Melbourne City FC’s teenage striker Marc Marino said there was no better feeling than scoring his first Hyundai A-League goal against the Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
Marino, who signed a senior contract with the Club in pre-season, has played a part in two of five of Melbourne City FC’s matches this season and is thankful for the opportunity he has been given by Head Coach John van’t Schip.
With David Villa featuring in the Club’s first four matches and with David Williams now fit, Marino was surprised he had broken through into the first team so early in the season.
“I knew it would be tough having big names like [Villa and Williams] around the Club, but I just kept working hard at training,” Marino said.
“There have been a few injuries and I got my turn. I know [that with] having Williams and other older players in front of me, I just have to work hard in coming off the bench.”
Marino was a 75th minute substitute on Saturday night and the striker found himself on the end of a brilliant James Brown cutback to put the result beyond doubt. Marino said he was thrilled with the goal.
“Obviously it was a good ball from Mooy [to create the goal],” Marino said.
“I just made my run and knew [Brown] could find me, because he’s got the quality to do that and I just slid in and put it away, it was a top feeling.”
The Adelaide-born striker reflected on his first appearance in the season opener against Sydney and explained how he had overcame the first-game nerves to settle into senior football.
“Making my first appearance against Sydney, I was a bit nervous when I came on,” Marino said.
“In my second game I felt a bit better about myself and obviously building up from here, I hope it can get better.
“I’m just hoping to get a bit of game time under my belt, I’ve already got more than I expected already so hopefully I can build on that.”
Melbourne City FC will look to take the momentum from Saturday night’s win into Sunday’s clash with the Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park. Kick-off 5pm with tickets available from Ticketek. CLICK HERE to secure your place at the game
