Sydney FC 1 (Le Fondre 36′) drew with Adelaide United 1 (Elsey 13’)
Sydney FC have played out an entertaining 1-1 draw against Adelaide United in frosty conditions at ANZ Stadium.
Moments That Mattered:
ELSEY GOAL – 13’ – Adelaide’s Brook whips in a corner to find a free Elsey whose powerful header finds the back of the net.
NINKOVIC CHANCE – 25’ – The maestro manoeuvres the ball in the air past three Adelaide defenders to let rip on the edge of the area with his volleyed effort just being tipped over by Izzo.
LE FONDRE GOAL – 36’ – A blistering counter-attack started by Van der Saag is finished off by Le Fondre after being tee’d up perfectly by Buhagiar.
REDMAYNE SAVE- 52’ – A brilliant diving save to the Sky Blue custodian’s right from a thumping effort outside the box.
BAUMJOHANN CHANCE – 60’ – Baumjohann’s long range effort is tipped away by Izzo following a slick passing sequence from the Sky Blues.
NINKOVIC CHANCE – 68’ – Ninkovic finds the ball on the edge of the ‘D’ and looks to place it around Izzo with a half volley, only to be tipped away at the last moment.
REDMAYNE SAVE – 72’ – McGree’s powerful strike is destined for the back of the net until a strong right hand from Redmayne denies Adelaide the lead.
Chances were at a premium in the early part of the first half as both sides worked their way into the contest. Despite an overall positive start from the Sky Blues, it was Adelaide who drew first blood via an early set piece.
Elsey found himself free on a United corner, heading home firmly past Redmayne.
Sydney FC worked their way back into the contest on the 36th minute mark following a rapid run from Harry Van Der Saag. His brilliant inch perfect pass found Buhagiar who hit a first time ball across the box to Le Fondre who made no mistake finishing a bouncing ball.
The second half saw a more expansive and attacking Sydney FC side coming close on a number of occasions, with midfield masters Ninkovic and Baumjohann both going close.
Despite the overall dominance a second goal eluded the Sky Blues and both sides settled for a well-earned draw.
Sydney FC come up against Brisbane Roar next as the side looks to build momentum in anticipation for the fast-approaching Finals series.
What they said: Steve Corica: “Other than the set piece goal we conceded, I think the first half was ok and the second half was much better.
“That’s the standard we expect and what we want to continue with during the remainder of the games.
“It was a much better performance from the boys in the second half.
“I thought he (Harry Van Der Saag) had a very good performance. He was a little bit slow in the first few minutes but he really built into the game and he was a big part of our goal.
“He worked very hard, he did his job defensively and I thought he had a great game tonight.”
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 4. Alex WILKINSON, 5. Alexander BAUMJOHANN (18. Luke IVANOVIC 83’), 6. Ryan McGOWAN, 7. Michael ZULLO (16. Joel KING 85’), 8. Paulo RETRE, 9. Adam LeFONDRE, 10. Milos NINKOVIC, 12. Trent BUHAGIAR (11. Kosta BARBAROUSES 78’), 17. Anthony CACERES, 21. Harry Van Der SAAG (19. Chris ZUVELA 78’)
Subs: 20. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (GK), 2. Patrick FLOTTMANN, 28. Calem NIEUWENHOF.
Yellow Cards: None.
Red Cards: None.
Adelaide United: 20. Paul IZZO (GK), 4. Ryan STRAIN, 6. Stefan MAUK, 7. Ryan KITTO, 8. Riley McGREE (14. George BLACKWOOD 87’), 11. Kristian OPSETH (35. Al Hassan TOURE 78’), 18. Lachlan BROOK (24. Pacifique NIYONGABIRE 63’), 22. Michael JAKOBSEN, 23. Jordan ELSEY, 26. Ben HALLORAN, 42. Gomulka TARAS.
Subs: 40. Dakota OCHSENHAM (GK), 2. Michael MARRONE, 27. Louis D’ARRIGO, 26. Noah SMITH.
Yellow Cards: McGree 38’, Strain 83’.
Red Cards: None.
Ground: ANZ Stadium
Referee: Ben Abraham
