Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Justin Chadwick

Kucharski fires Sydney FC to 3-2 win over Jets

Jaiden Kucharski's late strike has given Sydney FC a comeback 3-2 win over Newcastle. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Sydney FC's finals fate remains in their own hands after the Sky Blues came from 2-0 down for a gutsy 3-2 A-League Men victory over Newcastle.

The Jets started Sunday's match full of fire, with Lachlan Rose striking first in the 18th minute before Kota Mizunuma doubled the lead four minutes later.

At that point, Sydney were sitting seventh on the live ladder - two points adrift of sixth spot.

Goals to Douglas Costa and Adrian Segecic levelled things up by the 55th minute, and Jaiden Kucharski scored what turned out to be the winner in the 83rd minute.

The result lifted Sydney into sixth spot with tough away games against third-placed Western United and second-placed Melbourne City to round out the regular season.

Sydney entered Sunday's match looking to put the disappointment of their ACL Champions League Two semi-final exit behind them.

Sky Blues marquee player Costa was crucial in the win, with his creativity and smarts causing Newcastle's defence all sorts of problems. 

"It's a massive win," Sydney coach Ufuk Talay told Paramount.

"Everything's in our hand to play finals football this season.

"The boys probably started the game slowly, but after 25, 30 minutes we started to control the game and got the goals we needed for the three points."

Controversy surrounded Newcastle's opening goal, scored from close range by Rose in the 18th minute.

Sydney players were adamant the heels of Jordan Courtney-Perkins had been clipped by Newcastle's Elil Adams in the lead up to the goal, but VAR allowed it to stand.

There was no doubt about Newcastle's second in the 22nd minute, with Clayton Taylor's cut back across the face of goal finding Mizunuma, who ran onto the ball and fired home from the back post.

Douglas Costa.
Douglas Costa was an attacking force for Sydney, starting their comeback in sublime style. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

At 2-0 up, Newcastle were well on track to defeat Sydney at Allianz Stadium for the first time since 2012.

But star Sky Blues recruit Costa was having none of it, unleashing a beautiful drive from 22 yards out to peg a goal back for the home side in the 36th minute.

Scores were level in the 55th minute when Segecic continued his hot form with a strike from just inside the box.

And there was one more joyous moment for Sydney when Kucharski found himself in the right place at the right time to rifle his angled shot home.

The result officially ended Newcastle's faint finals hopes. 

"I think today was an example of how far we've come as a group, but also how far we need to go as a club if we want to progress forward," departing Jets coach Rob Stanton said. 

"I'm proud of the players. I think they've delivered a brand and identity that's clear to everyone.;

"A little bit fearless, lacks a little bit of experience and leadership at times. But the leaders are growing, and the future looks bright."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.