Sydney FC had to settle for a point despite a dominant performance over Melbourne City in a 1-all draw on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium. We look back at some of the key Sky Blues moments from our round one clash.
Brandon O’Neill’s pass: It was the ball that led to the Sky Blue’s goal, an inch perfect pass that split the City defence and sent Alex Brosque racing clear into the area to square to Holosko to tap home. Playing in his first game for Sydney FC, O’Neill certainly took the plaudits for his role in the Sky Blues opening goal of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
“I just looked up, I was fortunate to get away from Paartalu,” O’Neill said.
“I looked up, saw Brosquey making the run and thought I’d try threading the needle and I’m just lucky it played off.”
Filip Holosko’s strike: Showing all his experience to ghost in unattended at the far post, Holosko opened Sydney FC’s account for the season as he tapped in to an empty net following a well-timed cut back from Alex Brosque.
“I feel great, it was my first game for Sydney FC and it was good for me to score in my first game,” Holosko said.
“With the ball Alex [Brosque] gave me it was a tap in, it was a harder job for Alex than me. I want to thank him for giving a very good pass and also Brandon [O’Neill] who won the ball and gave the good pass to Alex.”
Rhyan Grant’s skill and shot: Playing in a seemingly unfamiliar role on the left side of defence, Rhyan Grant seemed at ease in his new position. Racing forward in the 77th minute Grant showed deft footwork to evade Eric Paartalu before unleashing a wicked curling effort goal bound that had Sorensen at full stretch to tip behind.
“It worked out perfect with a little lay off from Ninko and then I put it through Paatalu’s legs,” Grant said.
“It sort of sat up just right and when I hit it off the boot I thought it felt pretty sweet but obviously Sorensen pulled off a good save like he was doing all night and it was just one of those things that wasn’t meant to be.”
George Blackwood’s volley saved: One of the defining moments of the match. With the game locked at one all and City soaking up countless pressure from the Sky Blues, Rhyan Grant lofted a ball towards Blackwood at the far post. Winding up, the youngster made a sweet connection with the volley only to see a sprawling Sorensen pull off an incredible save to preserve the deadlock. Heartbreak for Blackwood, ecstasy for City.
“I hit it pretty sweetly, I just thought it was in and then I looked up and saw it had clipped his fingertips and gone around the post,” Blackwood said.
“It was an awesome ball by Busta [Rhyan Grant] but I think the goalkeeper just came out on top that time. I thought it was in for sure, I couldn’t believe it.”
Sydney FC are next in action away to the Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium on Saturday 17 October (kick off 5:15pm). Catch the match live on Fox Sports 4, hear it live on ABC Grandstand or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for match updates.
Sydney FC Memberships are now on sale for the 2015/16 season. Click HERE to become part of the Sky Blues family
