Soccer: Kingz punished again after dominant start

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Andy Vlahos still could not buy a goal - even from the penalty spot - as the Football Kingz slumped to an inglorious 1-0 loss to Sydney United at Edensor Park last night.

It was another chapter in what is becoming an all-too-familiar story for the Kingz.

Again they dominated early, failed to turn possession into profit and were punished for a defensive lapse.

Ever-dangerous striker Brendan Santalab pounced on a Hiroshi Miyazawa error, chased the ball down and turned it to Anthony Doumanis, who hit home a gift-wrapped goal in the 13th minute.

It washis first start for the club after more than a dozen appearances from the substitutes' bench.

Forced from that early stage to chase a result, the Kingz' passing game fell away, with some shockingly misdirected passes which continually handed United the ball.

Again, following the trend of earlier matches, the Kingz enjoyed a greater share of possession and were ahead on the set-play count, but failed to make the most of either.

Santalab continually harried the Kingz defence.

Up front, and without injured Patricio Almendra, the Kingz' attack struggled. In playing in the main without width, the Kingz made it easy for the United rearguard.

In the opening 45 minutes the Kingz created just two half- chances and rarely threatened to worry giant goalkeeper Vanja Ivesa who, at 2.05m, is the tallest player in the NSL.

Santalab, again capitalising on a Miyazawa error, had a chance to extend the lead in the 27th minute, but fired high.

Mile Jedinak had an even better chance when the Kingz defence was opened up, but he somehow stroked his attempt wide.

Jedinak at least got close, which was more than the Kingz' frontrunners managed. Paul Urlovic was substituted on the hour.

Only Harry Ngata, on his return from injury, showed much, but lacked support in his target role.

The Kingz midfield, led by Chris Jackson, battled but without conviction. Raf de Gregorio, booked by Queensland referee Peter Green in the 27th minute set to miss this week's trip to Perth, was understandably subdued.

With 11 minutes remaining, the Kingz should have scored when Vlahos was brought down by Ivesa.

But Vlahos put his penalty too close to the rangy goalkeeper, who smothered the ball easily.

For a Kingz side who, with victory, could have moved into fourth spot on the points table, it was a disappointing result.