The Western Sydney Wanderers suffered their first defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon after an unlucky 2-1 loss to Central Coast Mariners at Pluim Park.
Despite Mohamed Adam’s second half strike, Central Coast prevailed thanks to goals from Charles William and Zera Soares.
Central Coast had the first chance through former Wanderers Academy player Peter Kekris, but Mohamed Al Taay bravely threw his body in front of the shot.
The Red & Black’s first real opportunity came with just under twenty minutes played as Jacob Vasiliou flashed a volley wide of the target after a good cross from Marley Peterson.
Adam was the next to try his luck, shooting from over 20 yards out.
Vasiliou then showed good skill to beat a defender in the area, but his effort was off target.
Unfortunately, the Mariners would then take the lead against the run of play after a long range strike from William.
On the stroke of halftime, John Roberts almost had the chance to equalize after chasing down an under-hit backpass, but Mariners goalkeeper Aiden Munford was off his line quickly and cleared the danger.
The Wanderers came out for the second half in determined fashion and were level soon after the restart.
Kosta Grozos and Andrea Agamemnonos were involved in the buildup, before Thomas Aquilina’s cross was converted from close range by Adam.
Grozos was looking lively after coming on at half-time and almost put the Red & Black in front a couple minutes later, volleying inches wide from Daniel Wilmering’s cross.
Just after the hour mark, Wilmering was involved again, picking out Cordier who headed wide.
As the Red & Black pushed to take the lead, Lochlan Constable headed towards goal after being set up by Peterson, but Munford was able to make the save.
There was nearly a chance for the Wanderers after Grozos weaved his way past two opponents, but the Mariners were able to scramble the ball to safety.
With time running out, Adam whipped in a dangerous cross from the right wing and Jarrod Carluccio was inches away from making contact.
However, just as it looked like the Wanderers would settle for a draw, the Mariners netted a stoppage-time winner.
Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Greenwood did well to save Michael Glassock’s header, but was powerless to prevent Soares netting from the rebound.
There were better results in the earlier matches with the U20s winning 5-0 while the U18s drew 1-1.
The Wanderers next NPL 2 first grade match is on Saturday night against Blacktown Spartans at Sydney United Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Central Coast Mariners 2 (Charles William 37’, Zeca Soares 90+3’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Mohamed Adam 50’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Jack Greenwood, Thomas Aquilina, Mohamed Al Taay, Noah Pagden (Daniel Wilmering 54’), Mathieu Cordier, Andrea Agamemnonos (c), Lochlan Constable, Marley Peterson, Jacob Vasiliou (Kosta Grozos 46’), John Roberts (Jarrod Carluccio 70’), Mohamed Adam
Unused substitutes: Oliver Kalac, Oliver Puflett
Other results:
U20: CCM 0-5 WSW
U18: CCM 1-1 WSW
U16: St George FC 0-2 WSW
U15: St George FC 1-5 WSW
U14: St George FC 0-4 WSW
U13: St George FC 1-6 WSW
