The Western Sydney Wanderers Women’s NPL 1 side face Sydney Olympic on Sunday as they look to bounce back following their loss against Manly United in the opening round.
The Western Sydney Wanderers welcome Sydney Olympic to Wanderers Football Park in a bid to kick start their season following a disappointing result in the opening round against Manly United.
Sydney Olympic held on for a one-all draw against Gladesville Ravens in a smash and grab style performance.
The Ravens managed sixteen shots to Olympic’s two as they managed to score with one of their two shots on target. Olivia Lysiak took advantage of a goalkeeping mistake to level the scores in the second half.
The Red & Black showed plenty of fight against one of the experienced teams in the competition.
Despite the youthful outlook on the team, they walked away with plenty of promise in their performance. They will look to add a clinical edge to the courage shown against Manly, and if Sydney Olympic are to relinquish field possession for a second straight week, the Wanderers will likely add to their eleven shots on goal they had against Manly.
Brooklyn Hudson and Estella Cameron showed promise in midfield, standing out with their movement across the pitch. Their ability to find space and play passes through Sydney Olympic’s low block will be crucial in breaking down the defense. However, they will face a challenge against Chloe Gordon, who was impressive as the anchor of Sydney Olympic’s midfield.
The Key Battle: Anika Stajcic v Baxter Threw
Anika Stajcic was at her dangerous best as she managed four shots on goal in a standout performance where if not for the post, she likely would have walked away with a handful of goals against Manly.
Stajcic showed promise in the trial games and looks to have carried her form into the NPL Season. Her pace and agility was a highlight of her game last weekend, and if she can add a clinical instinct, she will likely trouble Baxter Trew on Sunday.
Baxter Thew joins Sydney Olympic from Perth SC, and the 26-year-old showed her vast experience in a performance where Sydney Olympic faced consecutive waves of attack in a game where the Ravens dominated the field possession and shots on goal. Thew will look to use her defensive prowess and physicality to stop Stajcic from stamping her presence on yet another game.
If Anika Stajcic is able to find the space behind Olympic’s defence, it will give the Wanderers every chance at taking all three points, although expect Baxter Thew to do everything in her power to assure Stajcic does not have those freedoms.
This match presents a different challenge for the Wanderers, as they will be expected to take the initiative and dictate play. It promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams seeking a crucial win to build confidence in the early weeks of the competition.
NPL NSW Women’s Round 2
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Sydney Olympic FC
Sunday 16th of March, 7:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
