The Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s team will travel to the Sydney University Training Ground on Sunday to take on Sydney University, aiming to bounce back from their loss to Bulls FC Academy.
The Wanderers are coming off a loss to a Bulls side who proved too strong for the Red and Black as they conceded their first defeat for the first time since Round 3. Despite the loss, the Wanderers currently sit in sixth, three points off the top three who are all currently undefeated.
Sydney University will be keen to avoid defeat as they look to steer clear of an early-season relegation battle. They currently sit just two points above bottom-placed Sydney Olympic, who will face second-last place Newcastle Jets, who also have a game in hand.
This game looks to be a must win for both sides as they look to fight two different battles at either end of the table.
The Key Decider: Not Making the Same Mistake Twice
The Wanderers’ loss last week had an air of frustration about it. Despite their best efforts, the Red and Black fell too far behind to mount a successful comeback. A large part of this was due to the intensity with which the Bulls came out of the blocks – something the Wanderers hadn’t anticipated from a team whose recent results hadn’t matched their own.
The Wanderers will want to avoid giving Sydney University any chances, as they too are in a precarious position and will be quick to capitalise on any opportunity.
The Wanderers will need to give their full attention and respect to the task at hand, aiming to avoid another tight contest – especially when they have the tools to overcome their opponent on paper.
The Red and Black faithful will hope their side has learned from last week’s loss and will avoid making the same mistake twice – underestimating their opponent simply because they sit lower in the table.
Even though Sydney University have only won one game, they have conceded seven less goals than the Wanderers and are yet to concede more than two goals in one game. In Saying that, the Red and Black will need the likes of Miriam Zumaya and Anika Stajcic to be at their clinical best to beat this Sydney University defence.
Expect a close game, where it will likely be a classic match of attack versus defence. If the Red and Black can snatch one early, they will likely be on their way to victory, although the longer the game drags on, don’t rule out Sydney University taking something from the game.
NPL NSW Round 9
Sydney University v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Sunday 4 May, 5:00pm
Sydney University Training Ground
