Sydney FC’s NPL U20 side are brimming with confidence heading into their highly-anticipated Semi-Final clash against Blacktown City at Lambert Park on Sunday (kick off 2:30pm AEST).
Fresh off a 5-0 Qualification Final victory over Sutherland Sharks last weekend, their path to the title faces another tough test, however Assistant Coach Shane Smeltz believes the players will be ready to go and secure a spot in the Grand Final.
“Within the group, everybody knows that this side definitely has the potential to win the title,” Smeltz said.
“With a team like our Under 20’s which have been successful for the majority of the season, if there was ever a time to cop a loss it was probably then [three weeks ago against Blacktown].
“They’re a very physical side, they like to play on the counter and this time will be no different, but leading into this game we will certainly learn from that last result and be confident we can come up with the right result this time around.
“A win this weekend puts us in the box seat because you get a week off heading into the final, and I certainly think now is the time to strike after the momentum from last game.
“Everything is looking good.”
One of the stars of the U20’s outfit is Jordi Swibel, who is second on the goalscoring charts this year for the Sky Blues (13 goals) behind Hamish Lamberton (pictured in the header), and he feels there is a real sense of belief in the playing group moving into the business end of the 2018 season.
“We’ve got great confidence heading into the Semi-Final this weekend and we’re all really looking forward to it,” he said.
“We’ve had some good games against Blacktown, they’re a very good team, but we’re confident in our abilities and when it comes to game time I think we can get the job done.”
Sydney FC’s U18’s and U20’s are in Semi-Final action against Rockdale City Suns and Blacktown City respectively on Sunday. U18’s kick off at 12pm, U20’s at 2:30pm. both at Lambert Park.
