The two Macarthur teams competing in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition have both hit form at the right time.
Bulls FC Academy remain undefeated in five games after their 4-0 victory over Western City Rangers at Northbridge Oval on the weekend, with Olivia Vanderlaan bagging a hat-trick
The win put Bulls FC within striking distance of top spot, occupied by UNSW, who are just three points in front.
Macarthur Rams are now just two points from sixth spot on the ladder after their 2-1 win over Illawarra Stingrays at Lynwood Park in round 13.
The Rams have hit their straps, winning their last three matches, and if they can keep it going they could be finals bound once again.
But back to Bulls FC Academy, the reigning champions from 2025.
After an impressive campaign so far, the Bulls arrived at Round 13 in second place on the ladder and confident of securing three points over a Western City Rangers side lacking confidence.
Olivia Vanderlaan was in the right place at the right time to kick off the scoring for the Bulls, with a Rangers clearance deflecting her way and leading to a reaction finish in the 7th minute.
The Rangers continually placed themselves under pressure in the second half, and it was only a matter of time before the Bulls capitalised, with Vanderlaan burying a poacher’s finish from close range.
Daniella Naeimi tucked the ball in at the back post to make it 3-0 in the 58th minute before Vanderlaan wrapped up her hat-trick in the 76th minute via a well-timed effort to conclude a 4-0 win for the Bulls.
Back-to-back gave Macarthur Rams some momentum heading into their clash with the Illawarra Stingrays at Lynwood Park.
But they had to come from behind to win this one.
After a scoreless arm wrestle in the first 45 minutes, It was the Stingrays who opened the scoring in the 56th minute.
Brooklyn Hudson stepped up to bury an assured penalty and give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
A lofty cross into the box led to a brilliant equaliser for the Rams, with Marcella Santos taking a skilful touch before rooting herself to the spot and planting a terrific finish into the back of the net for 1-1 in the 67th minute.
Gabrielle Sarkis found the winner for the home side in the 78th minute after cutting in and confidently dispatching a precision finish into the left side of the net to earn the Rams a 2-1 win.