More to come from Western United strikers: Aloisi

COACH John Aloisi is adamant the best is yet to come from Western United’s remodelled attack after new signing Hiroshi Ibusuki struck to salvage a comeback 1-1 A-League Men draw against Western Sydney.

United were on the back foot early at Ironbark Fields after Socceroos forward Brandon Borrello struck in the 14th minute.

But former Adelaide United marksman Ibusuki volleyed home in the 48th minute to earn Aloisi’s charges a second draw in as many matches.

He also combined with young striker Noah Botic with aplomb as United chased a winner late on.

“It was really good. We know what he can do,” Aloisi said. “We know he’s done it in the A-League before.

“He’s an important player for us, also, because of his experience on the pitch, off the pitch, the way that he can help our younger players.

“We’ve had young Oli Lavale play next to him, then Noah Botic coming in, that helps him, and then (Matt) Grimaldi around him, and Rhys Bozinovski – all those younger players are helped by Hiroshi.

“So it was important that he scored for his confidence, but also to show that he’s going to be a handful for any team this year.”

Aloisi was also delighted with young playmaker Grimaldi and 17-year-old defender Dylan Leonard, who impressed at centre-back in his first start.

Alen Stajcic’s Wanderers took the lead when Nicolas Milanovic slipped through Borrello, who burst forward, worked over United defender Tomoki Imai, then finished in style.

It was Borrello’s first goal after fighting back from a foot injury that ruined his 2023-24 season and scuppered his hopes of featuring at the Asian Cup.

“He’s obviously trying to rebuild his confidence and he’s such a such a amazing weapon for us,” Stajcic said.

“It’s not easy. It’s not easy to get that belief back in yourself and in your body.

“But he’s had a really good pre-season. He’s working so hard for the team. He’s a tremendous leader in our group, so you just know what you’re going to get with with Buzz.

“He works extremely hard for everyone and is a great person to have on our team. So it’s good when he gets a little reward like that.”

Wanderers boom recruit Juan Mata made his first league start – in the south-west Melbourne fringe suburb of Tarneit of all places – and played 62 minutes.

Stajcic said Mata was “influential” but expected him to improve as team chemistry grew.

The Wanderers head home to CommBank Stadium to face Adelaide on Saturday night.

United next play Melbourne City on November 4.