It’s only two days out from the start of the Liberty A-League season and to continue the hype, we take a look at some of the best Sydney Derby matches.
This is a fixture that has been dominated by the Sky Blues in the 22 previous meetings with the Wanderers winning just two and Sydney FC victorious in 18.
They will meet in the 23rd meeting this Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Sydney FC – 3rd December 2022
This match up at Marconi Stadium was a derby for the ages with plenty of drama. With Sydney FC coming off the back of a win against Melbourne Victory a week prior, the hosts would prove stern opposition.
Sydney got off to their usual dominant start but were unlucky not to find the lead in the opening 45 minutes, however controversy would strike. Captain Nat Tobin was shown two soft yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes and before the break, the visitors were down to 10 players. This was a shock to all in Sky Blue as it was the first red card of her 10 year career.
At half time, Ante Juric shuffled the pack and managed to absorb some pressure in front of goal as the Wanderers searched for their third ever victory over their rivals. Matildas goalkeeper Jada Whyman made a stunning save in the 70th minute mark to deny the Red and Black a certain goal and from there, the Sky Blues rallied.
And it was the returning Remy Siemsen who dealt the hammer blow. After departing for Europe at the end of last season, the striker returned for a short stint during the 2022/23 season and made her impact count. Coming on as a late substitute, with minutes remaining on the clock, she spotted the keeper off her line and nailed a long distance strike into the top corner. Cue scenes.
Ante Juric’s side hung on for all three points in what became a champions performance, winning from a position that many would’ve faltered at. If the same determination and drive is on show on Saturday, we could be in for quite the show.
Sydney FC 4-1 Western Sydney Wanderers – 4th February 2018
On a Sunday afternoon in 2018 at Seymour Shaw, Sydney FC put on a show against their cross-town rivals. With a team that was stacked full of talent, they swept them aside in a show of superiority.
Coming off the back of three wins on the spin against the Wanderers, Ante Juric’s side opened the scoring through Chloe Logarzo and then soon found another from Caitlin Foord. Caitlin Foord was playing in the Matildas squad back then and most recently starred in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil in July and August.
Before long, they had another, with Caitlin Cooper stepping up and slotting it home. But they didn’t stop there, Princess Ibini got another and piled on the misery for Richard Byrne’s side. 4-0 at the break was emphatic and the 2,000 people in attendance were treated to quite the show.
With the match already done as a contest, the Sky Blues sat back in the second half and were pegged back with a late Wanderers consolation goal to complete the scoring for the 90 minutes.
If the Wanderers show up in a similar manner this Saturday it could be very dangerous for them with Sydney FC wanting to get off to the perfect start in front of a vocal home crowd at Allianz Stadium.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Liberty A-League Round One
Saturday 14th October 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:45pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: 10Bold & Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
