Harbour Views | It’s Finals time, well almost
After 27 regular season games, the Hyundai A-league enters the home straight. Normally for my beloved Sydney Fc, this has meant either a do or die elimination final or the beginning of next seasons planning. However with Graham Arnold involved, things are far from normal for the sky blues who finished on a club record points tally of 50 points.
Wellington Away
One of the great mysteries of Sydney Fc’s season has been the difference between their home and away form. Away from home, the team look almost unbeatable at the moment, playing with little pressure has seemed to bring out the best. This was again evident when the sky blues sealed 2nd place on the table up with a very professional performance. In fact that’s not much else to say about that game. It was opened up by one of Ibini’s now trademark stunners as he picked the ball up on the half way line and again made a darting run which concluded in a powerful left foot shot which gave the keeper no chance. The second goal came from a penalty which Naumoff cleverly won, only for Smeltz to deliver what would be the killer blow calmly putting the ball in the back of the net. The only negative for Sydney was the failure to concentrate from an early Phoenix corner in the second half which cost a goal and the giving away of what turned out to be a harmless penalty.
Other club news
It’s been quite the busy week since the Wellington clash. On return to Sydney the club has hosted the annual sky blue ball highlighted by the naming of the team of the decade and confirmed a signing for next season.
In terms of the awards it was a clean sweep for Milos Dimitrijevic and deservedly so. The Serbian midfielder will certainly find himself in line for a contract renewal after the finals time. The clubs golden boot went to Marc Janko, youth player of the year went to George Blackwood and dynamic w-league striker Jasmyne Spencer won W-league player of the year. The team of the decade is as follows, Clint Bolton (GK) – Sebastian Ryall, Simon Colosimo, Mark Rudan, Alvin Ceccoli – Terry McFlynn – Karol Kisel, Alex Brosque – Steve Corica © – Alessandro Del Piero and Marc Janko. Subs: Vedran Janjetovic, Byun Sung-hwan, Milos Dimitrijevic, Terry Antonis, Dwight Yorke.
In terms of the signing, Andrew Hoole from the Newcastle Jets was confirmed on a two year deal. The Jets player of the season will sure add quality to the sky blues when he joins the squad next month.
Next Fixture: Sydney Fc vs Highest placed elimination final winner. Next Saturday 7:30pm.
Image: www.theworldgame.com.au
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