2025-02-14, 04:41 PM - Word count:
It's the 86th minute in Sydney City's opening game against Adowa Accra. Striker Kim Minjeong has just grabbed a late goal, heading home from a resounding cross by right-back Fabian Mao. There's pandemonium among the players and fans; surely they've started their season with a big win! However, 10 minutes and 2 goals later, Sydney take home zero points, and the club is left wondering what had just happened.
But not to worry, because Sydney bounce back immediately with a convincing 4-2 win in their second game against Victoria Falls. So, what changed? Was it a tactical overhaul, or maybe just a few adjustments? Had some new players made an immediate impact, or had Sydney just started their season off with a bad day at the office? Let's take a look.
REO MIKAGE
The star of the show against Victoria was undoubtedly Reo Mikage. The left-midfielder made 4 key passes, created 2 big chances, and attempted 14 crosses, rather impressively considering his right footedness. Mikage was also clinical enough to hammer in his first shot of the game from a rebound after a corner kick. He had also put in a shift against Adowa, against whom he made 1 big chance and 2 key passes, receiving a 7.0 match rating from analysts, however, this was nothing compared to his 9.2 rated masterclass against Victoria.
RYAN VAN EYNDHOVEN
Ryan Van Endyhoven started against Victoria Falls in a rather unfamilar deep-lying midfield position, accomodating for new signing Harold Haroldinho on the right wing. Van Endyhoven stepped in to occupy a much more advanced position than Andre Caetano had, who sat deep next to Lachlan Martin against Adowa Accra. This paved the way for much more creativity in the final third, with him completing 48 passes. Being out of position did not stop Van Endyhoven from making his mark, as he managed to score a magnificent curler shot and made 1 key pass, receiving a 7.9 match rating. Despite his much deeper role, Van Endyhoven's presence in the final third was definitely felt, and his Beckham-esque goal ought to live rent free in the Victoria defenders' heads.
ANDRE CAETANO
Sydney skipper Andre Caetano partnered Van Endyhoven in midfield, making 3 key passes, creating 1 clear-cut chance, and completing 50 passes. His midfield expertise helped Sydney dominate the pitch, with Caetano contributing to both offence, defence, and possession play in his box-to-box role. This was a step-up from his more defensive ball-winning position against Adowa, with Caetano surging upfield much more often against Victoria. We expect his new-found partnership with Van Endyhoven to be further explored by the Sydneysiders, albeit lacking defensive stability at times. The captain's valiant performance in midfield was rewarded with a solid 7.1 match rating.
KIM MINJEONG
Star striker Kim Minjeong confidently scored a brace against Victoria, marking three goals in two games, converting all three of his attempted shots among both games. Kim also chipped in with 2 key passes and 1 big chance and tormented the Victoria defenders for the full 90 minutes with constant pressure. He received a whopping 8.7 match rating for his efforts in front of goal, up from 6.9 against Adowa.
LOUIS ASHWORTH
Attacker Louis Ashworth started against Victoria behind striker Kim Minjeong, off-centre to the left, giving him the freedom to cut in onto his right foot albeit not in his preferred left-wing position. His performance was rather tame compared to that against Adowa, where he completed 9 dribbles and scored a wondergoal from the edge of the box, capitalising on an early mistake from the defence. His ball-carrying ability was also seen in initiating the attack that saw Kim Minjeong score. In contrast, he made 1 key pass and created 1 big chance against Victoria, completing 2 dribbles. Ashworth is expected to once again step up to the plate in Sydney's next game against Atlético Medellín.
HAROLDO HAROLDINHO
A more offensive right winger was introduced to the Sydney setup in Haroldo Haroldinho who made his debut for the club. He attempted 16 crosses on his dominant right foot, made 4 key passes, and created 1 big chance. Haroldinho also completed 9 dribbles, although may have remained isolated at times due to right-back Fabian Mao's less offensive approach, although we expect him to keep contributing to Sydney City's attacking prowess.
ASKITO SATOSHI
Against Victoria, goalie Askito Satoshi took the role of a traditional keeper rather than a sweeper as seen against Adowa. He had 95% pass completion from 23 attempted, and his new role, where he looked much more confident, was vital in keeping Sydney stable at the back.
MIKE RUP
17-year-old Mike Rup stepped into Sydney's backline and casually had a very good debut. He completed both of his attempted tackles, made 3 interceptions, and 2 clearances. Rup also contributed going forward, making 3 key passes and creating a big chance, capping off his performance with a deserved assist to Van Endyhoven.
To summarise, Sydney's tactical adjustments, though subtle, allowed them to dominate the game back to front. The midfield partnership of Caetano and Van Eyndhoven fluorished in the final third and helped break down counters, supported defensively by debutant Mike Rup and Jack Cahill. Full-backs Axel Blaze and Fabian Mao helped to control possession, firing in 6 and 5 crosses respectively. Leading the line was the clinical Kim Minjeong, backed up the efforts of Louis Ashworth, Harold Haroldinho, and man of the match Reo Mikage.
But not to worry, because Sydney bounce back immediately with a convincing 4-2 win in their second game against Victoria Falls. So, what changed? Was it a tactical overhaul, or maybe just a few adjustments? Had some new players made an immediate impact, or had Sydney just started their season off with a bad day at the office? Let's take a look.
REO MIKAGE
The star of the show against Victoria was undoubtedly Reo Mikage. The left-midfielder made 4 key passes, created 2 big chances, and attempted 14 crosses, rather impressively considering his right footedness. Mikage was also clinical enough to hammer in his first shot of the game from a rebound after a corner kick. He had also put in a shift against Adowa, against whom he made 1 big chance and 2 key passes, receiving a 7.0 match rating from analysts, however, this was nothing compared to his 9.2 rated masterclass against Victoria.
RYAN VAN EYNDHOVEN
Ryan Van Endyhoven started against Victoria Falls in a rather unfamilar deep-lying midfield position, accomodating for new signing Harold Haroldinho on the right wing. Van Endyhoven stepped in to occupy a much more advanced position than Andre Caetano had, who sat deep next to Lachlan Martin against Adowa Accra. This paved the way for much more creativity in the final third, with him completing 48 passes. Being out of position did not stop Van Endyhoven from making his mark, as he managed to score a magnificent curler shot and made 1 key pass, receiving a 7.9 match rating. Despite his much deeper role, Van Endyhoven's presence in the final third was definitely felt, and his Beckham-esque goal ought to live rent free in the Victoria defenders' heads.
ANDRE CAETANO
Sydney skipper Andre Caetano partnered Van Endyhoven in midfield, making 3 key passes, creating 1 clear-cut chance, and completing 50 passes. His midfield expertise helped Sydney dominate the pitch, with Caetano contributing to both offence, defence, and possession play in his box-to-box role. This was a step-up from his more defensive ball-winning position against Adowa, with Caetano surging upfield much more often against Victoria. We expect his new-found partnership with Van Endyhoven to be further explored by the Sydneysiders, albeit lacking defensive stability at times. The captain's valiant performance in midfield was rewarded with a solid 7.1 match rating.
KIM MINJEONG
Star striker Kim Minjeong confidently scored a brace against Victoria, marking three goals in two games, converting all three of his attempted shots among both games. Kim also chipped in with 2 key passes and 1 big chance and tormented the Victoria defenders for the full 90 minutes with constant pressure. He received a whopping 8.7 match rating for his efforts in front of goal, up from 6.9 against Adowa.
LOUIS ASHWORTH
Attacker Louis Ashworth started against Victoria behind striker Kim Minjeong, off-centre to the left, giving him the freedom to cut in onto his right foot albeit not in his preferred left-wing position. His performance was rather tame compared to that against Adowa, where he completed 9 dribbles and scored a wondergoal from the edge of the box, capitalising on an early mistake from the defence. His ball-carrying ability was also seen in initiating the attack that saw Kim Minjeong score. In contrast, he made 1 key pass and created 1 big chance against Victoria, completing 2 dribbles. Ashworth is expected to once again step up to the plate in Sydney's next game against Atlético Medellín.
HAROLDO HAROLDINHO
A more offensive right winger was introduced to the Sydney setup in Haroldo Haroldinho who made his debut for the club. He attempted 16 crosses on his dominant right foot, made 4 key passes, and created 1 big chance. Haroldinho also completed 9 dribbles, although may have remained isolated at times due to right-back Fabian Mao's less offensive approach, although we expect him to keep contributing to Sydney City's attacking prowess.
ASKITO SATOSHI
Against Victoria, goalie Askito Satoshi took the role of a traditional keeper rather than a sweeper as seen against Adowa. He had 95% pass completion from 23 attempted, and his new role, where he looked much more confident, was vital in keeping Sydney stable at the back.
MIKE RUP
17-year-old Mike Rup stepped into Sydney's backline and casually had a very good debut. He completed both of his attempted tackles, made 3 interceptions, and 2 clearances. Rup also contributed going forward, making 3 key passes and creating a big chance, capping off his performance with a deserved assist to Van Endyhoven.
To summarise, Sydney's tactical adjustments, though subtle, allowed them to dominate the game back to front. The midfield partnership of Caetano and Van Eyndhoven fluorished in the final third and helped break down counters, supported defensively by debutant Mike Rup and Jack Cahill. Full-backs Axel Blaze and Fabian Mao helped to control possession, firing in 6 and 5 crosses respectively. Leading the line was the clinical Kim Minjeong, backed up the efforts of Louis Ashworth, Harold Haroldinho, and man of the match Reo Mikage.
