There must be something about goals, the month of March, Sydney FC and Steven Lustica.
The Roar midfielder has scored two of his eight goals for the club (across all competitions) against the Sky Blues.
Both were in March – a 3-1 win on March 28, 2013 and a 5-4 loss on March 15 last year.
Lustica could get to add to that record when the Roar take on Sydney FC in the third and final game of our Massive March at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday (6.30pm).
For tickets to the match, which will include a pre-game Easter egg give-away, click here
Lustica (below, centre, with Henrique and Thomas Broich) is among the midfield contenders to take over from Socceroo Matt McKay in the Roar’s Starting XI this weekend.
Roar Head Coach has praised Lustica for his hard-work in training and says the 24-year-old has always done his job when called upon this season.
The Canberra-born Lustica, a former Gold Coast United, Hajduk Split and Adelaide United player, is in his second stint at the Roar, rejoining the club in the 2014 January transfer window.
He has played 19 (one goal) of the Roar’s 24 Hyundai A-League games this season, although he has started in just five.
“We’ve got a great squad and great squad depth,” Lustica said today.
“Whoever comes in (to replace McKay) is going do a great job. Everyone knows their role in the team, everyone knows the structures.”
Lustica’s plan is to continue working hard in training this week to enhance his selection prospects this weekend.
“The only way you can keep improving and keep moving forward is to keep working hard at training, keep improving your game and making sure that you are always training at a high standard and always pushing yourself to get to that next level. That’s what I always try to do,” he said.
Fellow midfielder Corona says he is unconcerned who will line-up next to him on Saturday as he says the Roar squad is packed with quality players.
“Whoever comes in will do a great job . . . of this I am very confident,” Corona said.
With three rounds to go, the Roar are third in a top four separated by just two points and anything can happen in the final weeks of the season.
Corona insists it is vitally important that the Roar focus solely right now on Saturday’s game against Sydney FC.
“This is the match that will decide our future,” he said.
Lustica (above) agrees and says the Roar must be prepared for a desperate Sky Blues side that is now three points outside the top six.
Graham Arnold’s side has been winless in their last nine games – one short of equalling the club’s record of 10 without a victory.
By comparison, the Roar have been powerful at home this season with 10 wins and two draws in 13 games at Suncorp Stadium.
“Sydney are always a tough team to play and we will be fully aware of that,” Lustica said.
“They are going to be hungry as they are still looking to make the finals.
“It is going to be a very hard game and we have to make sure we are prepared fully for this game.
“We have made Suncorp Stadium a fortress this season and we are very confident that if we play to our game, to our structures, we know that we can put on a great performance for our home fans.”
PLEASE NOTE: Translink advises that the Cleveland to Park Road rail service will be closed this weekend for track maintenance with buses replacing trains.
Roar fans who use this service are advised to allow 60 minutes additional travel time. For further details go to http://translink.com.au/service-updates/69101
