ID :
77723
Mon, 08/31/2009 - 14:59
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/77723
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Sydney FC rise to top of A-League
Sydney FC moved to the top of the A-League ladder with a 2-0 win over Wellington
Phoenix at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Late goals to substitute Brendon Gan and star striker John Aloisi turned what had
been a frustrating afternoon for Sydney against a determined Phoenix defence.
The win moved Vitezslav Lavicka's side a point clear atop the competition after Gold
Coast United were stunned by Newcastle Jets earlier on Sunday.
Sydney had enjoyed the better of the chances but looked headed for a second
successive scoreless draw before Gan broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.
The promising midfielder, who came on in the first half in place of injured
midfielder Terry McFlynn (corked thigh), fired in a header from a Karol Kisel corner
to send the 11,718 home fans into raptures.
Aloisi then put the result beyond doubt just four minutes later with his third goal
of the season, steering a header past Phoenix 'keeper Reece Crowther after Alex
Brosque had broken down the left flank.
Although unable to find any real rhythm, Sydney were on top for most of the match
but couldn't find the net against a Phoenix defence.
Striker Mark Bridge, making his first start of the season with Lavicka opting to
play two up front, had the first shot on goal with a close range header from a Sung
Hwan-Byun cross in the fifth minute.
Bridge came close again four minutes later after an embarrassing gaffe from
Crowther, who allowed Bridge to close down his clearance and go within centimetres
of scoring.
Aloisi, Simon Colosimo and Kofi Danning all had half-chances but it was Gan who went
closest, proving his prowess in the air by forcing a brilliant save from Crowther
with a headed effort similar to his goal.
Wellington finally got a shot on target early in the second period, with Michael
Ferrante testing Clint Bolton with a curling long-range effort before Kisel grazed
the bar with free-kick after Brosque had been brought down just outside the area.
The menacing Gan came agonisingly close again with a powerful low drive sliding just
across the face of goal before he finally found the target to break the stalemate.
Phoenix at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Late goals to substitute Brendon Gan and star striker John Aloisi turned what had
been a frustrating afternoon for Sydney against a determined Phoenix defence.
The win moved Vitezslav Lavicka's side a point clear atop the competition after Gold
Coast United were stunned by Newcastle Jets earlier on Sunday.
Sydney had enjoyed the better of the chances but looked headed for a second
successive scoreless draw before Gan broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.
The promising midfielder, who came on in the first half in place of injured
midfielder Terry McFlynn (corked thigh), fired in a header from a Karol Kisel corner
to send the 11,718 home fans into raptures.
Aloisi then put the result beyond doubt just four minutes later with his third goal
of the season, steering a header past Phoenix 'keeper Reece Crowther after Alex
Brosque had broken down the left flank.
Although unable to find any real rhythm, Sydney were on top for most of the match
but couldn't find the net against a Phoenix defence.
Striker Mark Bridge, making his first start of the season with Lavicka opting to
play two up front, had the first shot on goal with a close range header from a Sung
Hwan-Byun cross in the fifth minute.
Bridge came close again four minutes later after an embarrassing gaffe from
Crowther, who allowed Bridge to close down his clearance and go within centimetres
of scoring.
Aloisi, Simon Colosimo and Kofi Danning all had half-chances but it was Gan who went
closest, proving his prowess in the air by forcing a brilliant save from Crowther
with a headed effort similar to his goal.
Wellington finally got a shot on target early in the second period, with Michael
Ferrante testing Clint Bolton with a curling long-range effort before Kisel grazed
the bar with free-kick after Brosque had been brought down just outside the area.
The menacing Gan came agonisingly close again with a powerful low drive sliding just
across the face of goal before he finally found the target to break the stalemate.
