*Header photo by Jaime Castaneda (@jamcas50)
Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica has a happy headache on his hands, with competition for places at a high following Saturday’s encounter against the Newcastle Jets in Dubbo.
With Alex Wilkinson and Kosta Barbarouses absent, Rhyan Grant was forced to step in at centre back while Luke Ivanovic enjoying a solid 75 minutes up front, with Corica praising the options available to him and the versatility in his squad.
“The competition for places is really good at the moment,” he said.
“We might have a couple of Socceroos away for the first game so we need take that into consideration.
“I think all the boys are working extremely hard and I’m not settled on a squad.
“Rhyan filled in at centre back for Wilko. He played there against PSG, the first time for quite a while, I thought he did well, he helped keep a clean sheet which was great. It gives us another dimension if need be,” Corica continued.
“Luke did well up front he caused them quite a few problems too.
“He did well running in behind and got a couple of shots on target too. He had a good hit out.”
Corica said he was pleased with the performance at Apex Oval, a game in which the Sky Blues largely controlled.
“We dominated most of the game,” Corica said.
“Towards the end it got a little bit open and more transitional but other than that I thought we dominated and probably created more chances than they did.
“Defensively we were very good again, especially in the first half, and the goals will come.
“We’re creating good chances and our build up play was very good. The opportunities are coming, it’s early in pre-season and the goals will come.”
Sydney FC are next in action away against Western United at Morshead Park, Ballarat on Friday 27 September (kick off 3pm AEST). Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for live updates from the clash.
