The Wanderers Westfield W-League season is back!
The Western Sydney Wanderers will be looking to build on seasons past in the Westfield W-League as they aim to qualify for the finals series for the first time in the club’s history.
The Red & Black have had mixed results in the opening three rounds of the competition and currently sit eighth on the table, three points above their cross-city rivals Sydney FC.
The opening round saw the Wanderers fall 2-1 to Newcastle Jets in a 30-degree day at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Captain Erica Halloway fought back to score the equaliser but the Red & Black were unable to hold on as the Jets’ Jenna Kingsley snatched the win for the home side.
The Red & Black bounced back and showed true resilience a week later in their defeat of Adelaide United.
The Wanderers took the lead through American import L’oeau LaBonta before Adelaide’s Makenzy Doniak pulled before the break.
Striker Rosie Sutton came off the bench to net a dramatic stoppage time winner for the Red & Black in front a healthy home crowd at Marconi Stadium.
Confidence was high heading into Round 3’s visit from Brisbane Roar but the Wanderers were unable to secure back-to-back wins, falling 1-0 to the away side courtesy of a goal from Carson Pickett.
The Red & Black have a bye this weekend and will look to get back on track in Round 5’s match against Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium.
Following the trip to Melbourne, the Wanderers then return for their last game at Marconi Stadium on Friday 1 December before they move to ANZ Stadium for the remainder of their season, where they’ll play in three double headers alongside the Hyundai A-League team.
Despite last week’s setback against the Roar, head coach Rich Byrne will be buoyed by his side’s spirited performances, with a number of off-season signings already showing their worth.
The squad is arguably the Wanderers’ most experienced in their Westfield W-League history with Byrne having assembled a talented mix of local and overseas players.
Internationals L’oeau LaBonta from the United States, Maruschka Waldus and Marlous Pieete from the Netherlands and Lee Falkon from Israel have brought some proven quality to the side.
With experienced players such as co-captains Erica Halloway and Ellie Brush, and burgeoning prospects like Young Matildas Jada Whyman, Rachel Lowe and Susan Phonsongkhan also on the books, it promises to be an exciting season ahead of the Red & Black.
A reminder that all ticketed Wanderers Members get free entry to home Westfield W-League matches – simply show your Membership card at the gate.
