Carlo Armiento was understandably thrilled after scoring all three of Adelaide United Youth’s goals to defeat Perth Glory Youth 3-0 at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday.
The 20-year-old opened the scoring after five minutes, beating his man and firing a left-footed finish past the goalkeeper.
His final goal to complete his hat-trick arrived in the 77th minute when he cut inside from the left to score with his right foot.
Armiento said he was pleased to have such an influential impact in the team’s performance.
“It was hard conditions in Perth, it’s probably 30 degrees and the boys performed well,” he said.
“I’m happy I did well and put the ball in the back of the net for the boys.
“We were solid, I think Perth didn’t really have many opportunities.
“The boys started from the back, all the way up to the top. We were compact and when we went up there we just put our chances away, so it was a good start by us.”
FT | A @armiento11 hat-trick has given the Young Reds a dominant opening round win over Perth Glory Youth at Dorrien Gardens! 🔥👏 #AUFC #PERvADL #YLeague pic.twitter.com/b5556YffEY
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 17, 2019
However, despite scoring all three goals, there was some confusion with the official referee’s report crediting his second as an own goal.
Armiento was adamant it was his goal after his volley deflected off a Glory player, standing on the goal-line.
“The second goal was apparently given an own goal, but I don’t know I thought it was my goal,” he insisted.
“Jai (King) hit the ball over the top and I hit it on the volley first time and there was a man on the line.
“I think it just hit his foot and it was on target I believe and hit it in for me. But I thought it was my goal.”
Armiento, who played five league games last season is yet to feature this campaign, but stated the key is to keep working hard.
“I’ve to focus on my game, wherever I play do the best I can for the team and control what I can control,” he said.
“Whatever happens, if the coach (Gertjan Verbeek) wants to play me in the first team he plays me, if not I come down and play with Pez (Paul Pezos) and do my job.”
With strong competition for spots in the squad, particularly in attack, the winger knows he just needs to take his opportunity when it comes, and said some of the experienced players in the side have provided advice.
“I think the older boys are good at training,” he continued.
“They keep pushing me, and they’re doing well. So if I get my opportunity I just need to take it.”
Adelaide United Youth host Melbourne Victory Youth in Round 2 of the Foxtel Y-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 24 November at Jack Smith Park. Kick-off is at 10.30am ACDT. Free entry.
