards: Vinic ’31 Fowler ‘45+1 Quilligan ’88
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings
3: Oliver Puflett (UNSW FC)
2: Grant Lynch (UNSW FC)
1: Mitchell Glasson (SFC)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
