Teenage star Luke Ivanovic scored a hat-trick as Sydney FC cruised to a 6-0 friendly win over Dunbar Rovers at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night.
The nineteen-year-old notched two in the first half alongside Ryan McGowan and Brandon O’Neill efforts. Three of the four goals inside the opening 45 minutes were assisted by Alexander Baumjohann.
Ivanovic completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half, while another young forward, Jordan Swibel, slotted a sixth past the NPL NSW 3 outfit late on.
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Feature image courtesy of Jaime Castaneda
Kosta Barbarouses, Rhyan Grant and Milos Ninkovic all started the match for Steve Corica’s side, but Adam Le Fondre was not involved.
“We had some nice combination play, particularly by the new boys who are fitting in very well already,” Corica told the club’s website.
Marriage made in heaven
Michaël Maria says he’s happy to play in whatever position he’s deployed in by Gertjan Verbeek after reuniting with the Adelaide United head coach for the third time in his career.
The 20-cap Curaçao international played under the Dutchman at 2. Bundesliga side VfL Bochum and Eredivisie outfit FC Twente in 2016 and 2017.
Maria, 24, signed a two-year contract with the Reds and brings a hugely versatile skill set to the City of Churches.
Although predominantly a left-back, Adelaide’s new No. 5 can easily ply his trade as a defensive midfielder and as a left winger.
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“I feel comfortable in all these positions,” he told the club’s website.
“But I think for me it’s important the way the coach wants to play and the way I’ll fit in the best for the team.
“It’s really exciting to play under him again and like I said I’m really happy to be here and have him as a coach.”
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