No goal spectacle at the Sydney Football Stadium

A controversial red card to Sydney FC captain Terry McFlynn marred what was an evenly fought Asian Champions League encounter between the Sky Blues and Suwon Samsung Bluewings. 7095 fans enjoyed the first round of the ACL group stage at the SFS, a nil-all draw the eventual result.

McFlynn allegedly stomped on Lee Sangho in an attempt to retrieve the ball from the touchline. Replays suggest however that McFlynn misjudged his step over the player, clipped his knee and accidentally stepped on Sangho's arm. Regardless, referee Abdul Bashir brandished a red card and the Sky Blues were down to 10 men after only 33 minutes.

It took until the 8th minute for the first chance of the match, a through ball seeing Bluewings captain Choi Sung Kuk only having to beat the 'keeper but his attempt was struck well into the Cove.

Despite enjoying the opening attempt Suwon were slow getting started. The Samsung Bluewings' lack of match fitness, along with the squad's unfamiliarity with one-another was noticeable in the first 25 minutes. From this point onward though, the Bluewings came alive, providing some entertaining football at both ends of the pitch.

Bruno Cazarine was almost through on 40 minutes but claimed to be held back as the Bluewings defender successfully shielded the ball.

Just before the close of the half both teams found opportunities to take the lead. For Sydney, Hiro Moriyasu fired a shot into the hands of Korean Republic 'keeper Jung Sung-ryong while Yeom Ki Hun for Suwon had a free kick from outside the box safely find goalkeeper Liam Reddy.

The Bluewings came out firing after the break, and Yang Sang Min blasted one on target which Reddy obligingly parried away. A confident overhead kick from Oh Jangeun in the 51st minute was indicative of Suwon's start to the second half.

David Williams, who impressed in last week's friendly with Sydney United, started his first game for the Sky Blue. He again hugged the right flank providing width for his new teammates in their 4-2-3-1 lineup. As Dimitri Petratos replaced him in the 70th Williams received a thankful applause for his efforts.

Mato Neretljak's 84th minute freekick from outside the box was menacing for Reddy who eventually covered his goal as the ball skimmed wide. Moments later a freekick of their own saw Stefan Kellar head just wide for Sydney.

Substitute Mark Bridge almost found an unlikely winner for the home team, his strike fumbled by the Suwon 'keeper. But it was not to be for either team and a 0-0 result was perhaps a fitting result.

Image courtesy: (above) Pete Nowakowski; (right) Nick Guoth