The LG UNDER-23 SOCCER TEAM has made a successful start to its match campaign during the current camp on the Gold Coast, beating Queensland State League side Gold Coast City 1-0 tonight, in Palm Beach.
The National Team had several opportunities to take the lead in the first half, most coming from set pieces.
Defender HAYDEN FOXE went close with free kicks from just outside of the box on two occasions, while an ARCHIE THOMPSON corner almost gave LJUBO MILICEVIC his first National-team goal, the defenders header just over the bar.
Goalkeeper MICHAEL TURNBULL was called into action in the 32nd minute, getting a hand to the ball to clear it off the line, but the majority of the first half, which was dogged by persistent rain, was dominated by the LG Under-23s.
That domination continued in the second half, with SIMON COLOSIMO finally breaking the deadlock in the 81st minute, cutting down the right hand side and picking his spot, to slot the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net, handing the LG Under-23s a 1-0 victory.
"I was happy with tonights performance, considering that most of the team hasnt played in over a month," said coach RAUL BLANCO after the game.
"When you consider the heavy load of training the players have undergone over the last 7 days, and the expected rustiness from their lay-off, it was a good display.
"It will probably take another three to four games before the team is totally cohesive, but it was encouraging to see the way the newer boys fitted into the team, and it was also very pleasing to see Hayden Foxe come through ninety minutes of football.
"This has been his first real hit-out in six months since suffering the stress fracture to his foot in February, and hes come through very well.
"We were also all pleasantly surprised by our opposition tonight, they really tested us and gave us an excellent game."
Next up for the LG Under-23s is Queensland State League side BRISBANE LIONS, this Wednesday night (12-07-00) at the Brisbane Lions Soccer Club in Richlands, with kick-off at 7.00pm.