Sydney, Rangers all square

Having conceded five goals at the hands of Greek side AEK Athens three days earlier, the Sky Blues limited Rangers to only a couple of chances in dreadful conditions.

Another positive for Sydney was a first start for marquee signing Nick Carle, who recovered from a hamstring problem and looked dangerous before being substituted at half-time.

In front of 9483 fans who braved the conditions, there was barely a genuine chance in a sometimes-fiery match until Liam Reddy - handed his chance to impress in goals - pulled off a superb diving save in the 65th minute to deny a headed attempt from Maurice Edu.

Sydney's best opportunity followed soon after, with giant Senegalese player Ibrahima Thiam having a curling effort tipped away by Neil Alexander at the other end a minute later.

On a rapidly-deteriorating pitch, Rangers mounted pressure on Sydney's goal but the conditions, and some good scrambling defence, ensured the deadlock wasn't broken.

There was little to cheer about before half-time with Sydney's only half-chance falling to Mark Bridge, who had a shot saved after a clever turn upon receiving a Shannon Cole cross.

Rangers barely tested Reddy's goal in the first period, with their only move of promise a dazzling run from Kyle Lafferty which ultimately led to nothing.

Sydney coach Viteslav Lavicka substituted Carle and Bridge at half-time, bringing on the 198cm Thiam and Japanese midfielder Hirofumi Moriyasu in their places.

The Sky Blues lost Stephan Keller after 50 minutes, the Swiss centre back taking himself off shortly after he was brought down from behind in a Kenny Miller challenge.

Sydney also welcomed midfielder Stuart Musialik back from hip injury in the second half while Alex Brosque was rested.