Sydney FC has responded to a shortage in its backline stocks by offering an opportunity for two young players to impress on the biggest stage in the Hyundai A-League.
Sydney FC has responded to a shortage in its backline stocks by offering an opportunity for two young players to impress on the biggest stage in the Hyundai A-League.
With central defenders, Tony Popovic and Iain Fyfe both unavailable for Saturday-s Telstra Dome blockbuster against the Melbourne Victory, Sydney Coach John Kosmina has called on Youth League player, Antony Golec and injury replacement, Beau Busch to fill the void.
“Obviously we lose a lot of experience with Poppa and Fyfey missing but Anthony and Beau are both good players,” said Kosmina. “They-ve both been impressive at training this week and I-m sure they-ll do a job for us on Saturday.”
Golec has been a regular in the heart of defence during Sydney-s undefeated start to the National Youth League season and last week scored his first goal for the club in FC-s 5-3 win over Perth.
Busch, a central defender from Manly United in the State Premier League, has been signed on a 6 week contract as an short-term replacement for Simon Colosimo, after spending time with the Newcastle Jets on a similar deal last season.
“He-s been training with us for a couple of weeks now and I like what I-ve seen from him,” Kosmina explained. “He-s not afraid of hard work and he-s solid so I-m sure he-ll go well.”
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Telstra Dome
Saturday 25 October
Local kick off 7.00pm AEDT
Referee. Ben Williams
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 2 and Sky Sport 3.
Melbourne Victory: 1.Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (Captain), 3.Michael THWAITE, 7.Matthew KEMP, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.Danny ALLSOPP, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 14.Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Jose Luis LOPEZ, 18. Leigh BROXHAM, 19.Evan BERGER, 20.Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), 22. Nick WARD.
In Jose Luis LOPEZ (return from international duty)
Out Archie THOMPSON (suspended – 2 matches).
Unavailable NEY FABIANO (suspended – 2 matches), Nathan ELASI (International Duty – 4 weeks), Sebastian RYALL (International Duty – 4 weeks).
Sydney FC: 1. Clint BOLTON, 5. Mitchell PRENTICE, 7. Rob MIDDLEBY, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 11. Brendon SANTALAB, 12. Shannon COLE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 18. Adam CASEY, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI, 21. Adam BIDDLE, 23. John ALOISI, 28. Bobby PETTA, 29. Beau BUSCH, 31. Antony GOLEC.
*One to be omitted.
In Clint Bolton, Adam Biddle (promoted), Beau Busch (injury replacement), Anthony Golec (promoted).
Out Iain Fyfe (suspended – 2 matches), Tony Popovic (hamstring – 1 week).
Unavailable Alex Brosque (hamstring – 1 week), Simon Colosimo (groin – 6 weeks), Mike Enfield (knee – indefinite), Jacob Timpano (ankle – 4 weeks), Nik Tsattalios (international duty).
* Head-to-head All matches (played 10): Melbourne Victory wins 4, Sydney FC wins 1 (5 draws). In Melbourne (played 4): Melbourne Victory wins 2, Sydney FC wins 0 (2 draws).
Notice to travelling Sydney FC Fans!
While the senior side will line up against their arch-rivals in the Southern capital on Saturday night, Sydney’s National Youth League team will look to continue its undefeated start to the season against Victory on Sunday.
The round 5 match had been set down for a 4:00pm start at Anderson Park in Melbourne but Sydney supporters are advised the match has now been transfered to Bob Jane Stadium, with kick-off at 3:30pm.
