The Canberra team were expected to be outclassed by their opponents from Sydney.
They fought well and nearly gained a draw. This was the first match for newly signed
goalkeeper, Steve Mautone, who had been released by South Melbourne. Steve has
taken over from the young Danny Milosevic who damaged his knee at training. [The knee
was so bad he has had a full reconstruction and will not be back at all during the
season.]
UTS were all over Canberra in the first half, yet managed only one goal through
Meredith when he collected a cross on the run and put it away. The goal was rather
controversial in that Taliadoros had handled the ball in full view of the
spectators, but unfortunately hidden from the officials, just before he sent
the cross to Meredith.
This goal was nullified early into the second half
by a sweet strike from 25m out by midfielder Norman Kelly that bounced off the
inside of the left upright. Further into the half Marko Perinovic challenged
the UTS keeper for a ball and a clearance off the line was deemed too late, thus
giving the home side the lead.
Unfortunately, Canberra could not hold out against the rampant Olympic for its
first win and conceeded two goals and all the points. The first came with a
Taliadoros through ball to Augerinos and the second followed a counterattack
that led to Norm Tome easily slotting the ball past the keeper and inside the
far post.
The home side showed a bit more polish than in the previous game against Adelaide
and there was hope there for that first win. Olympic showed why they are going
to be a force in the league this season with excellent ball work and composure.