Head coach Alen Stajcic has named his extended squad for Saturday afternoon’s clash against Auckland FC at GO Media Stadium in Auckland.
The Red & Black kicked off their campaign with an impressive performance at home, earning a 1-1 draw against reigning Champions Melbourne City at CommBank Stadium. Kosta Barbarouses made an instant impact on debut, finding the back of the net early to score his first goal in Wanderers colours.
New recruits Steven Ugarkovic and Angus Thurgate also shone in midfield, combining seamlessly with Barbarouses and providing plenty of creativity and energy across the park.
Head coach Alen Stajcic’s side showed promising signs in both attack and defence, setting a solid foundation for the weeks ahead.
Their opponents, Auckland FC, opened their season with a goalless draw against Melbourne Victory in a tight contest at AAMI Park. Despite flashes of their trademark intensity, the New Zealand side were unable to find a breakthrough and will be searching for their first goal of the season.
With a balanced mix of new faces and experienced leaders, the Wanderers will be eager to take all three points on the road and continue building early momentum.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC squad: 2. Gabriel CLEUR, 3. Alexander GERSBACH, 4. Alexander BONETIG, 5. Dylan SCICLUNA, 6. Mohamed AL-TAAY, 8. Steven UGARKOVIC, 9. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 17. Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19. Ruon TONGYIK, 20. Lawrence THOMAS, 21. Aydan HAMMOND, 22. Anthony PANTAZOPOULOS, 23. Bozhidar KRAEV, 25. Joshua BRILLANTE, 26. Brandon BORRELLO, 31. Aidan SIMMONS, 32. Angus THURGATE, 39. Awan LUAL, 40. Tristan VIDACKOVIC, 45. Alou KUOL
Ins: 6. Mohamed AL-TAAY, 17. Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 40. Tristan VIDACKOVIC
Outs: 30. Jordan HOLMES (illness)
Unavailable: Nil
