Tara Murray
Western United’s Ben Garuccio is the talk of the A-League after a stunning goal against Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday night.
While United came away with the three points and maintained their lead at the top of the table with the 3-2, everyone was wanting to talk about Garuccio’s second goal of the night.
The goal came as a result of a stunning scorpion kick after Aleksandar Prijovic put the ball in the box.
United coach John Aloisi admitted he wasn’t sure what had happened watching the game live.
“I didn’t realise how he hit it,” he said.
“I saw Alex put a beautiful ball in and all of a sudden I see the ball in the back of the net.
“I didn’t know if he did a bicycle kick or what until I saw it back on the screen, i couldn’t believe it, it was some goal.
“He’s probably in line… For the goal of the year award around the world.”
Aloisi was full of praise for Garuccio who scored two of United’s three goals in the win.
He said it has taken Garuccio a while to get back to full fitness after a serious knee injury and that he was continuing to improve.
The man himself told the post game broadcast that he meant the shot, having tried it at training a few weeks ago.
“I did it at training a few weeks ago and face planted. This is probably one in 1000.
“I couldn’t concentrate for the rest of the game.”
The Garuccio goal was the highlight in an entertaining game. United controlled the game early, before the Wanderers hit back late in the game.
Aloisi said he thought they were comfortable for much of the match.
“We created some really good chances and some really good openings,” he said.
“The beginning of the second half we started well and we had some really good opportunities and then they got that goal and it gave them a lift.
“Their subs gave them a lift too, fresh legs coming on. Then we really had to show our quality, which is our character and determination.
“Mentally that we stay strong and we work for each other.”
Aloisi said they were thrilled to have scored multiple goals in a game, with the majority of their games they’d only scored one goal.
He said they also thought they would get better as the season went along and they were starting to show that.
Prijovic is one of those players who continue to get better. Aloisi said that Prijovic, who scored one goal and had two assists, played his best game in the win.
United sits top, one point clear of Melbourne City, having gone five games without a loss.
They don’t have long to rest, with the side back in action on Wednesday [February 23] against Sydney.
Aloisi hinted there would be some changes to the line up, with the short turnaround.
“There’s more than likely going to be a few changes, but we are better positioned this time round.”
