The Western Sydney Wanderers are on the rise, climbing to sixth place on the Isuzu UTE A-League table after their emphatic 4-1 victory over the Wellington Phoenix at CommBank Stadium on Sunday evening.
The match kicked off dramatically with Zac Sapsford scoring just 47 seconds after the start, capitalizing on a defensive slip by Wellington’s Isaac Hughes. This early goal set the tone for the Wanderers, who dominated much of the match.
Only ten minutes later, Bozhidar Kraev, playing against his former club, doubled the lead with a close-range strike. Despite these setbacks, the Phoenix managed to inject some hope back within the game when Hideki Ishige scored with a sensational bicycle kick, keeping the scoreline at 2-1.
Head coach Alen Stajcic then brought on Marcus Antonsson as the Phoenix pushed for an equalizer. Within just two minutes, Antonsson restored the Wanderers' two-goal cushion, making it 3-1. This impactful substitution showcases Stajcic's strategic acumen as he navigated the match.
Completing the remarkable display, young midfielder Dylan Scicluna scored his first A-League goal during stoppage time, launching a long-range effort off the crossbar. After some anxious moments as the VAR reviewed the goal's legitimacy, it was officially confirmed, igniting celebrations among Scicluna and his teammates.
Reflecting on the moment, Scicluna shared, “I walked over to Kingy and went: ‘Kingy, you can’t do this to me! Please mate!’ I’ve worked my absolute backside off, the whole team has. […] to score my first goal […] it’s unbelievable.” This goal capped off the match and secured the Wanderers their third win in five games.
With ten points accumulated from their last five appearances, the Wanderers are gunning for consistency, as evidenced by Scicluna's eagerness to build on the team's momentum. “It was huge for us. We’ve been up and down this season, but we want to focus on getting three points and going on a run,” he stated.
For Stajcic, Scicluna’s emergence as a key player marks significant improvement from last season when he was primarily utilized as a substitute. The 20-year-old has proven his worth, showcasing his potential to become one of the league’s best talents as he continues to secure his place in the starting eleven. “He’s starting to cement his spot,” Stajcic commented, noting Scicluna's growth and potential.
Appearing for the first time since being called up to represent Malta internationally, Scicluna's goal not only reflects his burgeoning career but highlights the team's collective determination to succeed. Born in Melbourne and with stints at clubs like Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Scicluna aims to capitalize on this breakout season.
Meanwhile, following their recent loss, Wellington Phoenix has suffered three consecutive defeats under coach Giancarlo Italiano. Despite notable individual efforts, the team has struggled to find consistency, which raises concerns for their upcoming matches as they seek to rebound.
Combining fast-paced play with impactful substitutions has been pivotal for the Wanderers as they continue to push for higher standings on the A-League ladder. The momentum builds as they prepare for their next encounter against Adelaide—and with the confidence gained from this performance, fans will be eagerly anticipating their progression on the field.
Given the excitement generated by Scicluna's debut goal and with the Wanderers showing determination by securing three points against competitive opposition, the team looks poised for continued success as the season progresses. Onward, Western Sydney!
