Summary
Sydney FC 1 (Simon 70’) drew. Kashima Antlers 1 (Kanazaki 27’)
Sydney FC has drawn 1-1 away to Kashima Antlers in a crucial game for the club’s AFC Champions League campaign.
The home side took the lead against the run of play following a corner kick and maintained the lead going into the break.
The Sky Blues applied pressure in the latter part of the second half and it paid off as the ‘Wizard of Woy Woy’ Matt Simon headed home from close range.
The goal from the target man was to be the last of the night despite a number of chances almost seeing Arnie’s men nab all three points. The point ensures Sydney FC are still in contention of progressing through to the Round of 16 in the continental competition.
The Sky Blues return to the ‘Fortress’ and domestic duties as they face Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
What They Said
Matt Simon:
“Any other day, you’d come here and get a point and you’d be happy but we’re disappointed not to come away with three.
“We haven’t been outplayed in the tournament so far. The preparation will be the same for the next game.”
Goals
27’ GOAL KANAZAKI – A cross is sent to the back post and is contested by two Sky Blues players before ricocheting into the path of Kanazaki for an open header.
70’ SIMON LEVELS IT – The ball is worked out to Wilkshire following great interplay from Sydney FC as the Sky Blues defender lofts a ball to the back post for Simon to tower over all and head home.
Key Moments
43’ CHANCE KALIK – Mierzejewski somehow manages to skip over a couple of Kashima defenders to drive forward and play in the Sydney FC winger who can’t quite manage to get the angle on the shot as it goes wide.
52’ THUMPING CHALLENGE BY CALVER – Suzuki is played through on goal before Aaron Calver comes across and cleans up the danger well with a strong challenge.
76’ CAN’T GET CLOSER BROSQUE – Mierzejewski powerfully drives into the heart of the Kashima defence before sliding a ball through for the Sky Blues captain who’s low driven shot almost scrapes the right-hand upright.
88’ ALMOST SIMON – Brosque slips a great ball through after a well timed run from the target man but Simon unfortunately can’t keep his footing as he releases a shot on goal and the keeper deals with it.
90+3’ SO CLOSE MIERZEJEWSKI – Ball is worked from left to right to find Simon as he tries to turn provider for Adrian who almost nicks the ball away from the keepers hands.
Team News
Sydney FC 1 (Simon 70’) drew. Kashima Antlers 1 (Kanazaki 27’)
Ground: Kashima Stadium
Attendance: 8,593
Referee: Khamis Mohammed Al-Marri
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2. Aaron CALVER, 4. Alex WILKINSON, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 8. Paulo RETRE, 11. Adrian MIERZEJEWSKI, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 16. Anthony KALIK (21. Charles LOKOLINGOY 85’), 18. Matt SIMON, 19. Chris ZUVELA (3. Ben WARLAND 82’), 26. Luke WILKSHIRE
Subs Not Used: 20. Alex CISAK (gk), 32. William MUTCH, 33. Patrick FLOTTMANN, 35. Jackson BANDIERA.
Yellow Cards: 18. Matt SIMON 90’
Red Cards: None.
Kashima Antlers: 21. Sogahata HITOSHI (gk), 3. Gen SHOJI, 4. LEO SILVA, 6. Ryota NAGAKI, 9. Yuma SUZUKI, 10. Mu KANAZAKI, 13. Atsutaka NAKAMURA (8. Doi SHOMA 74’), 14. Taeshi KANAMORI, 23. Itsuki ODA (16. Shuto YAMAMOTO 82’), 24. Yukitoshi ITO, 39. Tomoya INUKAI. 19. Kazuma YAMAGUCHI (85’)
Subs Not Used: 1. Kwoun SUNTAE (gk), 5. Ueda NAOMICHI, 7. Pedro JUNIOR, 8. Doi SHOMA, 20. Kento MISAO.
Yellow Cards: None.
Red Cards: None.
Sydney FC face Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium in a Family Fun Day out with an exclusive screening of ‘Ferdinand’ on the big screens ahead of our 7:50pm kick off! Be there to enjoy the film and back your Sky Blues in another crunch clash.
