The Western Sydney Wanderers have fallen 2-1 to Newcastle Jets in Round 1 of the Westfield W-League at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
An early goal from former Wanderer Katie Stengel separated the two sides at the end of the first half with Wanderers captain Erica Halloway fighting back to score the equaliser with only 15 minutes to go. The Wanderers were unable to hold onto the draw after the Jets pulled one back through Jenna Kingsley, snatching the victory.
The Wanderers had a number of chances to find the opener through a handful of corners but were unable to break through the Jets’ defence.
Stengel was quick to tap in the opener after a miscommunication between defender Ellie Brush and goalkeeper Trudy Burke gifted the chance to the Jets.
Wanderer Olivia Price tried her luck from outside the box but her shot skied over the crossbar.
The Red & Black struggled to dominate possession in the first half with the Jets dictating the play and shutting down all the team’s chances.
An improved second half by the Wanderers saw striker Rosie Sutton get very close to finding the equaliser on a number of occasions, putting pressure on the Jets’ defence.
Marlous Pieëte whipped in an incredible ball forcing the Jets goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom to palm it away.
Pieëte’s hard work in the match paid off combining with Lo’eau Labonta to assist Halloway with the equaliser.
Seconds later, the Wanderers were caught on the back foot with Burke air swinging past a crucial header by Jenna Kingsley that pushed the Jets back in front.
The Red & Black pushed in the final ten minutes to find the equaliser for the second time in the match but unfortunately ran out of time.
The Wanderers now switch their focus to their first home game of the season this Friday night against Adelaide United at Marconi Stadium.
You can purchase tickets the match here or purchase corporate hospitality here.
