Sydney FC have started their A-League title defence with a narrow victory over Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
Final score
Melbourne Victory 0
Sydney FC 1
If tonight’s blockbuster between defending premiers Sydney FC and finalists Melbourne Victory is anything like last season’s A-League grand final, fans should be in for a treat. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
Despite their complete dominance during the regular season, it took a dramatic penalty shootout for the Sky Blues to secure the championship against the Victory in an epic grand final that finished 1-1 in regular time.
Indeed the Victory opened the scoring through Besart Berisha in the grand final and Kevin Muscat’s men had opportunities in extra time to finish Sydney off, proving that Melbourne remains the main threat to Sydney’s ambition for back to back titles.
But if any team can conquer the odds, it’s Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues outfit.
Sydney has managed to retain the bulk of their grand final winning team, including Brazilian striker Bobo, who scored 15 goals last campaign, and Johnny Warren Medal winner Milos Ninkovic, while they’ve also acquired the likes of former Socceroos star Luke Wilkshire and Polish international midfielder Adrian Mierzejewski.
Furthermore, they aren’t losing any players to International duty this week – in deep contrast to Victory, who are without Mark Milligan, James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses.
Victory again start the season with a formidable squad on paper, but the loss of the aforementioned trio for the first game – along with star winger Marco Rojas departing for the Netherlands – does hurt them, especially for such a big opening round game.
Kevin Muscat, like most A-League managers, has been busy in the transfer market, with the pick of his recruits for 2017/18 including Dutch attacker Leroy George, who can play either as a winger or striker, and Argentine central midfielder Matias Sanchez, a former Under 20s international for his country. Australian fullback Rhys Williams is also a tremendous coup.
While Victory again look like one of the leading challengers for the premiership, they have been hurt by the timing of the season’s launch coinciding with the international break.
Sydney has only gotten stronger this season and appears to be the team to beat once again.
At home, however, the Victory have what it takes to secure the three points – at full strength. Without Troisi, Milligan and Barbarouses however, the hosts may struggle to against the team they very nearly defeated when everything was on the line last season.
Sydney to win 2-1
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
But you have to balance that against the muted start to the season, getting over 24k in an A-League game is always very good.
Pablo
Guest
yep, bloke's a right tosser
Boban Fett
Guest
Bring back the North Terrace/Southern Death Crew!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Have you seen mine? we are a perfect pair.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I probably have a head for radio - I'll ask the missus, she'll tell it to me straight :)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Stevo, I think you and I could be the Roy and HG of the A-League. Some of your calls, names and quirks are superb. I could play the straight man and we could get a gig on the radio somewhere. What do you think?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
He lacks the class to do that job Hogdriller, no doubt. No reason to spit the dummy in round one. Not like they were robbed with bad decisions. Show some maturity.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
SFC show they're the team to beat yet again.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
mmmmmm disappointing really considering the Victory Membership.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
So, Muscat can't even stand to shake hands at games end? Just goes to show how wrong I, and others on this site are wrong to suggest Muscat for NT coach.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
Big Blue attendance: 24, 804
Alan
Roar Guru
It wasn't the most convincing of performances but reigning premiers Sydney FC still start their title defence with a win over Melbourne Victory away from home. The Victory were the better team in the first half but failed with the final ball or touch on numerous occasions. Sydney grew into the game and by the start of the second half, were firmly on top. An own goal from Geria brought the match to life as Sydney began bombarding the Victory goal. Bobo should have scored from point blank range but somehow missed with his header while Thomas produced a fine save to his left to keep the score at one nil. The Victory had chances of their own but Berisha's poor touch on occasion cost the home team dearly. The Albanian striker was played through on one occasion in the second half but failed to secure possession with only the keeper to beat. Overall, the Victory toiled hard and will be frustrated not to secure at least a draw as they finished strongly. Sydney however stood tall in defence yet again with plenty of bodies in the area producing vital blocks to keep Melbourne at bay. Sydney's title defence off to the perfect start. Melbourne once again have to lick their wounds but should improve with a full squad to pick from next week. Victory 0 Sydney 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Nice shot Donachie.......you fool.....pressure was building.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Victory 0 Sydney 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Holy cow! great block Sydney. Victory surging home.
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Redmayne claims a cross as Melbourne continue to press for an equaliser. Sydney always with bodies in the way! Victory 0 Sydney 1
Stevo
Roar Rookie
The Falcon and the Albanian.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
5 mins for Matt Simon to do something
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Calls for handball in the area and it looked likely as well but on replay the ball came off the defender's head. Sydney suffering as the game adds on another five minutes of extra time. Victory 0 Sydney 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Simon yet to make an impact.