Sydney FC NPL side will face off with newly promoted St George FC on Saturday night in the NSW NPL.
Last week, Jimmy van Weeren’s side took on the high flying Manly Unietd and put on a professional performance to run out 2-0 winners.
A first half brace from Tiago Quintal put the Sky Blues ahead and some resolute defending in the second half allowed them to see the game out against Manly and record their second clean sheet of the season and their first three points.
This weekend for Sydney FC, the going will be very tough against a side fighting for their first victory of the season and determined to prove that they belong in the NPL.
Unfortunately, Sydney FC will be without Gus Hoefsloot who injured his meniscus in training last week and is set for a spell on the sidelines for the next two months. The teenager underwent surgery last week and has begun his recovery process.
With Adam Pavlesic tied up with A-League duties, this opens the door for U17 Sandy Zaverindos to step up and make the number one spot his own.
Having the Isuzu UTE A-League side play at the same time as the NPL side means that a number of players who starred in Friday night’s victory over Manly last week will be unavailable.
As for St George, they come into this clash still yet to score a goal from the opening two rounds however they have had a tough draw, coming up against Manly and Blacktown City.
They will be looking to kickstart their season this Saturday at home against the young Sky Blues outfit.
Both teams play their home matches out of Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre so familiarity will be on each side in this Saturday night encounter.
Heading into this clash, Head Coach Jimmy van Weeren isn’t phased by the challenge ahead with the number of bodies missing.
“Having players with the A-League side is great for their development and while it would be fantastic to have them with us, it opens the door for more players to show what they can do,” van Weeren said.
“We already have a very young side and we expect St George to come out and show what they can do against the kids so we will be up for a physical battle and look forward to giving minutes to more talented individuals.”
Catch all the action live on Football NSW YouTube Channel, live from 7pm AEDT.
Match Details
St George FC v Sydney FC
NSW NPL Round Three
Saturday 2nd March 2024
Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre, Rockdale, NSW
Kick Off: 7pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Football NSW YouTube Channel
