10-man Reds stun Sydney
An experimental Adelaide United line-up, down a man after just eight minutes, has caused a major upset by beating top side Sydney FC 2-1 at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
The Reds were forced to play with 10 men after Fabian Barbiero was given a red card in the eighth minute for dragging Mark Bridge down as the Sky Blues player streamed towards an open goal.
But the setback had no impact on United's hunger, with the home side taking a 2-0 lead thanks to striker Cristiano.
The Brazilian was paired with youngster Mathew Leckie up front, in favour of Lloyd Owusu, and the extravert didn't disappoint.
He struck in 29th and 54th minutes to earn his team a valuable three points.
Sydney never gave up and pegged one back through substitute striker John Aloisi.
The Sky Blues attacked to the end but didn't have enough of their key players at the top of their game to claim an away win.
Meanwhile, Adelaide United and Sydney FC's top-of-the-table National Youth League clash ended in a tough 1-1 draw at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.