Catch up on all the key moments from the Round 18 Isuzu UTE A-League encounter between Macarthur Bulls and Western United.
Noah Botic scored his eighth goal of the season, helping Western United secure a commendable draw at 2-2 with Macarthur Bulls, elevating them to third on the Isuzu UTE A-League standings.
The match commenced at Campbelltown Sports Stadium with Western displaying an impressive start, securing the lead in the 22nd minute. Striker Noah Botic found the net with a header, connecting perfectly with a cross from captain Ben Garuccio from close range to put his side ahead 1-0.
However, the Bulls showcased their resilience, responding effectively as midfielder Jake Hollman netted a stunning equaliser in the 32nd minute. He curled a beautiful shot from the edge of the area into the back of the net, bringing the score to 1-1.
Western United regained the lead just before the break when lively winger Abel Walatee struck his third goal of the season in stoppage time, delivering a powerful right-footed shot past the Bulls’ goalkeeper.
In the second half, Western had numerous opportunities to extend their advantage but were made to rue their missed chances when Marin Jakolis equalised in the 79th minute. A defensive blunder by Western’s Tate Russell gifted Jakolis the chance to score.
The finale at Campbelltown Sports Stadium was frenetic, with both teams threatening to secure a victory, but ultimately, the points were shared.
This draw elevates Western United to third place on the ladder, now one point ahead of Macarthur, who are positioned fifth.
From the outset, Western United aggressively pressured their opponents, creating several early chances but failing to get past Filip Kurto, the Bulls’ goalkeeper. Just a minute into the game, Abel Walatee’s fierce shot challenged Kurto, who responded with a superb reflex save.
Western’s perseverance paid off in the 22nd minute as Botic headed home from a brilliant pass by Garuccio, sending the ball past Kurto, despite some debate about Botic’s position on the field.
This initial setback spurred Mile Sterjovski’s squad into action, and they equalised ten minutes later. After receiving the ball from Germain, Marin Jakolis made a clever layoff, allowing Hollman to side-foot the ball into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season.
However, it was Walatee’s deft touch that sent Western United into halftime with a smile. Seizing on a loose ball in the box, he displayed quick thinking to switch the ball to his right foot and send it soaring past Kurto.
In the second half, Western dominated possession and created ample scoring opportunities, yet they were unable to secure the points even as Kurto continued his stellar performance in goal.
A cross into the box was met by slinging forward Hiroshi Ibusuki, but he could only strike the post. Kurto soon demonstrated his goalkeeping prowess with two critical saves within a minute, firstly denying a 3-on-1 break, before racing out to thwart Ibusuki.
Western’s failure to extend their lead ultimately led to their downfall. In a moment of miscommunication, Tate Russell’s risky pass across his box was intercepted by Jakolis, who deftly evaded a tackle and netted an equaliser with the help of a deflection.
As the match neared its conclusion, Macarthur appeared to take the lead in stoppage time, but Danny De Silva’s goal was ruled offside. Not long after, he hit the post again, signalling a narrow escape for Western.
In a dramatic finish, Macarthur defender Tomislav Uskok executed a remarkable last-minute block, denying Luke Vickery what seemed like a certain goal.
Jakolis nearly clinched a second goal deep in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Sutton was equal to the challenge, palming the ball away to ensure the match ended level in the south-west Sydney.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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