Zoran Juraj SABLJAK
Sydney FC emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Sydney United 58 at the Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon in a match filled with end-to-end action and tense moments. Both teams battled hard in a goalless first half that saw numerous chances missed before the breakthrough came shortly after the break.
In the 23rd minute, a dynamic run by Corey Cronin down the left flank set the stage for a cross to Mathias Macallister, whose header was superbly saved by United 58’s keeper, Tristian Prendergast. United 58 then pressed forward, with Mario Shabow and Matthew Hatch orchestrating a counter-attack, but Sydney FC’s defence held firm. Mason Wells also tested the goalkeeper with a powerful effort in the 28th minute, only to be denied by Cremen-Cowan. The visitors continued to create chances—Hatch linking with Patrick Antelmi and Carlos De Oliveira firing a shot over the bar in the 38th minute—while Antelmi nearly scored in the 44th minute, only for Sydney FC to clear his attempt, leaving the teams deadlocked at halftime.
The second half saw Sydney FC seize control. Just four minutes after the break, Cronin’s pace once again became decisive as he cut in from the left, setting up Joe Lacey to fire home the opening goal in the 49th minute. Not long after, United 58 struck back when captain Adrian Vlastelica delivered a long ball to Wells on the right edge of the box, allowing him to manoeuvre through the defence and equalize in the 53rd minute. A corner from Taye Hedley in the 56th minute nearly produced another goal for Sydney FC, but Hatch made an impressive clearance.
The hosts regained their advantage in the 62nd minute when a well-placed corner from Lacey was met by Joseph Calusic’s accurate header. United 58 had further opportunities—a free kick from Carlos De Oliveira in the 65th minute went wide, and Michael Glassock’s 68th-minute effort was disallowed after a foul on Cremen-Cowan. Ultimately, Mathias Macallister sealed the win with a strike from outside the 18-yard box in the 79th minute, ensuring a memorable victory for Sydney FC.
Sydney United 85 are away this Friday 21st of February as they trave to Cromer Park where they will face Manly United with kick off slated for 19:30.