A youthful Sydney FC side kicked off their NPL campaign with a strong 0-0 draw at NWS Spirit FC on Saturday.
The Sky Blues fielded a team with an average age of under 18 but created the better chances at Christie Park.
Sydney FC’s 21 shots at goal significantly outnumbered NSW Spirit FC’s shot count – with the home side on managing one effort on target.
The result was all the more impressive considering under 17s stars Jai Rose, Tyler Williams, Matthais Macallister and Noah Mathie all made their debuts in a side that was short of several senior players, who were in the Ufuk Talay’s A-Leagues squad for the win over Adelaide.
Sydney FC assistant coach Howard Fondyke said: “We had a group of young players and it was pleasing to see how they stepped up to play in men’s football.
“We showed a competitive edge in our performance and we are looking forward to seeing this group continue to perform to a high level individually and collectively in the weeks to come.”
The Sky Blues had the better of the goalscoring opportunities with Tiago Quintal seeing a shot well saved by Chris Marques
The keeper went on to block goalbound efforts from Marin France and Quintal before the break.
Bailey Callaghan was also denied an opener when his angled effort was beaten away by Marques in the best chance of the second period.
The Sky Blues next game is against Manly United at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre in a 7:30pm kick-off. Tickets will be available at the box office with Adults priced at $15 and Juniors entering for free.
Sydney FC Line up:
Sydney FC: Gus Hoefsloot (GK), Zachary De Jesus, Tyler Williams, Joseph Calusic, Richard Nkomo, Dylan Rose, Lachlan Middleton (Will Kennedy 60’), Bailey Callaghan (Matthais Macallister 81’), Tiago Quintal, Marin France (Noah Mathie 71’), Jacob Brazete (Jai Rose 71’).
Substitutes Not Used: Jared Middleton, Alexander Zaverdinos
Our full fixture list can be found here.
