Australia

Sydney FC Confirm Shanghai Shenhua & Sydney Olympic Friendlies

Two more friendly dates have been confirmed for the Sky Blues, one against Mark Milligan's Chinese club.

Jun 29, 2009 7:19:48 AM

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Mark Milligan - Shanghai Shenhua

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The final pieces of Sydney FC’s pre-season program have been put in place with the club today locking in a date for its highly anticipated friendly against Shanghai Shenhua.

After 12 pre-season friendlies against State League sides across Sydney and a sprinkling of A-League opposition, the Sky Blues will host their sister club at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday, July 25, with the match to kick off at 19:00 local time.

“This is great way for us to finalise preparations for our first game of season against North Queensland in Townsville,” said coach Vitezslav Lavicka.

“Shanghai are in middle of their season and are a strong side. This match will give us good indication of how competitive we are and should be great spectacle for the fans.”

The clash with the Asian giants offers an ideal end to Sydney’s pre-season preparations, and is part of a deliberately structured program from Lavicka.

After beginning trials against NSW Super League sides in May, the coach has tested his team against progressively stronger opposition, taking on Premier League teams, A-League outfits, and now an international opponent during the build-up to the new season.

The Sky Blues have also announced they will warm up for the Shanghai clash with one final State League friendly, against former NSL champions Sydney Olympic.

The game fills the last gap in Sydney’s pre-season program, and is a great way for the club to wrap-up its community campaign.

“The response we’ve received from the football community during this series of friendlies has been outstanding,” explained Sydney FC’s general manager, David Mason.

“Sydney Olympic have a great history and are one of the best known football clubs in the country.

"They are also among the leading contenders in the NSW Premier League this season and will no doubt provide another solid test for the team.”

The game between Sydney FC and Sydney Olympic will be played at Belmore Oval on Sunday, July 19, with kick off at 16:30 local time.

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