Sydney FC have eased to another win in new coach Steve Corica’s second game in charge, dispatching NSW NPL side Sutherland Sharks 3-0 at Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah on Wednesday night.
New loan signing Daniel De Silva started and got through 70 minutes on his debut, looking impressive in the playmaking role.
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The Sky Blues were the dominant team during the first half with the majority of the possession and chances but only opened the scoring a minute before the interval.
Persistence paid off when Michael Zullo’s deflected cross found Trent Buhagiar who hit a first-time effort past the keeper into the bottom right corner.
It was the pacy winger’s second goal in as many games for his new club since his off-season switch from the Central Coast Mariners.
Sydney FC continued to dominate after the break and saw off the Sharks late in the game with late goals from Charles Lokoli-ngoy and Brandon O’Neill.
Substitute Lokoli-ngoy struck with 12 minutes left, breaking clear of a defender and sprinting into the box before producing a calm finish for his first goal of the pre-season.
Then with just four minutes left, Buhagiar won a penalty which O’Neill blasted into the net to complete the scoring.
“I think with the ball we were very good, we played well going forward and good combination play,” Corica said after the match.
“It was good to see Charlie and Trent scoring, as well as Brandon from the penalty spot.
“They’re [the players] getting fitter, it’s only our second game and we need to be ready next for week.
“I’m very pleased that we got no injuries, which is very positive leading into next weeks game.”
Sydney FC begins their FFA Cup title defence next Wednesday with a clash against NPL side Rockdale City.
HOW THEY LINED UP
Sydney FC: 1. Alex CISAK (GK), (30. HEWARD-BELLE 45′), 3. Ben WARLAND, 4. Alex WILKINSON (2. Aaron CALVER 76′), 6. Josh BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO (5. Joel KING 86′), 8. Paulo RETRE, 10. Milos NINKOVIC (35. Cameron DELVIN 70′), 11. Danny DE SILVA (26. Seb GALLEGOS 70′), 12. Trent BUHAGIAR, 13. Brandon O’NEILL, 14. Alex BROSQUE (C) (21. Charles LOKOLI-NGOY 76′).
Substitution Not Used: 16. Jerry SKOTADIS, 17. Jordan SWIBEL, 18. Patrick FLOTTMANN.
