Macarthur Rams were forced to stage a desperate late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw as UNSW turned up to Lynwood Park determined to earn a result against last year’s NPLW champions.
Rams coach Stephen Peters will have wanted an immediate response from his side after their loss to the Blacktown Spartans last time out, also at home a week earlier, though visitors UNSW will have entered the fixture focused on adding to their big win against NWS Spirit in Round 8.
The Rams opened the scoring in the 17th minute after an exquisite touch from Miku Sunaga opened up space for Libby Morris to run through and play a well-timed through ball to Bronte Trew, who showed total assurance in knocking the ball past the keeper and slotting the ball home for 1-0.
The away side showed plenty of desire and determination throughout the match and would find an equaliser in the 76th minute after Allira Toby confidently dispatched a penalty that had been earned by Chloe Smith.
UNSW would then take the lead in the 85th minute through Cassandra Christopher, who was well-placed to tap the ball home after great work down the right wing led to a cross finding its way to the substitute for an easy finish.
Sunaga rescued a point for the Rams late on after cutting inside and firing a low finish which eluded the UNSW defence and bounced in, sending the home crowd wild and securing a 2-2 draw for Macarthur.
The Rams are going through a form slump and will need to turn things around soon if they are to defend their NPLW title in 2024.
Having said they are running third on the ladder despite three draws and a defeat in their past four matches.
Their next match, a round 10 clash with Sydney Olympic, will be a real test of where the Rams are at in this stage of the competition.
