Sydney Tigers ready for Sydney FC test
Lambert Park, a historical venue for a number of reasons during the old National Soccer League days will play host to the State League v A-League battle with a bumper crowd expected to witness this fascinating encounter.
Sydney Tigers President and Football NSW Life Member Tony Raciti was delighted with the current promotion this match has received and was expecting a huge turn-out for tonight?s match.
?At this stage we have sold 1,900 (Lambert Park holds a maximum of 5,000) pre-sale tickets and I understand more will go today.
?I know a number of people will turn up at the match tonight in what will be a great clash.?
Raciti indicated that Sydney FC?s pre-season fixtures with various State League clubs has been well received by many, especially clubs from the former National Soccer League.
?I think it?s been fantastic to see Sydney FC involve itself with State League clubs in preparation for their A-League season.
?This game especially has indicated what special opportunities we have along with playing Sydney FC as we?ve put a lot of thought in getting this game as best promoted as possible.
?It?s great to see Sydney FC respect the State League and its clubs and I am sure that if this works out for the better, this will certainly be a yearly exercise.?
Looking at the match itself, a number of Sydney Tigers players will certainly use this clash against Sydney FC as a chance to prove their worth on whether they can make an impression on Czech coach Vitezslav Lavicka.
Players such as Robbie Younis, Jamie McMaster, Mark Byrnes and Franco Parisi will be on show but as Raciti stated to Football NSW, the Tigers have experienced success with players signing onto A-League sides.
?We?ve had six players sign for A-League clubs in the last twelve months.
?Matthew Nash, Robbie Younis, Paul Kohler, Marton Vass, Mitchell Johnson and David D?Apuzzo were all snapped up by various clubs in a top tier competition.
?You tell me which other State League club from across Australia has done this??
Another issue that has filtered around the football terraces of late has been the possible introduction of a B-League, something the Tigers President would certainly be interested in.
?Let?s just say that if there is a B-League then the Sydney Tigers would like to be part of it.
?There is no way we?ll be part of a third tier competition if a B-League is introduced.
?We?ve made a number of steps in being prepared for this, one being the change of venue as we are now playing our home matches at Leichhardt Oval which is a fantastic venue.
?We?ve also got as many as 1,000 juniors which include women?s teams and futsal teams being part of the club.
?We?ll just have to wait and see the outcome.?
Match Details
Wednesday May 27th
Sydney Tigers v Sydney FC
Lambert Park, Leichhardt
Kick-Off: 7pm
-By Mark Stavroulakis
