Sydney FC’s Foxtel National Youth League squad staged a spirited comeback as they turned a two goal half time deficit into a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle Jets at Magic Park, Broadmeadow on Wednesday.
The Sky Blues faced their second game in three days and another long road trip as they headed up the freeway to face the Young Jets in a rescheduled fixture.
The opening 20 minutes saw Sydney FC dominate play and creating several good opportunities with James Andrew, George Blackwood and Jordan Tsekenis all having chances but it was Newcastle that opened the scoring against the run of play in the 22nd minute.
Braedyn Crowley slipped between his markers to lace the ball into the back of the net to score the games first goal. Stunned, Sydney FC conceded again two minutes later when a low cross into the goalmouth was deflected by Sky Blue defender George Timotheou inside the post for the Newcastle Jets to lead two nil after 24 minutes.
Despite controlling the remainder of the half, Sydney FC could not break through the resolute Jets compact defence and midfield as the Sky Blues went in to the half time break trailing by two goals.
A half time pep talk from club legend and Head Coach, Steve Corica, spurred on the squad as the Young Sky Blues came out firing from the start of the second stanza.
James Andrew in particular turned on a livewire performance as he created havoc on the right flank with his pace and direct runs at his fullback. Five minutes into the second half the defecit was halaved as Andrew ran by his defender into the penalty and cut the ball back across the goalmouth for Jordan Tsekenis to side foot home.
Sydney FC levelled five minutes later as Andrew, in a carbon copy play, was again the provider for Tsekenis to grab his brace with the scores level at two goals a piece after 55 minutes.
Sensing they could get a result Sydney FC continued to pepper the Jets who resorted to diagonal long balls to try and turn the Sky Blue tide. The pressure kept mounting and with good positive play fullback Nicola Kuleski went on an overlapping run which saw him slalom into the Newcastle penalty box and, from a tight angle, unleash a thunderous shot into the roof of the goal for Sydney FC to take the lead at 3-2.
With the backline of Kuleski, Themba Muata-Marlow, Liam McGing and Cristian Gonzalez holding solid, and the safe hands of Anthony Bouzanis between the sticks, Sydney FC were able to see out the rest of the match and bring home three valuable points.
Sydney FC will next take on Melbourne Victory on Sunday, 15th February at Lambert Park, Leichardt kick off 4.00pm and entry is free.
Sydney FC 3 (Tsekenis 50′ & 55′ / Kuleski 72′) defeated Newcastle Jets 2 (Crowley 22′ / Timotheou OG 24′)
SFC Line Up: Anthony Bouzanis; Nicola Kuleski; Themba Muata-Marlow; George Timotheou (Liam McGing 28′); Cristian Gonzalez’; Hagi Gligor; Anthony Tomelic; Max Burgess (Daniel Araujo 74′); James Andrew; George Blackwood; Jordan Tsekenis (Charles Lokolingoy 67′).
Sub Not Used: Luke Babic (GK)
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