Melbourne City defender Aziz Behich lifted the Soccer Ashes after the Socceroos defeated New Zealand 2-0 at Brentford this morning.
Behich was joined in Head Coach Graham Arnold’s starting XI by City academy products Jordan Bos and Connor Metcalfe.
It took just 13 minutes for the Socceroos to take the lead against the All Whites as Mitchell Duke’s effort skimmed off Harry Souttar to open the scoring.
Bos continued to threaten on the left, first forcing a sharp save from the All Whites keeper, before slipping the ball perfectly through to Martin Boyle. Boyle made no mistake in front of goal, only be ruled out for offside.
With the Socceroos holding a 1-0 lead as the second half commenced, Metcalfe was instrumental in the midfield. The City Academy product went close to doubling Australia’s lead but his sharp effort from just inside the area was well saved.
In the 76th minute, the Socceroos would secure the recently rediscovered trophy as Jackson Irvine met Boyle’s corner to nod the ball home.
Behich will return from international duty on the eve of City’s A-League opener at AAMI Park this Saturday 21 October.
It’s set to be a blockbuster doubleheader as our A-League Women’s side host Canberra United, kick-off 2:45pm, before our A-League Men take on Western United, kick-off 5:30pm.
