Header photo by George Loupis/Football NSW.
Sydney FC U18 Grand Final hero Alex Masciovecchio said it was a dream come true to score the winning goal and secure back to back titles for the Sky Blues on Sunday.
The 16 year old forward struck with five minutes remaining in the decider at Leichhardt Oval to spark scenes of celebration and cap off a remarkable season for the youngster.
Celebrated with a trademark backflip, his ‘signature move’, Masciovecchio credited the consistency of the squad for delivering the NPL NSW U18 Championship.
“I’ve been dreaming of that [scoring a winning goal],” he said after full time.
“Last season I was lucky enough to score in the Grand Final as well, but this season I was fortunate enough to score the winner. No words can describe it.
“I just learnt it [the backflip] when I was little and I’ve just kept it as a signature move where if I score an important goal like that I’ll tend to do it.
“It’s all down to consistency,” he continued.
“The boys, some are from the team from last season so the consistency of going to training every day, never missing a game, showing up and being ready every match day, it’s just continuous hard work [that’s made this win possible].”
The Wollongong youngster has played with the Sky Blues’ Academy for two seasons now, representing the U16’s & U18’s in 2017, and finished as the competition’s leading goalscorer in 2018 with 24 goals.
Described as a ‘bright prospect’ by Head Coach Jimmy van Weeren, Masciovecchio said it was a fantastic feeling to represent the Sky Blues and be a member of the Sydney FC Family.
“It feels amazing to play for Sydney FC,” he said.
“The club in general, the staff, everyone they’re so nice and the boys are talented and good people to be around.
“With all that support [that’s why] we’ve been able to do this for two season in a row.
“Overall, to be able to do this for two seasons in a row, Premiers and Champions twice, and to score the winning goal in a final is unbelievable.”
