Pararoos striker Connor Bunce features strongly in scoreless draw with US

Albany soccer star and Pararoos player Connor Bunce was a key figure in Australia’s draw with the US in Sydney earlier this month.

The 19-year-old was selected to play in the international friendly against the US, who are the No.4 ranked team on the planet, in their first official fixture of 2023.

Despite both sides being afforded several chances, the Pararoos had to settle for a nil-all draw in a fast-paced affair.

Bunce was a lively figure during the 65-minute contest, twice nearly scoring against goalkeeper Sean Boyle.

The former Polonia striker came close to opening his account from a set piece, narrowly missing from a header.

He had another chance to snatch the game in the second half, nicking a ball first time towards Boyle at blistering pace but the tactful American goalie was able to stop it. .

Neither side could find a breakthrough in the heart-stopper, with the scores level at the end of the match.

Pararoos captain David Barber lauded the efforts of his hard-working side against quality opposition.

“USA are a world-class team and our guys really dug deep today,” he said.

“We really worked hard, stuck to our process and stuck to our game plan, which was to work hard, be disciplined and wait for our chances.”

Coach Kai Lammert was similarly glowing regarding Australia’s work rate at both ends of the pitch.

“What a performance. Defensively, I think that was one of our best performances in over 20 years,” he said.

“What I’m more pleased about is that we had our moments — there was three or four moments where we could have really won it.

“For us, this is just the start. It’s exciting. We have so many young boys coming through, and these boys are doing an awesome job.”