Perfect Seven: Sydney United 58 March On

Sydney United 58 have made it seven wins from seven matches after an impressive 2–0 victory over a struggling Blacktown City FC at Sydney United Sports Centre.

Blacktown City FC showed glimpses of their old form early in the first half, maintaining solid possession and testing Sydney United 58 goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic.

Travis Major produced the first real chance of the game, firing a strong shot just wide that bounced off the side post, while the follow-up effort from Skataric was deflected over the crossbar.

Sydney United 58 responded minutes later, with Farah Koko’s shot going straight into the hands of Blacktown goalkeeper Cayden Henderson.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 12th minute when Nicholas O’Brien was shown a straight red card for a foul as the last defender, just outside the box. It marked his second red card of the season, following his Round 5 dismissal against Sutherland Sharks.

With Sydney United 58 entering the match with a perfect six-from-six record, it seemed likely they would take control from that point.

The home side dominated possession, applying sustained pressure on Henderson. Michael Krslovic was particularly influential in attack, attempting to draw a foul in the box in the 23rd minute, though the referee waved away the appeals.

Just before half-time, Krslovic looked certain to score after beating multiple defenders and rounding Henderson, only for Travis Major to produce a remarkable goal-saving tackle to deny a golden opportunity.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Blacktown City held firm, and both teams went into the break level at 0–0.

Sydney United 58 came out strongly in the second half, lifting their intensity.

Krslovic led the charge, forcing a series of excellent saves from Henderson, who was outstanding under pressure. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 54th minute when Koko’s shot was spilled by Henderson, allowing Krslovic to capitalise and score.

Blacktown City FC had strong penalty appeals in the 58th minute when substitute Riley Nolan went down inside the box, but the referee dismissed the claims.

Sydney United 58 soon doubled their lead less than ten minutes later, with Carlos de Oliveira finding the back of the net with a superb strike from a tight angle.

Despite the 2–0 scoreline, it was a hard-fought victory for Sydney United 58, who were tested throughout by a determined Blacktown City FC side eager to turn their fortunes around.

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 FC 2 (Michael Krslovic 54’, Carlos de Oliveira 62’)

Blacktown City FC 0

Sunday 22 March, 2026

Sydney United Sports Park

Referee: Michael Weiner

Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki and Arinath Gobinath

Fourth Official: Noah Moss

Sydney United 58 FC: 1. Adam Pavlesic, 3. Bailey Rule, 6. Dylan Rose, 8. Tomoki Wada (9. Kyle Cimenti 72’), 10. Carlos De Oliveira, 14. Liam McGing, 16. Anthony Krilic (21. Koya Nakano 61’), 17. Michael Glassock, 19. Michael Krslovic (4. Adrian Vlastelica 80’), 23. Mason Wells (Gabriel Tilo 61’), 44. Farah Koko (30. Joshua Azzi 72’)

Substitutes Not Used: 15. Adrian Knez, 41 Adrian-Jamie Bazina (GK)

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards: None

Blacktown City FC: 1. Cayden Henderson, 4. Nicholas O’Brien, 6. Adam Berry, 7. Travis Major (c), 9. Nikola Skataric (16. Riley Nolan 45’), 10. Maksim Jez, 11. Kodai Tanaka (12. Daniel McHugh 83’), 14. Mitchell Mallia (21. Aiden Renshaw 66’), 15. Caleb Jackson-Brown (22. Jacob Maniti 34’), 23. Jett Long (17. Julian Rodriguez 66’), 27. Nathan Grimaldi

Substitutes Not Used: 18. Jake Briggs, 20. Cooper Rogers (GK(

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards: Nicholas O’Brien 12’

Player Ratings

3 – Michael Krslovic (Sydney United 58)

2 – Cayden Henderson (Blacktown City FC)

1 – Mason Wells (Sydney United 58)

By Katrina May