Western Sydney Wanderers’ 2025/26 Ninja A-League campaign kicked off in dramatic fashion at Wanderers Football Park, with wild weather and lightning causing a delay to the opening round clash against Perth Glory.
When play finally got underway, the Wanderers showed plenty of attacking intent and resilience across the 90 minutes, despite eventually falling 3-1 to the visitors.
After a cagey opening spell, Alyssa Ng Saad registered the first shot on target of the season in the 12th minute with a well-struck effort on her left foot.
Goalkeeper Brianna Edwards was composed at the other end, comfortably dealing with Perth’s early attempts before a controversial opener in the 18th minute saw Gabby Hollar bundle the ball home following contact on Edwards inside the box.
The Wanderers looked to respond quickly, with Ena Harada testing the keeper with a well-hit volley before the break.
Perth doubled their advantage shortly after half-time through Rola Badawiya, but the home side hit back almost immediately when Ella Buchanan reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble to score the Wanderers’ first goal of the season and ignite the crowd at Wanderers Football Park.
The opposition restored their two-goal cushion moments later through Hollar’s header.
Despite the scoreline, the Wanderers continued to push forward in search of a way back, with club debutant Alana Cerne going close to a spectacular long-range goal late on.
In stoppage time, Ng Saad had another opportunity to cap off a strong personal display but fired just over the bar as the Wanderers finished the match on the front foot.
While the result did not go their way, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, including the debut showings of several new faces and the team’s attacking energy that promises plenty for the season ahead.
