The congested National Youth League table became even more so over the weekend after Gold Coast United defeated Sydney FC 3-1.
The congested National Youth League table became even more so over the weekend after Gold Coast United defeated Sydney FC 3-1.
Ian Crook may feel the scoreline was harsh on his side, as they matched the classy Gold Coast outfit for much of the game.
Goalkeeper Marko Bozic, playing in place of the injured Ryan Norval, said a test of their credentials was to be expected.
“It was always going to be a tough game. Gold Coast United have a very good team and it was always going to be a challenge, especially playing away from home, it-s quite intimidating.”
In a frantic encounter, it was only right at the death that Gold Coast United scored the third, match-sealing goal.
Bozic credited a formation change at half time as the catalyst for a second half Sydney FC resurgence.
“We started alright, but they put a lot of pressure on us. In the second half though, we played a different formation which made a big difference.
“We played pretty well overall. It was 2-1 for most of the game and we could easily have scored, but their goalkeeper did very well, he kept them in it,” Bozic observed.
“The scoreline didn-t do us justice,” he added ruefully.
As one of two high quality young goalkeepers on Sydney FC-s books, opportunities have often been hard to come by for Bozic.
But the youngster is keen to work hard and keep improving.
“It-s always difficult when you know you-ve only got a handful of games to prove yourself”, he said.
The experience of training with Zeljko “Spider” Kalac and the first team goalkeepers is something Bozic was keen to explain.
“It-s easily the best experience of my football career.
“Training with ‘Spider-, a former Milan and Socceroos keeper, is unbelievable!”
“The sessions are very intense. It-s great waking up and going to training though, it makes you feel very professional,” he added.
Opportunity knocks for this talented goalkeeper and he will keep pushing hard for his place.
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