10 men hold Sydney

They'll want to have more than ten men holding them tonight, comforting them after their 1-1 draw to Gold Coast United. Sydney FC continued their unwinning season, despite playing some decent football in the middle of the park. Going a man down for the last 22 minutes, Gold Coast held on to maintain 7th position on the A-league ladder, with a game in hand.

A jovial crowd of just under 10.000 were on hand at the SFS, and the fantastic weather brought out the families - the junior members section was the most full it's been all season. It was also the first game for the season that shorts and a t-shirt were a legitimate option.

While the goals came in the first half (Cazarine 20th minute and Djite 45th), it is hard to report on a game whilst sitting in The Cove - it's the 5m flags and constant choreographed singing that does it. For this reason on halftime I moved to the halfway line to at least catch some of the match.

The second half was quite entertaining. The spectacular sending off of John Curtis opened the game up for Sydney, in what otherwise was an even contest. Both teams controlled the ball in patches up until the 68th minute, when Curtis, who was subbed on seconds earlier, was shown his orders before even touching the ball. There must be a record in there somewhere.

Sydney FC pressed for a winning goal, and were unlucky when Brosque's late attempt came off the post. A flurry of balls into the box came in the dying minutes, but to no avail. Sydney looked to have scored through a Brosque goal-box scramble, and the whole stadium momentarily erupted. But they were denied as the whistle had blown for a free kick right outside the GCU box. The ensuing freekick came to nothing, and the referee was booed around the park for stopping play so hastily.

Gold Coast United coach Miron Blieberg at the end of the game:

“The boys did very well and I’m very proud of them after what has been a hectic week.

“We are unbeaten on the road this season and that is always a good sign. We worked hard today and deserved to get something out of the game. I am happy and satisfied,” he added.

Sydney's next game is against the North Queensland Fury, Wednesday 29th, and the Sky Blues will be desperate after today's draw.