Saints Grind Out Gritty 1-0 Victory Over Sydney FC

SYDNEY — St George FC claimed a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Sydney FC in a tightly contested rescheduled Round 13 A-League match at a frigid Barton Park on Tuesday night, with defender Troy Danaskos’ 23rd-minute penalty proving the difference.

Match-Deciding Moment

The game turned in the 21st minute when winger Justin Poon was fouled in the box by Sydney’s William Kennedy. Danaskos stepped up confidently, firing his spot-kick straight down the middle past goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot for what would stand as the match-winner.

“These are the games that test your character,” Danaskos told Pitchside HQ post-match. “Sydney threw everything at us, but we stood firm when it mattered.”

Hoefsloot’s Heroics Keep Sydney Alive

The Sydney FC keeper produced a man-of-the-match performance despite the loss, including:
✓ 27th-minute triple save denying Poon and Jaden Casella (twice)
✓ 59th-minute fingertip stop on Danaskos’ curling effort
✓ 85th-minute reaction save to deny Nicholas Kalogerou

“Gus kept us in it,” admitted Sydney coach Ufuk Talay. “But we lacked quality in the final third when it counted.”

Key Match Statistics

Defensive Masterclass

St George’s backline, marshaled by Jayden Seeto, recorded their:

• 5th clean sheet this season

• 3rd consecutive home win

• First victory over Sydney since 2022

“Jayden was immense tonight,” praised St George coach Nick Montgomery. “That’s the benchmark for our defensive standards.”

What’s Next

• St George: Host Western United (Sat, June 15)

• Sydney FC: Visit Melbourne Victory (Sun, June 16)