A late goal to rising star, Rhyan Grant has steered Sydney FC to a 1-nil win tonight in its friendly against traditional football heavyweight, Sydney United.
The clash with United always promised to provide Sydney with its sternest test so far and it didn-t disappoint, with the State Premier League leader taking it up to its Hyundai A-League opponent from the opening whistle in Edensor Park.
A waterlogged field made fluent play almost impossible for either side, but after enduring the opening storm, Vitezslav Lavicka-s men gradually began to gain control of the contest. The pitch conditions ensured chances were few and far between, however, and the two teams headed to the sheds at half time with the scores still locked at nil all.
It was more of the same at the start of the second stanza but the Sky Blues- class started to shine through as the time ticked away.
Several times the (Hyundai) A-League outfit came close to breaking the deadlock in the closing stages, with the best chance falling to midfield maestro, Karol Kisel. While he failed to find the net himself, the 32-year old was instrumental in setting up Sydney-s winner.
In the shadows of full-time the Slovak international got in behind United-s right-side defence then provided a precision pass inside to Grant. Receiving the ball on the spot, the teenager delivered a left foot strike that gave the keeper no hope, sealing a hard-fought win for Sydney FC.
After strengthening ties with one of the Australian football-s traditional teams, Sydney will now turn its attention to a new arrival on the scene. This Saturday (June 27) the unbeaten Sky Blues will play their first friendly against Hyundai A-League opposition when they host competition newcomers, the North Queensland Fury in Cronulla.
The game gets underway at 7pm at Shark Park, following a curtain-raiser between State Premier League sides, Sutherland and Marconi.
