Sydney FC Academy secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Blacktown City on Friday night at Valentine Sports Park, with several young players stepping up and making a significant impact on the 90 minutes.
The match was marked by a number of exciting storylines, none more so than Alen Harbas’ fifth goal of the season, a fizzer of a free-kick which decided the game.
Harbas, a 2004-born player, scored the only goal of the match, taking his tally to five for the season. Also in exciting news, Mitch Glasson, a 2006-born player, made his NPL starting debut and demonstrated his potential as a future star for the club aged 16.
In addition to these standout performances, goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic, notched another clean sheet and had another impressive performance between the sticks, keeping Blacktown City at bay on a few occasions.
The team’s defensive effort was anchored by Nathan Paull, a left-footed centre-back, who was voted Man of the Match by FNSW for his solid performance.
Hayden Matthews, a right-footed centre-back, was also excellent defensively, winning almost all of his defensive duels against a tough opponent.
Overall, the team’s solid team defensive performance was crucial, particularly in the second half when Blacktown City dominated possession. Despite the pressure, the team held firm and secured the important victory.
Earlier in the day, the U20’s had a 2-2 draw, with 2005-born striker Bailey Callaghan scoring his seventh goal of the season. The U20’s also gave multiple starting debuts for 2006-born players Oscar Fryer, Tung Dang, and Lachlan Middleton, highlighting the club’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent.
The Sydney FC Academy host St George City FA on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park and will be hoping to continue their good run of form against the newly promoted side.
Find all Academy fixtures here.
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