Western United enjoyed a memorable trip to Hong Kong, where the Isuzu UTE A-League’s academy side became the first Australian team to claim the Shield trophy at the HKFC Soccer Sevens.
Competing for the first time, Western United – led by academy director Anthony Frost – became the first non-English team to win the main shield since 2015.
INTERVIEW: The teenager who was handed arguably the toughest task in A-Leagues history
OLYROOS: 19 A-Leagues stars selected by Australia U23s for Korean friendlies
JOEYS SQUAD: Son of a gun and teen with ‘x-factor’ among A-Leagues cohort
The Green and Black boasted boasting VPL1 young guns Victor Muhindo, Harry Casci, Tobias Servin, Anthony Didulica and Mark Leonard as well as A-Leagues scholars Besian Kutleshi, Khoder Kaddour, James York, Alex Nassiep and Luka Coveny.
Drawn in Group A alongside Premier League heavyweight Aston Villa, Macau FA and HKFC Captain’s Select, finished runners-up in the group before losing to Japan’s Yokohama F.Marinos on penalties in the quarter-finals of the cup competition.
Western United then moved into the Shield competition semi-finals, overcoming Larne FC and then HFKC in the final.
Out of six matches, the Green and Black won four games (D1 L1).
WONDERKID WATCH: 16-goal teen tearing up NSW as outrageous form continues with 4-minute blitz
DEEP DIVE: Five key stats highlight ‘exceptional’ City star’s elite quality
‘WE’LL SEE IT OVER THE NEXT MONTH’: Coach’s exciting transfer prediction as academy stars shine
RODGERS, ARE YOU WATCHING? Socceroo makes Celtic point after finding his ‘missing piece’
“We are in pretty good company winning the Shield trophy and it should give the players a lot of belief that they belong at that level and can compete with anyone,” Frost told aleagues.com.au.
“The catalyst was certainly beating Brighton in a practice game before the main tournament begun as well as the back to back wins in the group stage on Day 1. Being our first time at the tournament and playing in a seven-a-side format, the players continued to grow stronger each game, taking it to Yokohama and Aston Villa amongst others.
“Beating the tournaments own home club Hong Kong FC (who had beaten Aston Villa in the Semi) was a special feeling, particularly when we were fielding one of the youngest if not youngest teams in the tournament.
“Hopefully our success provides opportunities to return to Hong Kong and other international tournaments in the future to showcase our academy and Australian football.”
