Keisuke Honda has netted his first goal in Melbourne Victory colours.
The Japanese star fired home a first half penalty during Victory’s 3-1 behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to Wellington Phoenix earlier today.
⚽️⚽️⚽️ Hat-trick to @RoyKrishna21 and a goal to Honda from a penalty
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 5, 2018
Victory fans will hope that strike from 12 yards is the first of many from their 32-year-old marquee, who is set to spearhead the club’s Championship defence in the upcoming Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season.
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That title defence begins in little over a fortnight for Kevin Muscat’s side, who welcome the new campaign with a Melbourne derby against rivals Melbourne City.
SEE HONDA’S GOAL BELOW
.@kskgroup2017, cool from the spot! Keisuke scored in his first game for #MVFC, a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wellington Phoenix #OurVictory pic.twitter.com/mHLkJ1lU5R
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 5, 2018
While Honda’s debut strike for Victory will take the headlines from the Wellington clash, the New Zealanders will undoubtedly be buoyed by a fine performance against the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions.
A strong, defensive showing from Mark Rudan’s men was highlighted by a hat-trick from Phoenix star Roy Krishna, who struck a first-half penalty and put away two second-half efforts to seal a confidence boosting friendly win.
PRE-SEASON | Full time & the #Nix take the win 3 goals to 1 after a solid team effort & a hat-trick to @RoyKrishna21 against a full strength @gomvfc side.
Strong, defensive performance with keeper, Kurto, only required to make one save. #StandUpWithYourNix#CreateHistory
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 5, 2018