Bulls FC Academy has edged out the Macarthur Rams in round 2 of the 2026 National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition.
Both sides kicked off the season with a draw in round one, and were eager to put a W next to the name on the ladder.
Especially Bulls FC Academy, who won the championship in 2025 and are defending their title.
Standing in their way was a Macarthur Rams side buoyed by a refresh in the off-season after an underwhelming 2025 season.
Macarthur Rams, entered the 2026 National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW season with renewed belief and a clear objective to challenge for silverware and establish themselves as a genuine force in the competition once more.
Under the guidance of head coach Victoria Guzman, the Rams have built an exciting and well-balanced squad that blends experience, elite pedigree and emerging youth, all while remaining true to the club’s strong development ethos at Lynwood Park in Campbelltown.
However this was an away match, and it was the Bulls that were the frontrunners in the first half, scoring twice, with no reply from the Rams until they got on the scoreboard in the 46th minute.
The goalscoring kicked-off in the 18th minute in a miraculous fashion when a cross from the right wing duped Rams goalkeeper Isabella Sollecito and landed at the feet of a defender in a dangerous situation.
Bulls striker Olivia Vanderlaan took on the challenge, chipping nicely into the empty net to give her side a 1-0 lead.
Sollecito was unfortunately caught out again 16 minutes later when a cross from the left edge was dropped into the path of Daniella Naeimi, who had no trouble putting it into the back of the net for a 2-0 Bulls lead.
A quality header from Sakura Nojima at a corner gave the Rams a way back into the match just before the break.
But a scoreless second half from both teams meant the final score remained 2-1 in the Bulls FC favour.
While it’s not the end of the world for the Rams, they will need to regroup as they chase their first win in round three.