The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side have played out a 4-4 draw in an eight-goal thriller against the NWS Spirit at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday evening.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with NWS Spirit in one of the games of the season. Eight goals were scored inside an hour. six of them in the first half, showcasing the attacking prowess of both sides as they push to finish the season on a high.
The Wanderers welcomed back Sienna Arrarte and Nikkita Fazzari into the starting side, as they looked to add composure and creativity into the side against a Spirit side who’s attacking form has been devastating at points of the season, often tearing defences apart.
The Wanderers struck first when Nikkita Fazzari smashed the ball in at the far post after Tiana Robertson’s parried save. Renowned for her technical skill and flair, Fazzari rewarded her selection instantly with the opener.
Moments Later, Ariana Stoltzfus would convert her penalty following a push in the back by right-back Lauren Nada.
Two minutes later, Lola Greenberg would head home a corner to give the visitors the lead inside 14 minutes.
Former Wanderer Bethany Gordon would double Spirit’s lead at the half hour mark, with a curling left footed strike from the edge of the box.
The Wanderers looked down and out following the third goal, that was until a well placed Arrarte corner landed on the goal line for Olivia Vanderlaan to tap in. The Wanderers used their height advantage in the box to loop the ball over Robertson to drag one back.
Fazzari’s trickery would be on show once more, as her 44th minute evasion of defenders found Vanderlaan in the box for the equaliser, a combination of creativity and composure meant that the Wanderers headed into the break level.
The Wanderers would utilise the same set piece tactic in the second half, as a 49th minute corner saw the same looping ball be delivered into the box for Vanderlaan to tap in at the back post.
Spirit would level the game once more, with Lola Greenberg latching onto a Gordon through ball, rolling it past Hall in the 54th minute.
Vanderlaan had the opportunity to score the Wanderers fifth but her strike hit the post from distance, before Alyssa McKenzie’s half volley bounced off the inside post in added time.
The draw secured a valuable point for the Wanderers, who could confirm safety with a win against Mount Druitt on Sunday, with two games remaining in the season.
