While new to the Sky Blues outfit, Brandon O’Neill and Matt Simon have joined the collective motto at Sydney FC as they seek revenge against Adelaide United in the Westfield FFA Cup round of 16 on Wednesday night.
For O’Neill the midweek clash at Coopers Stadium is a prime opportunity to avenge last year’s Cup Final defeat while for Simon it’s a chance to build on his preseason scoring record, having also hit the net against the Reds in his own Cup defeat in 2014.
“Last year being a part of a different A-League club and being a part of the final it was a great experience and losing was hard to take in the final,” O’Neill said.
“Especially for a big club like Sydney FC to go out to Adelaide as well, revenge is definitely on our minds.
“We’re in this competition now and we’ve worked so hard in preseason coming up to this game and we’re in this to win it.
Simon continued: “It’s going to be a big game for us and last year getting knocked out in the semi-final was quite disappointing being one step away from the final.”
“This year is a new year, our team is looking good and we’re looking forward to the challenge in Adelaide.”
O’Neill and Simon have praised the Sky Blues preseason schedule to date as the pair have set their sights on victory against an Adelaide side in transition following the arrival of a new Head Coach and the departure of players from last season.
“I think the recent Gold Coast camp was especially beneficial for the team,” Simon said.
“Being in that camp environment was really good for the boys to be together for six to seven days and the boys have been working very hard over the first four or five weeks in preseason.
“The games are coming thick and fast now and there’s nothing better than for players to be playing games at this time of year.
“We’re still working on a few things but most importantly we need to get 90 minutes in our legs and work towards a victory,” O’Neill continued.
“There must be some sort of effect with the transition of the coach and players leaving but we’re still in preseason, they’re still in preseason and I’m sure both sides are looking forward to a good match and a good hit out.”
“Adelaide have always been a good competitor, we’ve always loved playing Adelaide, Sydney FC have always had good games against Adelaide but in the FFA Cup, no matter what team you play against, we want to go out and we want to win and progress in this tournament.
“Whether it be Adelaide or another club we prepare as professional as we do and go out there and do a job for Sydney FC.”
Sydney FC take on Adelaide United in the Westfield FFA Cup round of 16 at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night (kick off 7:30pm AEST). Follow @SydneyFC for match updates or catch the game live on Fox Sports 4.
Sydney FC Memberships are now on sale for the Hyundai A-League season 2015/16. Click HERE to become part of the Sky Blues family
