In the second match day of the FFA Cup’s Round of 16, Sydney United 58 will host arguably the biggest match in their history as they take on Sydney FC. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 7:30pm (AEST).
Fans will flock to Edensor Park as the A-Leagues glamour side attempts to sweep aside its less famous opposition.
Both teams’ coaches are in some way connected to the side that they will take on in this round making the match all the more significant. In one corner Mark Rudan and the other Graham Arnold.
Mark Rudan is the coach of Sydney United 58 and will look to bring down the club that he captained for several years. Rudan played more than 60 games for Sydney FC but will take no mercy as he aims to take Sydney United 58 through to the quarterfinals of the inaugural FFA Cup.
Graham Arnold on the other hand played 178 games for Sydney United 58 (Sydney Croatia) during the 1980’s scoring 68 goals. Arnold is without a doubt one of the clubs legends but will remain a firm enemy in the eyes of the loyal Sydney United fans.
On the pitch, expect a mouthwatering matchup with both sides desperate to get their name on the Cup.
At the heart of Sydney United 58’s defence is former Sydney FC player Nathan Sherlock. After being released two seasons ago by the Sky Blues, Sherlock moved to Sydney United 58 and has played more than 40 matches being one of their most consistent players.
Sherlock will be looking for a big match against his former team and must perform to his maximum potential if he is to stop a quality Sydney FC attack which will be spearheaded by inform striker Corey Gameiro.
Gameiro has taken part in 10 pre-season matches for the Sky Blues scoring an impressive 12 goals. After a lackluster 2013/14 season that was plagued by injuries, Gameiro will be hoping for a huge season under Arnold and has started in red-hot form. If Gameiro continues his impressive form in front of goal, the Sydney United faithful could be in for a long night.
Sydney FC should continue their red-hot pre-season form and have too much class for Sydney United 58.
In saying this, expect Mark Rudan’s men to hand it to Sydney FC early but lack the quality to sustain it for the full 90 minutes.
Prediction:
Sydney FC 3-1 Sydney United 58
Join me from 7:15pm for updates and live scores.
Bondy
Guest
j binnie Excellent mate thats why I posed the question, I couldn't recall the red and white checks and or possibly the checks could've been used as an away kit for either club, though I dont think so ...
j binnie
Guest
Bondy - I have unearthed a photograph of Alan Davidson in his playing days at Melbourne Croatia 1987 to 1992 or Knights,97,98. He is dressed in a strip identical to the one Sydney United were wearing last night but unfortunately the photograph did not have a date so it could have been taken in either time frame. Best I can do. Cheers jb
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Thanks, jb. Thanks for that info about the crowd in the NSL days. I would have accepted Robbie's statement at face value, so it's good to have some cold, hard facts.
j binnie
Guest
Bondy - A good question which I think there are people better qualified than I to answer.I got out of the NSL after the "Lowy debacle" in 1983 so my memory of what Melbourne may have worn previous to the "enforced ' changes is rather vague.Personally I don't mind the chequered strip or for that ,matter the strip Sydney wore last night I think both are colourful and eye catching.Sorry I could not help you with your question. jb
Bondy
Guest
j binnie Did Melbourne Croatia play in red and white checks in the old NSL ? .....
Bondy
Guest
AZ_RBB Predictions to advance to the semi's : 1. Syd FC 2. Perth Glory 3. Central Coast 4 . Bentleigh Greens .....
Arto
Guest
If it's according to the chronology of the draw then SFC v AU is the first match on Oct 14 - just 3 days after their opening HAL game against MCFC (potentially with David Villa in the team!) and just before the first Sydney Derby of the season on Oct 18!!! What a week of football that could be for SFC!!!! :-)
j binnie
Guest
Fuss - Agreed,great crowd for an entertainng game but couldn't help smile when Robbie Slater described the "five figure "crowds that used to be attracted to the stadium when he played there in the late 80.s. Checked out his claim and found the biggest home crowd United had in season 1987 was 8558 and the average over 11 home games was 6262.!!!!!!! How time plays tricks with the memory. By the way I won't go into the following season when gates dived dramatically. Thought Mark Rudin did an excellent job in preparing his team both tactically and mentally for the task at hand and I thought it somewhat amusing to see G Arnold showing his frustration when playing against a team using the same tactical formation he perfected while at CCM. It took 3 superb individual goals to finally break down United's resolve. Cheers jb
josh
Guest
Football is popular, in some parts of Western Sydney football is a religion. AFL is non-existent and never will be a part of the landscape.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Any thoughts on venues for the quarters? I reckon. SFC v Adelaide @ SFS Perth v MVFC @ Nib Palm Beach v Central Coast @ Gold Coast Bentleigh v Adelaide City @ Kingston Heath (I assume it's up to scratch, the South Springvale game there did look a little shoddy on camera) Not fussed with timing. Tipping a SFC v MVFC final here.
MRL
Guest
Everyone knows football is much more popular compared to AFL in western Sydney. No need to rub it in. (Good point though!).
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
It's obvious you've never tried to get to Edensor Park, it's a hard place to get to if you're anywhere but in western Sydney already. Keep your shirt on, you're too eager to fire in the Sydney-Melbourne war.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Crowd of 8125 for a mid-week match featuring a semi-pro team. Even with millions of marketing dollars & free tickets, allegedly the biggest professional sporting competition in Australia can't draw such crowds on the week-end in the same area of Sydney.
Michael Georgiou
Roar Guru
Quarter-Final Draw: Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United Perth Glory vs. Melbourne Victory Palm Beach Sharks vs. Central Coast Mariners Bentleigh Greens vs. Adelaide City Good-luck to your side!
RBBAnonymous
Guest
A lot closer than the scoreline suggests. It was a pretty decent match with two goals from the top drawer from Naumoff. Sydney United hold your heads up, a great performance. Thats what the FFA cup is about. Very tidy little stadium too. Looks in great shape.
Michael Georgiou
Roar Guru
Thanks for Joining me tonight! Stay around for the FFA Cup Quarter-final draw which will be conducted very shortly!
josh
Guest
It always happens when they come up against well organised fans, the NT protests last season must have lulled them into a false sense of superiority.
Fadida
Guest
8k. Great crowd though it looked like 50% were SFC. Where are the 10k "old soccer" fans?
Michael Georgiou
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME SCORES: Palm Beach Sharks: 1 South Springvale: 0 Sydney United 58: 1 Sydney FC: 3 St. Alban Saints: 1 Perth Glory: 4 Adelaide United: 2 Brisbane Roar: 0
Michael Georgiou
Roar Guru
That's full time here at Sydney United Sports Centre! Man of the Match has to go to Christopher Naumoff for two sensational strikes! Bernie Ibini played very well with Gersbach and Abbas putting in strong showings! Full credit to Mark Rudan's men! They put in a great showing against a top flight side! Pavlovic and Costa were amongst their best tonight! A sensational game here at Sydney United Sports Centre. Great crowd and atmosphere with some lovely football being played.