The Wanderers kicked off the Isuzu UTE A-League season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against reigning Champions Melbourne City at CommBank Stadium, and it was Kosta Barbarouses who got members and fans on their feet early, scoring his first league goal in Red & Black.
The Wanderers started bright. Brandon Borrello came close from outside the box, just missing an instant lead, before another effort was blocked in the ninth minute.
Then, in the 11th, Kosta found the back of the net, only for Max Caputo to level the score moments later. It was a lively first half, with chances coming thick and fast – Gersbach, Kraev, Ugarkovic and Borrello all testing City keeper Patrick Beach, keeping the reigning champs on their toes.
After the match, Barbarouses shared his thoughts on the performance.
“I thought we were good in patches, but personally, it was great to get off the mark as a striker as soon as possible,” said Barbarouses.
“We could be a bit more fluid at times, but with a few new faces still gelling, and against a decent side, it’s a solid starting point.”
Breaking down his goal, Kosta gave fans a peek behind the scenes of his thinking on the pitch.
“I found Buzz (Brandon Borrello) in a bit of space and he was on a half-turn. Good players like that, I just try to make a run off them. If they see me, great; if not, I make the run anyway,” reflected Barbarouses.
“This time it slipped through the defenders, came out at pace, and I just dinked it over his shoulders. Pretty happy with the finish – hopefully many more to come.”
Next up, the Wanderers head to Auckland for another tough test.
“We’ve got a few hard games to start, and we’re looking forward to it,” said Barbarouses.
“We know what they’re about, more of the same this year. It’ll be good to be on home soil for myself again, and another good challenge to get better.”
With new faces making their mark, there’s plenty for Wanderers members and fans to get excited about.
Barbarouses’ goal might have set the tone, but it’s the squad coming together that will make the Red & Black’s 2025/26 campaign one to watch.
