Match Report
South Hobart tasted Australian Championship success for the very first time with a hard-fought win over Lions FC, while Sydney United 58 and Canberra Croatia played out a 1–1 draw, with United going on to claim a penalty shootout bonus point to complete the opening round.
Kobe Kemp’s 35th-minute goal was enough for South Hobart to celebrate a famous win in a chaotic encounter in Brisbane, while it was a goal apiece at Sydney United Sports Centre, with the hosts claiming the bonus point after prevailing in the shootout 8–7.
Sydney United 58 1–1 Canberra Croatia
The Croatian derby between the two sister clubs provided plenty of action but only two goals, both in the second half.
With CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic in attendance, it was his former side that started brightest. United’s Mason Wells twice found himself beyond the defensive line from his position on the right-hand side, only to miss the target both times. A shot from range on his left foot went just past the upright, before he found himself onside in the area just 10 minutes later, only to put it high and over the goal from a tight angle.
After a scoreless opening half, the game came to life in the 54th minute. A dancing run from Jay McGowan down the left flank saw his cross find half-time substitute Mikey Katsoulis at the far post, who scored with one of his first touches of the game.
United drew level less than 10 minutes later, however, with defender Liam McGing getting a crucial last touch to nudge one home from a corner.
With scores level after 90 minutes, it was off to the penalty spot to decide which way the bonus point would go for the fourth time on the opening weekend.
