A-LEAGUE HEAVYWEIGHTS SYDNEY FC ENTERTAIN AT BARLOW PARK

THERE is still a month to go before Sydney FC’s title defence begins but coach Steve Corica is happy with what his side is producing.

Sydney FC were always expected to beat FNQ Select XI, but it was the manner in which the Sky Blues systematically took apart the regional outfit which made Corica (pictured) most pleased.

Kosta Barbarouses and Luke Ivanovic each scored two goals, while Adam Le Fondre, Jordi Swibel and Alex Baumjohann jagged one each in the 7-0 rout at Barlow Park.

That ruthlessness, which included five second half goals, made Corica, an Innisfail product who went on to play for the Socceroos and has won ALeague grand finals for Sydney FC as both a player and coach, a happy man after full-time.

“It was a nice result, the boys kept going after one or two goals. That was the message at half time, not to let up.

“We’re preparing for our season and it’s a good habit to get into, goalscoring.

“It’s difficult at times to break down defences when they’re tight and compact but we have to find ways, and that’s a great thing about today and the hitout we had tonight.

“They did find ways to break down the defence and score goals.”

Cairns-born Sydney FC goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast remained in goals for the full game, but he was barely troubled as the A-League side controlled the contest.

“The new boys all scored which is great. Kosta scored two, Baumjohann got one which is great and the young boys scored too,” Corica said.

“I see these boys every day at training so I know what they can do.

“It’s good everyone stayed fit as well which is another positive. They’re fighting for a place in the starting team and everyone is pushing.”

Corica said he was pleased with how the side was preparing ahead of it’s season opener in Adelaide on October 11, but he will have a clearer gauge of their preparation after several upcoming trial games against rival A-League teams.