The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s 10-match unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday night after a 3-0 defeat to Sydney University at Sydney University Football Ground.
Despite the scoreline, the Red & Black produced several promising attacking passages and enjoyed strong periods of possession throughout the contest but were unable to find the breakthrough against a clinical Sydney University side.
The Wanderers started positively and looked dangerous pressing high up the pitch, though the home side struck first in the 29th minute. A well-worked attacking move released Poppy Tay down the right wing before her effort was saved by Aimee Hall, with Asha Sutton reacting quickest to convert the rebound into the bottom corner.
Sydney University doubled their advantage less than ten minutes later in similar fashion, capitalising from another cut-back inside the area as Ellen Hughes fired home to make it 2-0 before half-time.
The Wanderers continued to push after the break and searched for a way back into the contest through sustained spells of possession and attacking pressure.
Alyssa McKenzie remained a constant threat down the wing, while Amy Barker and Mia Nataly linked up well in advanced areas as the Wanderers attempted to break down the Sydney University defence.
One of the Wanderers’ best opportunities came through Sophie Aungle, whose driving solo run forced a save before Zumaya was narrowly beaten to the loose ball as the Red & Black continued to press forward.
At the opposite end, Hall produced an excellent save midway through the second half to deny Sydney University a third goal and keep the Wanderers within reach entering the final stages.
However, Sydney University eventually sealed the result late in the match when Kiara Bonora reacted quickest inside the box to convert a rebound and secure all three points for the hosts.
While the result brings an end to the Wanderers’ impressive unbeaten run, the performance still showed encouraging signs, particularly in possession and attacking build-up play, as the Red & Black now look to respond strongly next week.
