Hungry young Sky Blues down United 58
Sydney FC triumphed over Sydney United 58 with a 3-1 win at the Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
It was a hard-fought first half with end-to-end action, however the young Sky Blues broke ahead in the second stanza to secure three points from the match.
The opening goal came from Joe Lacey in the 49th minute and was quickly followed by an equaliser from Mason Wells in the 53rd minute.
Another Sydney FC goal came from Joseph Calusic in the 62nd minute and Mathias Macallister finished the scoring with a third goal for the hosts in the 80th minute.
There was plenty of end-to-end action in the first quarter of the match, but the first real chance came in the 23rd minute from the Sky Blues.
Corey Cronin’s run down the left flank set the hosts up for a chance, followed by a well-placed cross to Mathias Macallister.
Macallister managed to connect and sent the ball towards the target, but a brilliant save from United 58s custodian Tristian Prendergast kept the youngsters at bay.
The resulting corner didn’t present another opportunity for Sydney FC as United took calm control and cleared the possibility of any danger.
The experienced Mario Shabow shot forward for the visitors, playing on to Matthew Hatch who looked for a teammate in a central position.
Sydney FC was able to clear the chance, earning the visitors a corner for their efforts, however they couldn’t bring a shot to fruition.
Mason Wells sent an impressive shot towards goal in the 28th minute, however Cremen-Cowan was able to collect.
The visitors continued searching, with Hatch playing off Patrick Antelmi to create a chance, however he passed back to Antelmi who tried to get off a shot but was blocked by Sydney FCs defence.
Carlos De Oliveira looked for a goal in the 38th minute, however his effort flew above the crossbar.
Antelmi nearly got his side on the scoreboard in the 44th minute, but was again denied by Sydney FC, leaving both sides heading to the half-time break with a goalless deadlock.
Sydney FC came back from the break with hunger, finding their way onto the scoreboard just four minutes into the second stanza.
Cronin made a fast-paced run down the left flank before cutting across to Lacey who didn’t hesitate in sending the shot into the netting in the 49th minute.
The visitors didn’t wait long to respond, netting an equaliser in the 53rd minute.
United 58 captain Adrian Vlastelica sent a long ball to Wells on the right edge of the box.
Wells used his footwork to manoeuvre through Sydney FCs defence and set his shot over the line.
Sydney FC looked poised for another in the 56th minute as Taye Hedley sent a strike towards target from a corner, however Hatch managed an impressive clearance to deny the hosts of a second goal.
Another corner for the hosts in the 62nd minute saw them break ahead once again.
A well-delivered corner from Lacey met the head of Calusic who neatly nodded home a goal to take back the lead for Sydney FC.
A free kick to United 58 in the 65th minute gave the visitors an opportunity, however De Oliveira’s shot curled just wide of the goal.
Sydney United 58’s Michael Glassock sent a ball over the line in the 68th minute, however referee Stephen Lucas ruled a foul on Cremen-Cowan before the goal.
Macallister all but put the nail in the coffin in the 79th minute, taking the hosts to three after shooting from outside the 18-yard-box with little pressure to stop him.
Match Stats
Sydney FC 3 (Lacey 49’, Calusic 62’, Macallister 80’)
Sydney United 58 FC 1 (Wells 53’)
Sunday 16 February, 2025
Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale
Referee: Stephen Lucas
Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch & Matthew Harris
Fourth Official: Daniel Cornofsky
Sydney FC: 1. Jacob Cremen-Cowan, 4. Joseph Calusic (22. Will Kennedy 63’), 5. Corey Cronin, 6. Tyler Williams, 9. Mathias Macallister, 10. Taye Hedley (15. Samual Lancaster 90’), 14. Jared Middleton, 24. Wataru Kamijo (26. Dylan Rose 73’), 25. Alen Harbas, 27. Lachlan Middleton, 29. Joe Lacey (2. Noah Mathie 63’)
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Alexander Zaverdinos, 16. Jack Ruy
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney United 58 FC: 1. Tristan Prednergast, 3. Bailey Rule (37. Luke Zuvela 66’), 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 8. Mario Shabow (29. Joshua Attard, 82’), 9. Patrick Antelmi (16. Anthony Krilic 66’), 10. Carlos De Oliveira, 11. Matthew Hatch, 15. Tariq Maia, 17. Michael Glassock, 22. Stephan De Robillard (32. Leroy Jennings 72’), 23. Mason Wells
Substitutes Not Used: 14. Liam McGing, 31. Josip Orlovic
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Corey Cronin
2 – Joseph Calusic
1 – Mathias Macallister
-By Madeline Riley
