By Jon Ritson

This was the first run out for Branko Culina’s men since the end of their Asian Champions League adventure two months ago.

New signing Tony Popovic looked on as the visitors established a two-goal advantage before being pegged back.

Alex Brosque teed up both his side’s goals and in truth, Sydney should have had more.

Culina’s outfit started well with both Steve Corica and David Zdrilic seeing efforts thud back off the woodwork in the opening 15 minutes.

Sydney took the lead on 20 minutes when Talay capitalised on Brosque's excellent approach play.

The lead was duly doubled 10 minutes before half-time when Brosque was sent sprawling in the area. Talay stepped up to thump the resulting penalty into the top left hand corner of the net.

Sunshine Coast Select halved the deficit just before the interval with Tyson Holmes firing past Clint Bolton from 18 yards.

Sydney FC: Clint Bolton; Robbie Middleby, Iain Fyfe, Mark Rudan, Adam Casey; Ufuk Talay, Terry McFlynn; Brendon Santalab, Steve Corica, Alex Brosque; David Zdrilic.