Sydney FC have gone down 2-1 to a last-minute penalty against Central Coast Mariners in a thrilling game in torrential rain which saw the opposition’s substitute keeper sent off.
Mackenzie Hawkesby looked to have salvaged a point with an injury time equalizer, however a controversial penalty award in the final minute allowed the visitors to snatch all three points.
Sydney FC 1 (Hawkesby 90’+1’) def. by Central Coast Mariners 2 (McLean OG 34’, Wurigumula 90’+8’ pen.)
Moments That Mattered
7’ – WHYMAN SAVE – the Sky Blues keeper denies Mariners after Hayward’s left foot strike.
25’ – KEANE TAKES A CHANCE – Kruger lays the ball off to Hawkesby who nudges it forward to Keane, however the winger’s shot goes just past the post.
34’ – MARINERS TAKE THE LEAD – Jazmin Wardlow’s strike ricochets off the boot of Sydney FC defender Charlotte McLean and into the back of the net for an own goal in favour of the Mariners.
78’ – MARINERS KEEPER SENT OFF – Substitute goalkeeper Sarah Langman is sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Lemon and after replacing Dumont at half-time. Centre back Ashley Irwin goes in goal for the final 12 minutes plus stoppage time.
79’ – TUMETH GOAL DISALLOWED – Hawkesby’s free-kick towards the new keeper is spilled and slotted home by Tumeth after a challenge, however the referee pulls up play for the foul.
90’+1’ – HAWKESBY GOAL – Hawkesby’s long distance free-kick if spilled into the net by the interim keeper levelling the score 1-1.
90’+8’ – WURIGUMULA PENALTY SEALS THE WIN – Referee Bec Mackie awards a penalty to the Mariners after the ball ricochets off Tumeth’s foot into her hand, despite protest from Sydney FC’s players. Chinese international Wurigumula’s penalty is saved by Whyman, but followed up successfully to spell agony for the Sky Blues.
What They Said: Jordan Thompson On The Game: “[It was] definitely a super frustrating loss, especially in the second half, we came out really well and to be up a player and create a bunch of chances and just not be able to finish it.
“Kudos to the Mariners they did a really good job. They were really sound defensively and capitalised on their chances.
“We fought really hard. I think our goal for every single game is just build on what we did.
For the penalty award: “I thought it was a foul on Jada. I don’t think it was a handball when Tori fell.
“It’s a hard call to make when there is thirty seconds left in a game. At the end of the day, we can’t control it and we just have to move on.
“A huge shoutout to Jada for making that save [for the penalty]. She did everything for us.
“There are always things we can do better. We came out a little flat in the first half.
“All in all, I am really proud of this team and really grateful we put in a fight.”
“We don’t want to peak yet. We want to continue to build and hit peak at the Finals and Grand Final. There is so much to play for and so much to be proud of.”
Match Report: Sydney FC has gone down narrowly 2-1 to the Central Coast Mariners in a controversial and thrilling end to the Liberty A-League game at Leichhardt Oval.
Charlotte McLean deflected the ball into her own net while trying to block a shot from Mariners’ full back Jazmin Wardlow in the first half to give the visitors the lead.
The Sky Blues had good chances to level however Aideen Keane’s effort went just wide and a strike from Zara Kruger from the edge of the box was well saved by opposition keeper Dumont.
Dumont went off injured at half time and it was to prove crucial as substitute keeper Sarah Langman was sent off for two second half bookings (time-wasting and a foul) which led to defender Ash Irwin going in goal.
Sydney FC peppered the Mariners goal afterwards and had a goal disallowed but were eventually rewarded when Mackenzie Hawkesby levelled in injury time.
Her powerhouse free kick was fumbled into the corner by Irwin.
Despite the player advantage the home side couldn’t make it count and they conceded a last gasp penalty when Tori Tumeth was adjudged to have handled in the box, much to the consternation of the Sydney FC players.
Chinese international Wurigumula took the penalty but was denied by Whyman however she was able to slot home the follow-up which skimmed past the fingertips of the Sydney FC keeper, making the score 2-1 at the fulltime whistle.
Sydney FC move on to face Newcastle Jets back at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday afternoon.
Sydney FC: 1. Jada WHYMAN(GK), 3. Charlotte MCLEAN, 4. Tori TUMETH, 5. Kirsty FENTON, 13. Aideen KEANE (11. Cortnee VINE 45’), 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16. Jordan THOMPSON, 17. Jynaya DOS SANTOS (14. Abbey LEMON 57’), 18. Taylor RAY, 19. Zara KRUGER (22. Indiana DOS SANTOS 72’), 20. Princess IBINI
Unused Subs: 2. Margaux CHAUVET, 40. Jasmine BLACK (GK).
Yellow Cards: Hawkesby 24’ / Fenton 90 + 5’
Red Cards: None
Central Coast Mariners: 92. Casey DUMONT (GK) (1. Sarah LANGMAN (GK) 45’), 3. Ashley IRWIN, 4. Paige HAYWARD, 5. Annabel MARTIN, 8. Bianca GALIC (6. Isabel GOMEZ 45’), 9. WURIGUMULA, 10. Rola BADAWIYA, 12. Jazmin WARDLOW, 19. Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 24. Shadeene EVANS (22. Peta TRIMIS 57’), 33. Tess QUILIGAN (2. Faye BRYSON 63’)
Unused Subs: 13. Alexia KARRYS-STAHL,
Yellow Cards: Evans 23’ / Langman 68’ / Trimis 90 + 4’ / Bryson 90 + 5’
Red Cards: Langman 78’
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
Referee: Bec Mackie
