Young Sydney FC star Joel Chianese predicted the Sky Blues could give the A-League championship a shake after his double helped ensure their spot in the finals on Sunday.
Chianese’s first-half brace set the scene for a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Allianz Stadium, as the Sky Blues trumped the Jets to the last finals spot on offer in front of 14,494 fans.
With scores locked at 1-1, Chianese struck twice in the space of three minutes to give Sydney a 3-1 halftime lead and a foot in the finals.
The Sky Blues had to endure some nervy late moments though, after Jobe Wheelhouse’s 84th minute goal gave hope to Newcastle, who needed only a draw to reach the finals.
But Sydney held on and climbed above Melbourne Heart into fifth spot to set up a showdown with fourth-placed Wellington in an elimination final in New Zealand on Friday night.
While the two-times champions’ final hopes have been hanging by a thread in recent weeks and months, Chianese said the sky was now the limit.
“I think we can go all the way,” the 22-year-old said.
“We’re going to take every game as it comes but we (are a chance) if we play like tonight, where every player, whether they started or came off the bench, gave it 100 per cent.
“I think we can give it a shake in the finals.”
The result extended the tenure of outgoing coach Vitezslav Lavicka by at least another game before the Czech coach vacates the role reportedly offered to Central Coast coach Graham Arnold for next season.
Lavicka was given an official farewell before Sunday’s game, with the 2009/10 title-winning coach receiving a warm ovation from fans, and he was delighted with his players’ response.
“It was a special, emotional game for me,” Lavicka said.
“I have a couple of great memories (here) … but this night was one of the biggest.”
Sydney were ahead after only 11 minutes, with Bruno Cazarine firing a powerful header into the net after a superb curling cross from Brett Emerton, who was immense for the home side along with fellow marquee star Nick Carle.
Michael Bridges equalised in the 26th minute but Newcastle’s joy was short-lived as Chianese’s double put Sydney on the brink.
Sydney were in control for most of the second half before Wheelhouse ensured a grandstand finish, but they ultimately left it too late.
It was a disappointing end to a dramatic campaign for the Jets, who had coach Branko Culina sacked on the eve of the season and replaced by Gary van Egmond.
“It wouldn’t be normal if something didn’t happen at the Newcastle Jets,” Wheelhouse said.
“I think we’ve been through a fair bit of adversity again this year but we’re a pretty strong group of players.
“It’s just disappointing that we’ve failed at the final hurdle because I think there’s no doubt we’re good enough to play in the six.”
mds1970
Roar Guru
I thought both crowds looked about the same; but the number announced at the Victory game definately looked inflated. Maybe they took a couple of thousand off Sunday's number to balance out the over-announced crowd last time. I tend to agree. It's been a few years since Sydney FC have won in Wellington, I suspect this could be a bridge too far. Winning the comp's a hard ask. To even make the prelim final they'd have to do Wellington and Perth away back to back; so that's a lot of flight time.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
This would be good for Glory as Sydney are a bit of a bogey side for us.
Roger
Guest
My prediction - Sydney FC will lose in Wellington, and that will be that.
Jupiter53
Guest
Emerton certainly has come into form at the right time; that was a great performance from him. Carle was excellent as well, Chianese is getting better with each game and Bruno showed that if he is given decent service he can actually score. The problem for Sydney though is that we are going to leak 1-3 goals per match. The defence usually has a mad moment in every game, and defensively the midfield is not reliable. That is, except for poor old Terry McFlynn who can be relied upon to give away free kicks in dangerous positions and to miss crucial tackles - see how Zadkovich went past him to set up the first goal as though he was standing still [what a surprise - he was standing still!]. It's possible for Sydney to go further, indeed all the way if our marquees continue at this level and get reasonable support in attack. But it would need either dramatic improvement in the defence, or remarkable profligacy by opposition attacks, or some degree of both. While there's life there's hope; but I won't be betting on us. It was good though to take 4 teenage boys to their first A League game, and for them to tell me afterwards: "it was great, when can we come again".
Midfielder
Guest
The Smurfs are capable with the salary cap all the teams are sorta the same standard ... no team is full of stars...
pete4
Guest
Sydney FC have had a stop and start season so far IMO. But as they say finals are another competition as I can see them pinching a result in Wellington
David Jones
Roar Rookie
Went to the game and it was great, Joel had a good game amd is improving. Bit overconfident about going all the way and odds are against them. They'll do well just to beat WP in NZ. Re the crowd figure, there seemed to be more people there than at the Victory game, which we went to as well, and very surprised when they announced the attendance.