The Sydney FC Academy secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sydney United 58 at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday evening. With a number of young players playing and making appearances off the bench, the Sky Blue Academy can be very proud of their achievements.
Throughout the contest, Isuzu UTE A-League squad members Adrian Segecic, Aaron Gurd and Jake Girdwood-Reich starred throughout as they created chances at one end of the pitch and also helped keep them out at the other.
Speaking of keeping them out, Adam Pavlesic had one of his best performances in a Sydney FC shirt as he pulled off a number of saves from close range to deny the Australia Cup Runners Up. Two saves came from headers inside the six yard box and the gloveman stood up tall and was rewarded with a place in the Football NSW NPL Team of the Week.
The winner came as the match ticked into stoppage time with 2006 born Mitch Glasson popping up in the box to nod a header past Danijel Nizic. The move was a perfect one, with Glasson picking the ball up on the edge before sending it out wide to 2003 born Kealey Adamson who returned service to Glasson and as the ball found the net, the boys celebrated together as they should.
Sydney United 58 are considered competition heavyweights and one of the favourites to win the competition this year after sitting at the top of the table during the opening rounds. This victory showcases the Sydney FC Academy’s ability to match it with the best in the state despite providing youth the chance to shine on the biggest stage.
Next up, Jimmy van Weeren’s side will host Blacktown City at Valentine Sports Park on Friday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.
If you can’t make it along to Valentine Sports Park, catch all the action live and free on NPL.TV.
For the full Sydney FC Academy fixtures, click here
