2 weeks Ago By Anna Harrington
New signing Hiroshi Ibusuki has struck to salvage Western United a comeback 1-1 A-League Men draw against Western Sydney. United were on the back foot early in their home opener 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 John Aloisi's charges a second draw in as many matches.
Both teams are still searching for their first win of the season after failing to find a late winner. Wanderers boom recruit Juan Mata made his first league start - in Tarneit of all places - and played 62 minutes. United handed a maiden start to 17-year-old defender Dylan Leonard, who impressed at centre-back.
Alen Stajcic's Wanderers took the lead when Nicolas Milanovic slipped through Borrello, who burst forward, worked over United defender Tomoki Imai, then finished with aplomb. 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 earlier this year. He was influential throughout and had five shots.
United failed to register a shot on target in the first half, but quickly made amends in the second. The impressive Matt Grimaldi went on a driving run down the left and lifted the ball into a dangerous area. When Jack Clisby failed to fully clear the ball with his header, Ibusuki pounced with a lovely volley.
Wanderers midfielder Josh Brillante skidded a fierce drive wide in the 51st minute, and Borrello skied another over the bar seven minutes later. From there, United were on top. Young goalkeeper Tristan Vidackovic made a double save in the 62nd minute, and United substitute Noah Botic bounced a long-range strike on to the post in the 67th minute.
The home side continued to press for a winner and United's Charbel Shamoon threw himself at a late header but couldn't turn it on target. The Wanderers head home to CommBank Stadium to face Adelaide on Saturday night. United next play Melbourne City on November 4.
.
