The Western Sydney Wanderers went down 2-1 to Macarthur Rams in their NPL 2 match at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday evening.
A wonderful first half strike from Tacettin Kumsuz was not enough for the Red & Black with Macarthur getting goals from Sam Onana Awono and Chris Sheerin.
Wanderers goalkeeper Daniel Axford was called into the action early making a comfortable save while Mohamed Adam went close for the Red & Black when his shot from distance brushed the outside of the post.
Kumsuz then found Adam on the edge of the penalty area after a determined run, however, Adam was denied by a desperate lunge.
In the 32nd minute, the Wanderers took the lead after a spectacular goal from Kumsuz. The midfielder collected possession after Adrian Valenti’s shot was blocked, weaving his way past three defenders and slotting the ball into the net.
A few minutes later, Thomas Aquilina found himself in a good position following a swift counter-attack, but his cross was cleared.
Unfortunately, Macarthur would then equalise just before halftime when Sam Onana Awono got a goal against the run of play.
The Red & Black then fell further behind with Sheerin extending the visitors lead.
The second half saw the Wanderers continue to apply pressure to find the equaliser and Samuel Silvera used his pace to beat two opponents before setting up Adam, who was denied by Macarthur goalkeeper Jair Fernandez.
Silvera was involved once again on the hour mark, as his dangerous corner kick went through the six-yard box without anybody getting a touch.
Kumsuz then laid the ball off for Marley Peterson, who forced a save from Fernandez.
The mission then became harder when Thomas Aquillina was shown a second yellow card, but to the squad’s credit, the Red & Black still managed to dominate possession, winning a number of set pieces.
In the dying minutes, it looked as though the Wanderers could have equalised after Solomon Monahan-Vaiika got on the end of a great cross from substitute Mohamed Al Taay, but his header went wide of the target.
The Wanderers stay in 11th place after the defeat. The earlier matches saw the U18s have a comfortable 7-0 victory, while the U20s equalised with the last kick of the game to earn a 1-1 draw.
The Wanderers next NPL 2 first grade match will be on Sunday 26 August, where they will take on Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Tacettin Kumsuz 32’)
Macarthur Rams 2 (Sam Onana Awono 40’, Chris Sheerin 51’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Daniel Axford, Thomas Aquilina, Henry Davies, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Adrian Valenti (Mohamed Al Taay 75’), Joshua Bartolotto, Tacettin Kumsuz, Marley Peterson, Oliver Puflett (Jarrod Carluccio 79’), Samuel Silvera (Jacob Vasiliou 64’), Mohamed Adam
Unused substitutes: Jack Greenwood, Daniel Wilmering
Other results:
U20: WSW 1-1 Macarthur
U18: WSW 7-0 Macarthur
U16: WSW 5-1 Hakoah
U15: WSW 3-2 Hakoah
U14: WSW 6-0 Hakoah
U13: WSW 3-0 Hakoah
