St George FC achieved a stunning victory over Wollongong Wolves, handing them their first defeat of the 2025 season in a thrilling 2-1 clash at Barton Park on March 21. The win was particularly momentous as it ended Wollongong's six-game unbeaten run.
Wollongong Wolves struck first, with a goal from Raphael Le’ai just 90 seconds into the game. A well-placed pass from Walter Scott allowed Le’ai to break through and slide the ball past St George's goalkeeper Mackenzie Syron, sending the visiting team into an early lead.
Looking to respond quickly, St George pressured their opponents. In the 9th minute, Jaden Casella unleashed a shot that was deflected, demonstrating St George's intent to get back into the match. Their persistence paid off in the 18th minute when Bai Antoniou equalized with a spectacular backheel flick. Casella provided the assist with a corner that was headed back across goal by Nicholas Kalogerou, setting up the audacious flick that leveled the score.
The match then became a back-and-forth affair. St George showed great promise, dominating possession and forcing multiple corners while the Wolves struggled to find their footing. A moment of brilliance from St George almost saw them take the lead in the 35th minute when Casella had a one-on-one opportunity, but Wollongong's goalkeeper Oliver Yates made a fantastic save to deny him.
As the second half commenced, the Wolves seemed to regain their composure and controlled the early exchanges. However, as the game approached the hour mark, St George pressed forward again, launching two shots that narrowly sailed wide. The game remained tightly contested with neither side able to create clear-cut chances.
In the 77th minute, it was St George who made the breakthrough. After a period of sustained pressure, Casella took a shot from distance that Yates could not hold onto, allowing substitute Harrison Farrow to pounce on the rebound and put St George ahead 2-1 amidst a roaring crowd.
Wollongong sought an immediate reaction, and three minutes later, Mackenzie Syron produced a brilliant save to stop another effort from Alex Masciovecchio. The Wolves pressed hard in search of an equalizer. In the 90th minute, Farrow had the opportunity to secure his brace, but he could not convert from close range. Instead, it was Damon Gray's stunning backheel attempt that came agonizingly close but struck the post, leaving the final score at 2-1.
After the match, Wollongong's coach Warren Grieve expressed disappointment over the loss, remarking, "It was a tough pill to swallow after dominating long periods of the game, after scoring the initial goal. But we didn't really get going after that, especially in the first half; we sort of let them back into the game." He highlighted the need for his players to improve their midfield performance going forward.
Despite their defeat, the Wolves still hold a respectable record, gathering 10 points from their opening seven matches with two wins, four draws, and only one loss. Coach Grieve acknowledged the resilience of his team, encouraging them to regroup and prepare for the next match against Sydney United.
As for St George FC, the victory marks a significant milestone, breaking one of the most promising starts to the season for Wollongong. The jubilant home crowd celebrated their team's performance as St George continues to build momentum in the league.
Match Summary:
- St George FC 2 (Antoniou 18', Farrow 77')
- Wollongong Wolves FC 1 (Le’ai 2')
Match Stats:
Date: March 21, 2025
Venue: Barton Park
Referee: Jake Rose
Assistant Referees: Blake Sanchez-Cruz and Rory McFarlane
Fourth Official: Reece Edwards
Player Ratings:
3 - Bai Antoniou (SG)
2 - Jaden Casella (SG)
1 - Lachlan Scott (WW)
Moving forward, the Wolves will need to adjust their strategy as they prepare for their next matchup, reflecting on a hard-fought battle that showcased the competitive spirit of the league.
