Shane Smeltz and Max Burgess were on the scoresheet as the Sky Blues defeated a valiant Sorrento FC to reach the FFA Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday night.
Making the long trip west to NIB stadium, Sydney started the best way possible when Robert Stambolziev was brought down inside the box on just three minutes.
Smeltz stepped up to take the spot-kick, firing his shot passed James Morgan to hand his side an invaluable early lead.
Sorrento’s early struggles continued just minutes later, when Christopher Naumoff’s curling free-kick was met by Matthew Jurman, only to be denied by the woodwork.
The Western Australian side managed to survive until the break with the solitary goal deficit and created a golden chance in the 68th minute when Jack Salter found himself in on goal, but the striker could not slot past Vedran Janjetovic.
The match would then be killed off in the 74th minute when midfielder Burgess’ low drive found the corner of the net.
Sydney FC field a young side
As valiant as they were in defeat, Sorrento did little to trouble last season’s A-League Grand Finalists, who were without a number of big names.
While Smeltz led the line, Alex Brosque would only play a bit-part role off the bench, with their entire European contingent unavailable for selection.
Instead, the impetus fell to youngsters such as Naumoff, Andrew Hoole and Riley Woodcock. Manager Graham Arnold will be impressed by their professional and clinical performances, in what could have easily been a real struggle away from home.
Smeltz’s evening of mixed emotions
The New Zealand international will be eyeing this season as his chance to cement a spot in Sydney FC’s starting XI, after having to play second fiddle to an in-form and unplayable Marc Janko last season.
One of few real leaders to start the match, Smeltz got his side off on the right foot when he converted from the spot after just three minutes.
However, he was kicking himself only 10 minutes into the second half when his second penalty of the night was batted away by Morgan.
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Sorrento miss their golden chance
It is the beauty of football that the underdog will always get their chance. After a frenetic first-half of defending, Sorrento looked relaxed after the break and took the game to Sydney.
Springing the offside trap, Salter looked as though he might square to an unmarked Scott Bullock for the tap-in, but the striker controversially went himself, forcing Janjetovic into a save.
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