Sydney United made it two wins from two by holding on to beat Roma 1-0.
Both teams were eager to chalk up their second good result of the tournament after wins yesterday; a cagey opening was always likely. The first chance fell to Roma’s Tate Dolan who intercepted a misplaced pass from the centre of defence, but couldn’t convert.
However, it was Sydney who took the lead, slightly against the run of play. Mirza Muratovic latched on to a long ball down the right hand side before teeing up Liam Ivancic who slid the ball in off the post.
In truth, Roma had most of the chances and dominated possession, but they couldn’t fashion a clear chance. Sydney goalkeeper, Jacob Botic, making a few routine saves. Roma became frustrated by Sydney’s resolute defence, which was evident when Roma’s John Murphy was cautioned for dissent after taking a free kick too quickly. His retaken attempt forced a good save from Botic.
After being under the cosh for much of the opening half, Sydney came out brightly in the second, Muratovic again attacking the Roma backline with his pace.
However, it wasn’t long before Roma came back into the match and started to dominate once more; Roma striker Josh Sargent sent in a dangerous cross, but no one was able to get on the end of it. Sargent looked most likely to get Roma on level terms, but he couldn’t find the breakthrough, he saw his next effort go high and wide.
But it was Sydney who came closest to the second goal of the game, substitute Paolo Laxamana crossed to the unmarked Ivancic who drew an excellent save from the Roma goalkeeper.
Ultimately Sydney withstood the pressure and held on to win. They go into tomorrow’s game against Sheffield United, where they will hope that a win is enough to take them into the semi-finals of the Milk Cup.
Ben Smith