Star signing Mate Dugandzic says the team needs to replicate its performance from the second half against Newcastle when the side faces Perth Glory this Sunday.
Star signing Mate Dugandzic says the team needs to replicate its performance from the second half against Newcastle when the side faces Perth Glory this Sunday.
The Australian Under 23 international emerged as one of the stars of the opening round of Hyundai A-League action, scoring in each half against Newcastle to sit atop the Golden Boot chart after the opening round.
While Dugandzic was pleased to have opened his scoring account with the Heart, he said he was ultimately disappointed the team was unable to secure at least a point from the contest.
“Everyone-s happy when they score a goal, and I-m no different. It was very unfortunate to concede what I like to think is an own goal, but we can-t really do anything about it,” he said.
“It-s important to work hard at training and continue to build on the things we-ve learned, and look to perform against Perth as we did in the second half of our match last Saturday.”
And Dugandzic will be hoping he can build upon the on-field partnerships he-s developing with attacking midfielders Fred and Jason Hoffman, who each supplied an assist against the Jets on Saturday.
Praising the build up play to both goals, Dugandzic credited his team mates for their work in carving out the two scoring opportunities.
“The first goal was great work by Hoffy. He got past Tiago and managed to cut the ball back, and thankfully I was there to put the ball past the ‘keeper,” he said.
“Fred saw the space in behind Willo and had all the time in the world to put in a great cross. Luckily I was there, and just managed to get the ball underneath Kennedy. I was very thankful for that.”
