Sydney FC’s season prospects are examined in the latest Westfield W-League team preview.
Sydney FC will be looking to return to their dominant ways this season after a rare season of turmoil.
The Sky Blues stumbled into last year’s semi-finals and were outplayed by Perth Glory in their semi-final.
Now they open a season for the first time without the experienced guiding hand of Alen Stajcic, with former assistant Daniel Barrett assuming the reins late last year.
Sydney FC again look strong and they boast plenty of long-serving personnel who are imbued in the renowned style and spirit of the club.
The club veterans would not be out of place in any side and includes Teigen Allen, Nicola Bolger, Leena Khamis, Ellyse Perry, Teresa Polias and, starting a Westfield W-League campaign for the first time in three seasons, Kyah Simon. Westfield Matildas star Alanna Kennedy has also returned to her hometown club.
Throw in an experienced goalkeeper and No9 in American pair Michelle Betos and Jasmyne Spencer, plus the likes of Westfield Young Matildas skipper Amy Harrison and you have quite a line-up.
It is a tough start to the season for the Sky Blues with the opening month’s opposition including big-spenders Melbourne City, old rivals Canberra United, local challengers Western Sydney Wanderers and 2014 semi-final nemesis Perth Glory.
As always ambitions are high at the Sky Blues, unsurprisingly so given their roster.
“We want to obviously be there on the final day, we want to continue the tradition of success that our great club Sydney FC has had since season one,” Barrett said.
“I have really seen some leaders stand up this year, new voices leading and encouraging our younger ones around the park demanding more and ensuring standards are high. It’s a case of disregard the age of the player because the maturity is there this season.”
Sydney FC
Ins: Michelle Betos (Portland Thorns, USA), Sunny Franco (Brisbane Roar), Alanna Kennedy (Perth Glory), Sham Khamis (Western Sydney Wanderers), Leena Khamis (return from injury), Princess Ibini (FNSW Institute), Lyndsay Kohlet (Bankstown City, NSW)
Outs: Servet Uzunlar (APIA Leichhardt, NSW), Heidi Makrillos (North West Sydney Koalas, NSW), Samantha Johnson (Chicago Red Stars, USA), Casey Dumont (injured), Alyssa Harris (Manly United, NSW), Alesha Clifford (Marconi, NSW), Chloe Logarzo (Newcastle Jets)
