Following his senior debut for Sydney FC in the FFA Cup last month, Patrick Yazbek’s time as an A-League reserve ended on Sunday when he came on as a replacement against the Central Coast Mariners.
Following his senior debut for Sydney FC in the FFA Cup last month, Patrick Yazbek’s time as an A-League reserve ended on Sunday when he came on as a replacement against the Central Coast Mariners.
The 19-year-old Construction Management student had been named as a reserve for the opening four fixtures without seeing any game time but come the 46th minute at Central Coast Stadium, coach Steve Corica gave him the green light.
He remained on the pitch for the remainder of the match.
The midfielder became a full-time member of Sydney FC’s men's squad in July progressing from the club’s Academy program and made his FFA Cup debut against Sydney Olympic in late November.
Yazbek began his Bachelor of Construction Management and Property this year and is a member of the UNSW Elite Athlete Support Program.
Upon signing his full-time deal mid-year, Yazbek told Sydney FC media that he wanted to show Corica and the coaches that he belonged at this level and “I want to break into the team”, which he did on Sunday.
UNSW Commerce and Economics student Max Balard also made his second A-League appearance for the Mariners on Sunday following his debut last season. Central Coast upset Sydney 2-0.
Sydney FC and UNSW recently extended its partnership which incorporates sponsorship, matchday branding and facilitating education opportunities for players.
The five-year extension will take the association between Sydney FC and UNSW to 10 years.
Patrick Yazbek (Credit: Sydney FC, Getty Images)