UPDATE: In an electrifying match at Leichhardt Oval on September 24, 2023, Marcel Tisserand scored his first goal for Sydney FC, propelling the team to a decisive 2-0 victory over Macarthur FC. Tisserand’s powerful header in the 76th minute was later complemented by Joe Lolley’s late goal, securing Sydney’s place at second on the A-League Men table.
The Sky Blues are now riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins, a remarkable turnaround following their season-opening loss. Coach Ufuk Talay has transformed the team’s fortunes, pushing them to a record of 3 wins and 1 loss (3-0-1), just one point shy of defending champions Auckland FC.
In a game marked by challenging windy conditions, Tisserand’s goal came from a pinpoint cross delivered by Paul Okon-Englster after a corner kick. The central defender, who joined Sydney FC on a two-year deal after stints in top leagues across Europe and the Middle East, made an immediate impact, showcasing his offensive prowess.
As the match unfolded, both teams struggled to find the net in a tightly contested first half, with each side registering seven shots on goal. Al Hassan Toure, another key recruit for Sydney, looked promising early with two long-range attempts, while goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares was tested but remained resolute against a 24th-minute attempt from Macarthur’s Rafael Duran.
In the dying moments of the match, Patrick Wood entered the fray, marking his 100th appearance with an assist for Lolley, who sealed the victory deep into added time. This performance not only boosts Sydney FC’s confidence but also places them firmly in the playoff mix.
Meanwhile, Macarthur FC, under Mile Sterjovski, finds themselves outside the top six, currently sitting in eighth place with a record of 1-1-2. They will need to regroup quickly ahead of the international break.
As both teams look ahead, Sydney FC will aim to maintain their winning streak, while Macarthur will seek to bounce back and climb the standings. Fans are eager to see if Tisserand can continue his scoring form and if the Sky Blues can challenge for the top spot as the season unfolds.
This thrilling encounter not only highlights the excitement of the A-League but also showcases the emerging talent ready to make their mark on the international stage, with players like Toure and Okon-Englster eyeing potential caps for the upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses and teams prepare for a crucial period ahead.
