The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have started their pre-season in good form with a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at the Gold Coast on Friday afternoon.
It was a top result ahead of the Red & Black’s Westfield FFA Cup match against Wellington Phoenix at Campbelltown Stadium on Tuesday night: tickets available right here.
First half goals to youngsters Mario Shabow and Jaushua Sotirio sealed the win while Thomas Broich pulled one back for Brisbane in the second period.
The match started brightly for the Wanderers as a Brendan Hamill header was cleared off the line but it didn’t take long for the fullback to make an impact as he played a part in the opening goal.
Getting in behind the Roar’s defence, Hamill found Mitch Nichols who played in Mario Shabow for the game’s opener.
It was Shabow’s first goal for the first team and the former RBB-member almost made it a double just moments later when he hit the post after a nice shot from the edge of the area.
Tony Popovic’s men didn’t have to wait much longer for a second goal though as Jaushua Sotirio fired home after being set-up by young striker Lachlan Scott.
A host of changes at half time saw nine new players on the pitch including 16-year-old Ramy Najjarine and new signings Steven Lustica and Bruno Piñatares.
The Roar pulled one goal back after Broich intercepted a Wanderers’ clearance to score but the Red & Black soon had the ascendency again as Lustica hit the crossbar.
Japanese import Jumpei also got some minutes in the legs as the Wanderers saw out the match as 2-1 winners.
With the first pre-season match out of the way, all focus is now on the club’s opening Westfield FFA Cup match of the season as they take on Wellington Phoenix at Campbelltown Stadium.
Kick-off is at 8pm on Tuesday 2 August with tickets available by clicking here.
Brisbane Roar 1 (Thomas Broich 54’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Mario Shabow 22’ Jaushua Sotirio 30’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Andrew Redmayne (GK), Brendan Hamill, Jonathan Aspropotamitis, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Dylan Murnane, Dimas, Kearyn Baccus, Mitch Nichols, Mario Shabow, Jaushua Sotirio, Lachlan Scott
Second half subs: Jerrad Tyson (GK), Robert Cornthwaite, Scott Jamieson, Scott Neville, Shannon Cole, Jackson Bandiera, Liam Youlley, Steve Lustica, Bruno Piñatares, Jumpei, Ramy Najjarine, Kyle Cimenti, Brendon Santalab
Unused sub: Matt Symes (GK)
