The Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side travel to Northbridge Oval for a must-win clash against league leaders Bulls FC Academy.
Following a heartbreaking loss to the Rams last weekend, avoiding an eighth consecutive game without a win will be vital for the survival chances of the Wanderers as they begin to slip closer to a relegation battle with the Jets.
The Wanderers are coming off a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Rams, who scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to complete a stunning comeback. Leading 4-2 late in the match, the Red and Black looked set for victory before it slipped away.
The Bulls claimed a 1-0 win over the Illawarra Stingrays, with Isabella Coco-Disipio scoring in the first half to send her side to the top of the table. With Mount Druitt holding two games in hand, the Bulls will be pushing for all three points to stay in first place.
The last meeting between the two sides saw the Bulls secure a comfortable 3-1 win at Wanderers Football Park, with a second-half goal from Coco Di Sipio putting the game out of reach after a tight 2-1 scoreline at halftime.
The Key Decider: The Clinical Ability
Both teams favour a free-flowing style of football, attacking through both wide and central channels. The key difference, however, has been finishing with the Bulls converting more chances and scoring 17 goals more than the Wanderers this season.
When the sides last faced off, the Wanderers sat above the Bulls on the ladder, and were on track to cement themselves inside the top six following a strong opening to the season. Since then they have only scored more than one goal on two occasions.
The rise of Miriam Zumaya and the addition of Cushla Rue have strengthened the Wanderers’ attack, creating more opportunities for Barker and Stajcic. But if they’re to overcome the Bulls this weekend, they’ll need to make those chances count.
Expect an enthralling affair where three points are vital to their season aspirations, it looks to be a fierce game where both teams will be vying for an early lead to capitalise on in what looks to be a must win for both sides.
NPL Women’s Round 21
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Bulls FC
Sunday 20th July 5:00pm
Northbridge Oval
