Canberra United’s youth team will look to bounce back from two narrow losses when they take on Sydney FC at Lambert Park on Saturday afternoon in round three of the Foxtel Y-League.
United lead for much of the first game against the Central Coast Mariners before two late, late goals stole a victory for the Mariners and points looked ready to be shared with the Wanderers last weekend only for a stoppage time penalty to scuttle those hopes.
United were struck with some bad news earlier in the week as it was confirmed that Ben Obst had suffered a torn ACL in Saturday’s loss to the Wanderers, but head coach Dean Ugrinic said he is happy with how his side is coming along through the season.
“I’ve been very pleased with how my players have progressed recently,” he said.
“Our first two games have shown we can compete effectively against the best young talent in NSW and arguably we could have come away with up to four points.”
“Our performance against the Wanderers was particularly pleasing as they have up to six Hyundai A-League contracted players.
“It was an opportunity for our players to experience football at a different level and they acquitted themselves exceptionally well.”
Sydney FC will be tough opponents, but the form of United this year against teams that beat them comfortably last year means that there have been plenty of positives so far from the season.
Ugrinic knows that the Sky Blues will be hard to beat but insists that his young side is more than up to the task.
“Sydney FC are a quality opponent,” he said.
“They are well structured and adapt their game to the different formations and tactics of their opponent.
“It’ll be another big test for our boys, particularly away from home at Lambert Park, but my boys are ready for the challenge ahead.”
It will be United’s first away game of the season in the Foxtel Y-League, before they face another road trip the week after with a drive to Newcastle to take on the Jets.
Match Details |
Foxtel Y-League Round 3 |
Sydney FC v Canberra United
Saturday, 24th November @ 4:30pm
Lambert Park, Sydney
#SYDvCBR & #YLeague on Twitter
