Summary
Sydney FC 0 def. by Kashima Antlers 2 (Shoma 39’, Naomichi 88’)
Sydney FC has gone down to Kashima Antlers 2-0 in their midweek AFC Champions League clash at home.
Shoma opened the scoring for the Japanese visitors before Naomichi sealed the result with a header close to full time.
The Sky Blues created a number of great chances in the second half with Mierzejewski coming close but it wasn’t to be for Arnie’s men.
Sydney FC will look to square the ledger when they visit Kashima next Tuesday night in Japan.
What They Said
Graham Arnold:
“We probably had the two biggest moments in the game and when you take those, it’s a different game. It’s lessons that you learn across the board.
“It’s called Champions League for a reason. They have great development, wonderful facilities and as a nation, we’re just starting that.
“It was a tight game and we conceded two goals from lack of concentration. We’ll learn this lesson.
“We have some great young kids who will provide some great energy so we’ll assess how we sit with the squad soon and possibly give some opportunities to them.
“We’ll fight right to the death. We expect to win every game. We have great character and attitude.”
Goals
39’ GOAL SHOMA – A Kashima corner alludes all in the box before being drilled back across the face of goal for Shoma to back heel it past Redmayne.
88’ GOAL NAOMICHI – A corner is sent into the box, nodded on for Nomichi to head home from close range.
Key Moments
27’ HEADED CHANCE YUMA – Kashima move the ball swiftly to whip the ball into the box for Yuma but the Kashima forward directs his header wide of the goal.
58’ SO CLOSE MIERZEJEWSKI – Beautiful interplay from the Sky Blues sees Retre tee up Adrian for a shot that is goal bound if not for the slightest Kashima deflection.
61’ SO UNLUCKY FOR MIERZEJEWSKI – Carney’s through ball for Brosque is squared across for a one-on-one with Adrian and the keeper but the outstretched shot is palmed away in the nick of time by Hitoshi.
66’ CHANCE MIERZEJEWSKI – Bobô wins the ball well to play Carney who lays it off for Adrian. Unfortunately, the keeper is well positioned to deal with the Sky Blue midfielders’ shot.
90+1’ GREAT SAVE REDMAYNE – Silva is through one-on-one with Redmayne but the Sky Blues stopper makes himself big and makes a crucial save.
Team News
Sydney FC 0 def. by Kashima Antlers 2 (Shoma 39’, Naomichi 88’)
Ground: Sydney Football Stadium
Attendance: 6,442
Referee: Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2. Aaron CALVER, 4. Alex WILKINSON, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO (8. Paulo RETRE 24’), 11. Adrian MIERZEJEWSKI, 13. Brandon O’NEILL, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 17. David CARNEY (16. Anthony KALIK 76’), 18. Matt SIMON (9. BOBÔ 60’), 26. Luke WILKSHIRE
Subs Not Used: 20. Alex CISAK (gk), 3. Ben WARLAND, 19. Chris ZUVELA, 21. Charles LOKOLINGOY.
Yellow Cards: 18. Matt SIMON 43’, 13. Brandon O’NEILL 55’
Red Cards: None.
Kashima Antlers: 21. Sogahata HITOSHI (gk), 4. LEO SILVA, 5. Ueda NAOMICHI, 6. Ryota NAGAKI, 8. Doi SHOMA (19. Kazuma YAMAGUCHI 84’), 9. Yuma SUZUKI, 13. Atsutaka NAKAMURA (20. Kento MISAO 90’), 14. Taeshi KANAMORI (32. Koki ANZAI 71’), 16. Shuto YAMAMOTO, 24. Yukitoshi ITO, 39. Tomoya INUKAI.
Subs Not Used: 1. Kwoun SUNTAE (gk), 23. Itsuki ODA, 26. Kazune KUBOTA, 28. Koki MACHIDA.
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.
