With the Hyundai A-League only four days away Sydney FC are looking back at five of the most memorable opening round home games the Sky Blues have been a part of.
It might have been that special goal, that youngsters’ debut or that amazing score line, there’s been a number of memorable games, and today we go back to the very start of the club with Sydney FC’s one all draw with Melbourne Victory in round one of season one.
A newly formed league and a newly formed club, Sydney FC headed into round one of the first ever Hyundai A-League season as favourites for the title as over 25,000 fans filled Allianz Stadium for the club’s first home match.
Starting with marquee man Dwight Yorke, Sydney FC set the rivalry with Melbourne Victory for years to come with a typically robust display in front of their home crowd with Yorke scoring the club’s first ever goal before the match ended in a stalemate after Archie Thompson equalised.
Steve Corica, who completed the full 90 minutes in that match said he’ll always remember the game for the atmosphere that was created in that match among the raft of headlines that stemmed from round one of the Hyundai A-League 2005/06 season.
“There were obviously big expectations at Sydney FC,” Corica said.
“We were probably the favourites going into the competition because pre-season we were unbeaten and also with the signing of Yorkie as well.
“Obviously we had high expectations of ourselves and everyone else did as well and especially that game really because it was a long preseason that year and we were really pumped up for the start of the season,” he continued.
“The stadium was fantastic, especially when there was over 20,000 there. It was a great atmosphere and I will definitely remember it, always, for the atmosphere.
“That game had so much. Yorkie’s first goal, I think he scored our first goal of the new season as well, and obviously that the crowd was sensational.”
Sydney FC kick off the tenth season of the Hyundai A-League on Saturday 11 October against the newly re-branded Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7:30pm). Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you never miss a moment of action.
