High-profile recruits Kosta Barbarouses and Alexander Baumjohann both got on the scoresheet as Sydney FC cruised to a big win over a Far North Queensland Select XI in Cairns on Saturday night.
As part of their pre-season tour to the region, the Sky Blues took on a local select side as prevailed 7-0 at Barlow Park.
After Adam Le Fondre and Luke Ivanovic both struck in hard-fought first-half, Sydney FC’s quality eventually shone through after the break.
Barbarouses scored a brace either side of Ivanovic’s second goal, before youngster Jordi Swibel and Baumjohann completed the rout inside the last 10 minutes.
“I was pleased with the performance because we kept going even after one or two goals,” coach Steve Corica told Sydney FC’s official website.
“The boys wanted to score more goals and that’s pleasing to see. It’s fantastic practice for us, teams play very compact against us and you have to find ways to break them down.
“A lot of the boys got good minutes, it’s always good they work extremely hard in the game.
“I was pleased with all aspects of the game, defensively, I don’t think we even gave them a shot on target and we created a lot of chances.”
After his switch from Melbourne Victory to the Sky Blues, Barbarouses continues to look comfortable in his new surrounds with another enterprising display.
As well as his two-goal haul, the Kiwi international was heavily involved and played a hand in Ivanovic’s second goal 16 minutes from time.
“My role is to score goals and assist goals, and that’s job done today. I’m really happy with the effort we all put in,” Barbarouses said.
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“This is probably one of my first pre-seasons where I haven’t had any national team commitments to disrupt it.
“I feel like I’m getting closer to that full fitness and sharpness and now this last month is crucial.”
The Sky Blues have matches locked in against Hyundai A-League opposition later this month, facing Newcastle Jets in Dubbo (September 21) and Western United FC in Ballarat (September 27).
