Tara Murray
Five years ago a dream became a reality as Western United made its first steps onto the field in a practice match against Caroline Springs George Cross.
The two teams, who shared City Vista Recreation Reserve, will do battle on Thursday night again, exactly five years since that first match.
United assistant coach Andrew Durante can’t remember the exact scoreline, but remembers the first match well. He was part of that first team to take to the park.
“It has flown,” he said. “It is crazy.
“I remember it being a huge occasion being the new team in the league.
“It was our first competitive game and putting on the jersey, walking out in front oa lot of fans.
“City Vista was packed as people came to see what it looked like.”
The United team was stacked on that first night.
Joining Durante in the team included Alessandro Diamanti, Ersan Gulum, Scott McDonald and Connor Pain.
For the record, Western United won 4-0 with Valentino Yuel, Pain, Dylan Pierias and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos the goal scorers.
“We were excited to get out there and play,” Durante said.
Going back to City Vista for the game brings back a lot of memories for Durante.
He said the venue would always hold a special place in the hearts of United, with the club based for much of the first five years
“They helped us out at the beginning,” Durante said. “The facility was fantastic and what we needed.
“Georgies will always be a part of our club. To go back there five years to the day is pretty amazing.
“They are a proud part of our history and there’s great people at both clubs.”
Having moved full time to Ironbark Fields in Tarneit it’s been a different off season for United.
Durante said the concept of their own stadium was something that had attracted him to sign with the club to start with.
He said it would be nice for the supporters who have travelled around Victoria to watch them being able to come to their home base.
It’s been an off season of change for United with a different looking squad to the last couple of years.
Durante said it was an exciting time for the club.
“It’s fantastic to see yong players from thea academy system get scholarships into the first team,” he said.
“It’s fantastic for the club to come into the first team environment and there are good senior players as well.
“A full season at Taneir tis great.
“It will really help results. I’m excited about it.”
Western United will face Caroline Springs George Cross on August 22 from 7pm.
