The Sydney FC Academy returned to Valentine Sports Park on Friday night and took on local neighbours NWS Spirit in the NPL.
A late Mitch Glasson strike was the only goal of the game and the Sky Blues got back to winning ways after a frustrating result last weekend against the Wolves.
For Sydney FC, they continue to play a very young squad, one of the youngest of their history in the NPL, giving opportunities to players such as Joe Lacey who is eligible for the U16’s and came on with 15 minutes to go in the centre of midfield.
U17’s Jacob Brazete made his starting debut on the wing with fellow U17 Aden Green coming on as a second half substitute.
Overall, there were eight players eligible for U17’s in the Matchday Squad and one U16 highlighting the tough task the Academy currently face in playing younger players against some talented sides.
Head Coach Jimmy van Weeren is pleased that plenty of opportunities are being given to talented players in a competitive environment
“It was a good bounce back from last week, defending well and we remained positive after last week.
“There are four games left which means four chances to develop and grow as a group.” said Van Weeren.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Sydney FC U20’s had a convincing 5-1 win over Spirt with goals to Marin France, Lachlan Middleton, Ben Gibson and Mathias Macalister. France and Macalister are both U16’s players and Middleton also falls into the U17 age group.
Overall, a learning filled evening for the Sky Blues at Valentine as they look to close out the season on a high with four games remaining.
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