New Zealand international Marco Rojas has scored in his first game back for Melbourne Victory, finding the back of the net in the club’s 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old looked sharp in his first appearance for Victory since 2013, combining particularly well with another of Victory’s returning stars, James Troisi.
Besart Berisha and Mitch Austin also found the scoresheet to continue Victory’s unbeaten pre-season campaign.
Victory fielded a strong starting eleven which included the midfield combination of Troisi, Carl Valeri and Oliver Bozanic.
Austin joined Berisha and Rojas up front, while James Donachie partnered Alan Baro in the centre of defence.
Fifteen minutes into the game Rojas provided a pinpoint pass which released Austin, who was felled in the penalty area by Rhyan Grant.
Berisha stepped up to convert the spot kick to give the hosts the early advantage.
Just four minutes later Sydney FC had an equaliser when Brandon O’Neill’s powerful left foot strike beat Lawrence Thomas.
Victory’s lead was restored on 36 minutes, with Troisi’s through ball sending Rojas toward goal. He steadied and finished expertly with a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
George Howard replaced Berisha after 66 minutes, and within three minutes he provided the assist for the sealing goal, a tap-in from Austin.
Victory’s pre-season continues with another friendly against Adelaide United next Wednesday, September 14 at Coopers Stadium.
Match Details
Melbourne Victory 3 (Besart Berisha 16′ pen, Marco Rojas 36′, Mitch Austin 69′)
Sydney FC 1 (Brandon O’Neill 19′)
