Sydney FC vs Adelaide United Player Ratings

Sydney FC extend their unbeaten run to ten matches after defeating Adelaide United 2-1 at Jubilee Oval.

Adelaide United certainly came out to play with Ryan Strain rocketing the post with his weak foot on the fifth minute, before George Blackwood had a goal disallowed for a push in the back.

Sydney took the lead through Paolo Retre in the 21st minute as he rifled home Paul Izzo's rebound from a corner and was at the double when he side-footed politely into the bottom corner minutes later.

Riley McGree returned for Adelaide and was on the scoresheet bringing the score to 2-1 just before half-time with a clever flick from a free-kick.

SYDNEY FC

Andrew Redmayne - 6

The ball was in his net but luckily it was disallowed. His save against Michael Maria's volley was his

Joel King - 6

Besides a few poor touches that stymied Sydney FC's attacks, King did a good defensive job, especially as the watching eye of the returning Michael Zullo was on the bench.

Alex Wilkinson - 6.5

Sydney had a tense spell on the back foot at the beginning of each half but rose out the storm.

Ryan McGowan - 6.5

Another confident performance from the Socceroos centre-back

Harry Van Der Saag - 6

A confident starting debut for the youngster. You expect a hiccup here and there but overall he linked up extremely well with his midfield players.

Alex Baumjohann - 6.5

The loss of Grant might have caused some headaches but Baumjohann was linking up sensationally without the Socceroos right-back.

Luke Brattan - 7.5

Pulling the strings as good as he ever has in a Sydney FC shirt. The weight on every pass was sublime.

Paolo Retre - 7.5

Good composure and great finish to put Sydney FC up. A beautiful side-footed finish gave him his first brace in the A-League.

Anthony Caceres - 6

A commendable job from the midfielder who filled in for Milos Ninkovic in this match.

Adam le Fondre - 7

Terrific link up play with Barbarouses and despite his height, was causing Michael Jakobsen a lot of problems.

Kosta Barbarouses - 6.5

Last week he finished calmly under pressure on his left foot, but an even clearer chance in the same position went begging in the 10th minute. He made up for it with an assist for Retre's first goal.

SUBSTITUTES

Michael Zullo - N/A

Jordan Swibel - 6

Moments into his debut Swibel ran through one-on-one with Paul Izzo but his dream maiden goal wasn't to be.

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo - 7

Izzo was at his shot-stopping best but the defenders in front of him weren't giving him much of a respite. Kept Adelaide from falling further behind in many moments during the match.

Ryan Strain - 6

He rifled the post in the early stages of the match and put in a delightful cross for Blackwood's disallowed goal.

Jordan Elsey - 6

A sensational goal line clearance from Adam le Fondre's header ensured Sydney scored only a corner. Up the other end, he missed a sitter in the 68th minute from a Reds corner.

Michael Jakobsen - 5

Beaten on the ground, beaten in the air, beaten pretty much everywhere.

Michael Maria - 5

Maria couldn't catch a break coming up against Alex Baumjohann. Whether it was the German's quick feet or a slippery surface, Maria could barely stay standing.

Louis D'Arrigo - 5

A quiet night for the usually influential youngster. Adelaide's defence of their 18-yard box was poor with Sydney players finding way too much space to threaten their goal.

Riley McGree - 6

A welcome return to Adelaide United's lineup as they looked much more dynamic. A seventh goal of the season brought one back for Adelaide.

James Troisi - 6

His third assist this season found the run of Riley McGree to pull the score to 2-1 before half-time.

Nikola Mileusnic - 6

Battled against Brattan in midfield and was able to shirk his way past the experienced midfielder on occasion.

Ben Halloran - 5

Halloran made in roads on a few occasions but the final product didn't threaten the Sky Blues all too much.

George Blackwood - 6

A push in the back of McGowan meant his headed goal was ruled out. He was dangerous in the first stanza before the drinks break but rarely threatened after.