Sydney FC midfielder Brendan Gan was elated after bagging his first goal of the season in the Sky Blues 3-1 triumph over Wellington Phoenix on Wednesday, on a night when Sydney’s young guns showed their mettle.
Sydney FC midfielder Brendan Gan was elated after bagging his first goal of the season in the Sky Blues 3-1 triumph over Wellington Phoenix on Wednesday, on a night when Sydney-s young guns showed their mettle.
Gan opened the scoring in the 13th minute, coolly heading the ball across Wellington-s keeper and into the back of the net, courtesy of an inviting cross from striker Mark Bridge.
“We-ve been training on getting the ball in the box and making sure we-re covering the near post, middle, and far post. My job at that stage was to be on the far post and luckily enough I put it away,” Gan said through a large smile after the match.
“It was just elation, I was happy to get the goal because I haven-t scored in a while, so it-s really good to get another goal under my belt.”
Gan-s passing was neat and his movement impactful, causing constant problems for Wellington as he linked up with Cole at the back and Brosque up front to probe the Phoenix backline.
“I was a bit tired at the end, it-s only my second start of the season so I-m still getting my match fitness up. But it was good to play the full 90 minutes and it was good to see us score some goals and get on the front foot.”
Coach Vitezslav Lavicka expressed his satisfaction with Gan, who has now put in two solid performances in an attack force troubled by injuries to the likes of Nicky Carle and Bruno Cazarine.
“Brendan did a good job tonight, and he did a pretty good job last week when we played in Melbourne,” Lavicka said.
“Wellington is a lucky opponent for him because last season he scored against them as well, so I-m happy for him.”
Gan wasn-t the only standout youngster on the pitch, with Terry Antonis assisting Bridge for Sydney-s second goal and Dimitri Petratos creating several chances after replacing Alex Brosque in the final stages.
“I think they brought the impact during the game,” Lavicka said.
“Young Terry and Dimitri they are natural football talents, they created a couple of opportunities and most important for them is to pick up experience.”
While any football club will always miss the experience of senior players like Carle, Cazarine and Byun, Sydney-s stable of youthful talent have proven they have plenty to offer, and Lavicka admits this might give him second thoughts when picking his starting eleven.
“I have to say yes, but this is a good problem for the coach to have. Keep going boys!”
The Blues must now muster up for Saturday-s away match against the Central Coast Mariners, who have lost their last two home games at Bluetongue Stadium. With Sydney-s recent winning ways, Gan believes the Blues are ready to break into the top-six.
“It will be hard but we-re in good form at the moment, so hopefully we-ll go up there, take it to them, score some goals and get a win.”
