Melbourne City has exited the Westfield FFA Cup, going down to Sydney FC on Tuesday night. See our match recap.
Starting XI
City handed starting debuts to Iacopo La Rocca and Eugene Galekovic as the duo made up a backline that included a back three of Michael Jakobsen and Bart Schenkeveld.
No Bruno Fornaroli meant Stefan Mauk would start in the false nine position while Osama Malik returned to the eleven from the Hakoah match.
Marcelo Carrusca would also start on the bench after singing for the Club this week, making his debut in the second half.
What Happened
City raced out of the blocks early and were on the offensive in the opening minute as Mauk’s cutback was cut out by a desperate Brandon O’Neil.
From that moment, the home side took control of the contest, flexing their muscle through Johnny Warren Medalist Milos Ninkovic and new signing Adrian Mierzejewski and the latter would be the catalyst for the opener as he was fouled on the edge of the area after seven minutes.Dutchman Jordi Buijs would step up to the ball as he went up and over the wall to net the opener.
As the visitors tried to claw their way back in the contest, Sydney continued to push forward with an effort to Michael Zullo on the end of the long ball and a chance for an own goal from the feet from Stefan Mauk had the hosts in control.
Warren Joyce shuffled his cards at the break, changing the formation and bringing on Tim Cahill, hoping that would be the catalyst to spark his side into action.
It almost did the trick after 50 minutes as a brilliant combination saw Bruce Kamau hold the ball on the edge of the area, waiting for the late run of Scott Jamieson at the back post. His ball skidded off the surface to prop up for the fullback as he slammed his effort just over the bar.
It was Sydney however who would double their lead just after Jamieson’s chance, as Alex Brosque would tease an effort against the wind over Galekovic to stretch the home side’s lead.
The introduction of Carrusca saw the Argentinian step over the dead ball and add a different flair to the match, changing the complexion of the match, but City couldn’t find a way through.
A chance in the final stages to Bruce Kamau saw a sharp save from Andrew Redmayne but it wasn’t enough for City who will have to regroup and concentrate on the upcoming A-League season.
What’s next
City will take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in Shepparton on Friday 22 September, kick-off 7.30pm. Get your tickets for the match here.
