Harbas brace leads Sydney FC to first back-to-back win in 2023
Sydney FC have earned their first back-to-back win of the 2023 season defeating rivals Central Coast Marines 3-1 in a battle of the A-League academies in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Round 6 competition played at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday.
The fans were treated to an action-packed encounter that included the stars of tomorrow going up against one another.
As both teams looked to build on wins last week, it was Sydney FC who would have the first goal-scoring chance of the evening.
In just the second minute, Luka Smyth hit the crossbar, rattling the frame of the goal.
Louis Agositi had Sydney FC’s second opportunity in the 24th minute and although not hitting the back of the net, proved to be a menace for the Sky Blues.
Running down the left-hand side of the field in the 35th minute, Max Buratto delivered a low cross into the box which would find the touch of Alen Harbas to open the scoring.
Straight after, it seemed as if the goal lit a fire inside the Sydney FC players. Controlling possession for the majority of the half, they had multiple opportunities on goal but couldn’t increase their lead.
Surprisingly, whilst Sydney looked dangerous, it would be the Marines who would score next.
Earning a free kick on the edge of the box, they executed their set piece perfectly which would end with Sasha Kuzevski scoring in the 39th minute.
The action continued in the second half, but the tables seemingly turned.
Having gotten into the game slowly, the substitution of Nicholas Duarte increased the intensity of the Mariners’ outfit.
Unlucky not to receive penalties, Central Coast earned two free kicks metres from inside the box. However, despite the two free kicks and multiple corners (three consecutive at one stage) they could not get the ball, past keeper Gus Hoefsloot.
Delivering save after save, Hoefslott saved Sydney’s winning chances and would earn praise from coach Jim van Weeran after the game.
While Hoefsloot took control of one end it would be Alen Harbas who would take control of the opposite side.
Brought down by Maksim Kasalovic, the No.10 earnt his side a penalty by bursting through the Mariners defence. Calm and collected, he made the penalty with ease pushing Sydney’s lead to 2-1 in the 79th minute.
It was Harbas’ second brace in successive weeks after the Sky Blues attacker notched up two in their Round 5 clash against the Bulls FC Academy.
Minutes later, in the 83rd minute, debutant Mitchell Glasson would put the final nail in the coffin. Pouncing on a turnover, the 16-year-old scored past Patrick Beach with a brazen chip.
Speaking post-match Sydney coach Jim van Weeran spoke about the game and praised youngsters Gus Hoefsloot and Mitchell Glasson.
“I think they had a fair few chances but we felt we were the dominant team and then I think we converted more of our chances in the second half,” he said.
“I think every week we’ve been getting better and slowly we’re seeing more chance for us, (and) less silly goals at the back as well which always helps.
“A special mention to Gus (Hoefsloot), the goalkeeper and Mitch Glasson who’s just made his NPL men’s debut. We got a really young squad this year but some boys with really bright futures.”
Whilst Van Weeran was happy with the performance, Central Coast Mariners player Nicholas Duarte had a different outlook on the game.
“It was a good match, the boys played well and felt like we put up a fight,” Duarte said.
“It is a little frustrating sometimes though as we do dominate some teams, love to attack but it sour attack that needs a little more work.”
Central Coast Mariners will travel back home next week to go up against Mt Druitt Town Rangers, while Sydney FC will have a difficult task competing against first-place Sydney United 58.
Match Stats
Sydney FC 3 (Harbas 35’ 80’, Glasson 83’)
Central Coast Mariners FC 1 (Kuzevski 39’)
Sunday 12 March, 2023
Valentine Sports Park
Referee: Craig Fisher
Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki and Matthew Harris
Fourth Official: Blake Sanchez-Cruz
Sydney FC: 4. Nathan Paull 8. Kealey Adamson 9. Luka Smyth (16. Will Kennedy 64’) 10. Alen Harbas (7. Ben Gibson 89’) 11. Clayton Taylor 13. Hayden Matthews 18. Oscar Priestman (c) 21. Louis Agosti (14. Ayouk Mow 76’) 26. Zane Schreiber (28. Mitchell Glasson 64’) 30. Gus Hoefsloot (GK) 34. Max Buratto (24. Jayden Trenkoski 64’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Max Vartuli (GK)
Yellow Cards: Oscar Preistman 19’ Zane Schrieber 59’ Nathan Paull 65’ Ayouk Moy 90+2’
Red Cards: Nil
Central Coast Mariners FC: 2. Sasha Kuzevski (9. Miguel Di Pizio 83’) 3. Joshua Hong 4. Dean Larson (c) 6. James Bayliss 7. Gianni Di Pizio (21. Maksim Kasalovic 76’) 8. Lachlan Bayliss 11. Bailey Brandtman (10. Nicholas Duarte 53’) 15. Jordan Segreto 17. George Daniel 22. Zac Zoricich 30. Patrick Beach (GK)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Anthony Pavlesic (GK) 23. William Arnold 37. Dylan Susovic
Yellow Cards: Lachlan Bayliss 18’ Gianni Di Pizio 42’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3- Gus Hoefsloot (SFC)
2- Nicholas Duarte (CCM)
1- Louis Agosti (SFC)
By Ethan Lee Chalk
