Perth Glory youth will be bolstered by the return of Qantas Young Socceroo Alex Pearson in their clash with Sydney FC youth this Saturday at 6PR Stadium.
Perth Glory youth will be bolstered by the return of Qantas Young Socceroo Alex Pearson in their clash with Sydney FC youth this Saturday at 6PR Stadium.
After a shock loss to the AIS last week, Pearson-s timely return is a huge boost for the squad as they look to regain top spot on the National Youth League table.
Pearson has missed the last four games for Perth Glory, as he travelled with the national team for the AFC U19 Championship in China. The Qantas Young Socceroos made it to the final of the tournament, going down to DPR Korea in the 89th minute, 2-3.
Pearson says that while the last minute defeat was disappointing, it was a fantastic tournament for the boys and they reached their goal of qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup which will take place next year.
“The trip was really good. It was a great experience to be with the national team but it was also really positive for the squad because we qualified for the World Cup and we managed to get to the AFC final.
“It was unfortunate that we didn-t win but we were really happy to qualify for World Cup because that was our main goal from the beginning.
“It was an honour and a real bonus to be over there. Not many teenagers get to do something like this in their career and it was a really valuable experience,” Pearson said.
This weekend-s match will see Glory-s brigade of young talent hopeful to take full advantage of being on home soil and bounce back after the disappointment of losing in Canberra.
While Perth dominated the play for most of the match against the AIS, a few small mistakes proved costly for the visitors. However, Pearson says the boys are focussed on getting the three points back this week.
“The team is pretty strong this year, as we were last year. Last week was one of those games where nothing really goes right but this week I think we-ll be good.
“Everyone is feeling really positive and we-re ready and raring to go against Sydney,” Pearson said.
The gifted ‘keeper started on the bench in round one to make way for senior team custodian Aleks Vrteski and has missed every game since while being in China. Pearson says he-s looking forward to this game especially as it will be his first appearance for the club this season.
“I haven-t played many games this year because I-ve been away so I-m really looking to getting my first game out.
“Hopefully I can start and the boys and I can have a good game and we can get another win on the board,” Pearson said.
National Youth League Round 6
Saturday, 23 October 2010
6PR Stadium, Inglewood
Kick-off: 3pm (AWST)
Perth Glory squad: Tommy AMPHELTT, Tim DOYLE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Brent GRIFFITHS, Luke JOHNSTON, Andrija JUKIC, Sam MITCHINSON, Sahr MUSA, Brandon O-NEILL, Sebit OYET, Alex PEARSON, Billy QUINNCROFT, Josh RISDON, Storm ROUX, Stephen WALMSLEY.
* Two to be omitted
In: Alex Pearson (returns from international duties), Tommy Amphlett (returns from injury)
Out: Josh Mitchell (suspended – 2 weeks)
