Sydney FC claim first victory for 2011

In their second pre-season game against state league opposition, Sydney FC defeated NSW Super League's St George 3-0 at WIN Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 2,352.

Sydney were comfortable winners but it wasn't until a few minutes before half time that they were able to get on the scoresheet. A Mark Bridge thunderbolt from outside the box gave Luke Turnbull no chance.

Half time substitute Bruno Cazarine doubled the score with a header five minutes after the break but midway through the second period, the Saints almost shocked Sydney when Brad Gibson hit the upright from out wide. It was a close call for the A-League side whose third goal only came from the spot when Caleb Rufer was brought down and converted the penalty, with about eight minutes left.

Daniel Nash, on for the second half, proved his worth for St George denying Sydney with some fine saves late on.

Starting lineups:

St George: 16. Luke Turnbull 44. Jason Tack 2. Michael Smith 14. Mark Bariamis 21. Blake Ricciuto 5. Simon Verrender 6. Reuben Lagos 10. Peter Vassilis 34. Lachlan O'Connor 3. David Smith 24. Jordan Figon

Subs bench (unlimited): 1. Daniel Nash 22. Brad Gibson 11. James Kovas 23.Fred Umlil 25. Ivo de Jesus 8. Jason Gonzalez 33. Matt Di Biasi 35.Shaquille Ali 37. Justin Aramburu 31. Zac Sampson 41. Fabian Trujillo 39.Stefan Sacilotto

Sydney FC: 1. Liam Reddy 2. Sebastian Ryall 3. Jamie Coyne 5. Michael Beauchamp 8. Karol Kisel 10. Nick Carle 12. Shannon Cole 15. Terry McFlynn 18. Juho Makela 19. Mark Bridge 21. Scott Jamieson

Subs bench (unlimited): 6. Hiro Moriyasu 7. Hagi Gilgor 9. Bruno Cazarine 11. Yianni Perkatis 14. Anthony Proia 20. Ivan Necevski 24. Caleb Rufer

-By Peter Rowney