The AIS scored two late goals to snatch a 2-2 draw against a 10-man Sydney FC in their round 21 clash at the AIS Athletics Track on Saturday afternoon.
The AIS scored two late goals to snatch a 2-2 draw against a 10-man Sydney FC in their round 21 clash at the AIS Athletics Track on Saturday afternoon.
In a sea-sawing battle, Sydney scored from two AIS blunders in the first half and then valiantly tried to defend their lead, a task made much harder when Rhyan Grant was given his matching orders with 30 minutes left.
Despite having an extra player the AIS didn-t look threatening until Curtis Good headed in a Milos Degenek free kick in the 86th minute.
The match was turned on its head as the AIS went from being impotent in attack to nearly snatching a memorable victory.
Substitute Anthony Proia goaled in the 88th minute and seconds later Corey Brown was one on one with Sydney goalkeeper Dylan Mitchell but could only shoot straight into him.
Proia was centimetres from being the hero, turning and shooting past Mitchell and into the right hand post on 90 minutes.
In the end Sydney held on, having been very unlucky not to come away with a win and leapfrogging their opponents into third place on the ladder with two rounds left.
AIS Captain Connor Chapman had a horror five minute patch in the first half.
First he missed a goal scoring opportunity in the 27th minute when he snuck unmarked around the back of the Sydney defence from a corner but blasted his volley well over the crossbar.
Then he gave away a penalty when he dragged down Justin Hayward in the box, with Jared Lum converting from the spot.
Late in the half Sydney midfielder Grant had a penalty appeal denied and was booked for diving, which proved to be telling.
He made amends in the shadows of half time, looping a header over Paul Izzo as the ball came in from a long throw and the game seem to come to a momentary standstill.
In the 53rd minute Grant was given his marching orders for delaying the restart but the AIS didn-t take advantage of having the extra man.
Aside from Degenek long range free kick attempt in 70th minute, Mitchell barely had to raise a sweat.
Sydney had the best chance, when a poor defensive clearance landed in Lum-s lap with less than 10 minutes left, but while his shot was too good for Izzo it ratted into the crossbar.
From the AIS- ensuing attack Degenek had another free kick from a similar position, this time opting to cross it in to a dangerous position and Good met the ball with a fine header.
Minutes later the scores were level, Aaron Peterson heading a cross into the right post and substitute Anthony Proia tapped it in from the ensuing goalmouth scramble before the final minutes of all out attack to no avail.
Sydney FC: 2 (Lum 33p, Grant 45+1)
AIS: 2 (Good 86, Proia 88)
