2025-03-30, 02:23 PM - Word count: 235
Sydney City achieved a resounding third place in the SSL academy this season, totalling 7 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses. After starting the season with a rough loss conceding 2 late goals to Adowa Accra, Sydney went on to have a mixed run earning wins, losses, and draws. Eventually Sydney found their footing going forward with a front 4 in Louis Ashworth, Harold Haroldinho, and Ryan Van Eyndhoven with Kim Minjeong leading the line, and a midfield pivot of Andre Caetano and Esa Nakha. Despite some big wins at home over the likes of Istanbul FK and PS Jakarta, Sydney suffered humbling losses too, notably a 6-2 defeat to league champions Port Royal.
Sydney's system featured Ashworth and Van Eyndhoven out wide cutting in, with Minjeong and Haroldinho dropping deeper to accomodate. Caetano would make runs into the left half-space, with Nakha making the plays. Minjeong and Ashworth got the goals, netting 8 and 7 respectively, with Nakha and Van Eyndhoven getting 8 and 7 assists. The setup also featured a prolific corner routine, with centre-half Mike Rup heading in 4 goals from corner kicks by Axel Blaze and Esa Nakha.
All in all, despite ocassionally lacking clinicality in the final third and defensive structure, Sydney managed to pull together a solid season. It is certain that bright futures await Sydney's academy graduates in the major and minor leagues.
Sydney's system featured Ashworth and Van Eyndhoven out wide cutting in, with Minjeong and Haroldinho dropping deeper to accomodate. Caetano would make runs into the left half-space, with Nakha making the plays. Minjeong and Ashworth got the goals, netting 8 and 7 respectively, with Nakha and Van Eyndhoven getting 8 and 7 assists. The setup also featured a prolific corner routine, with centre-half Mike Rup heading in 4 goals from corner kicks by Axel Blaze and Esa Nakha.
All in all, despite ocassionally lacking clinicality in the final third and defensive structure, Sydney managed to pull together a solid season. It is certain that bright futures await Sydney's academy graduates in the major and minor leagues.
