The men’s and women’s Sydney University soccer teams both had strong wins over the weekend. It’s been a fast start for the women winning both of their first two games, whereas the men have been able to get back on track after dropping their season opener.
The Sydney women are competing in the National Premier League (NPL) division again this year. Coming off a huge season where they were crowned 2015 NPL Champions after an exhilarating 5-4 grand final defeat of the Macarthur Rams, the team is showing no signs of slowing down.
An electrifying atmosphere accompanied the women’s season opener as they took on the Emerging Jets at the new Sydney University Football Ground (formerly known as No.2 Oval). Feeding off the crowd in the new Grandstand, Sydney came out firing and blew the Emerging Jets off the field, winning the match 3-0. Left Back Rachael Soutar had a standout game for Sydney, as did Evelyn Chronis with two goals, along with Gabrielle Marzano scoring one.
Captain, Liz Grey was very happy to start the season with a win at their new home venue.
“It was great to be able to play the way we did. The new ground provided a great atmosphere to play football in and we as a team are so grateful to be able to play at such an outstanding venue,” she said.
The Sydney women’s next match would be a much bigger challenge as they came up against the North West Sydney Koalas. The Koalas had plenty of momentum coming into the game after knocking off the 2015 NPL Runners Up, the Macarthur Rams, 2-1 in their opening match.
It was a grind from start to finish for the girls as they travelled up to the Koalas’ home venue at ELS Hall Park. Yet, as they have done so many times before, the students found a way to get it done, coming out victorious 1-0. Captain Liz Grey stood up for Sydney and Evelyn Chronis continued her goal scoring ways, kicking the only goal for the match and ensuring the Sydney girls remain undefeated.
After suffering a tough away loss to the Hills Brumbies in their opening game the Sydney Uni men bounced back in their second match of the season with a solid win against a challenging Stanmore Hawk’s opponent, who managed to start their season with a win. Like the women, the men were inspired by playing at their new home venue. Rosario Occhipinti and Jonathan Gowdy both netted goals for Sydney on their way to a 2-1 victory.
Due to the NPL Men’s Third Division starting a week before the NPL women, the Sydney Uni boys played their third game of their season over the weekend. They faced a Western NSW Mariners team who had dropped their first two matches and were desperate for a win on home turf. In a seesawing, high scoring affair, Sydney finished on top 4-3. This win takes them to a satisfying 2 wins and 1 loss, good for tied third position on the ladder and holding them in good stead for the remainder of the season.
The Sydney Uni Men will take on the Inter Lions this Sunday 24th April 3pm at Fraser Park. The women will look to continue their undefeated start to the season as they face a winless Manly United team this Sunday 24th April 3pm at the new Sydney University Football Ground.
Get down to one of the games to see some great football and support our teams!
