Craig Goodwin shines, Cameron Burgess delivers a key assist, Mitch Duke helps Machida Zelvia to a historic finish, and Ryan Strain continues to boost an unlikely European push. Front Page Football wraps up the best from the Australian footballers overseas in our Aussies abroad report.
Craig Goodwin celebrates his important goal for the Socceroos against China back in October. (Image: Aleksandar Jason/Subway Socceroos)
Vintage Goodwin on display
Craig Goodwin delivered a standout performance for Al-Wehda in Saudi Arabia, notching both a goal and an assist in a thrilling but unfortunate 3-2 loss to Al-Okhdood.
Goodwin's efforts over the full 90 minutes showcased his offensive prowess. However, his side remains in the relegation zone, with the league now taking a short break until January 10th.
Goodwin has three goals and three assists across 12 appearances in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League.
Burgess' unlikely contribution
Defender Cameron Burgess showcased his versatility for Ipswich Town, delivering a clever assist in a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth in the English Premier League.
Burgess, who also had a goal disallowed late in the game, set up teammate Conor Chaplin with a well-timed cut-back, underlining his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Being named East Anglican Daily Times' Player of the Match, Burgess has been a stalwart since being reintroduced into the side in their Round 8 loss to Everton, only missing one game.
Duke helps Machida Zelvia to historic finish
Mitch Duke capped off a remarkable season with Machida Zelvia, coming off the bench in the 74th minute as the club secured a third-place finish in their debut J1 League campaign.
Machida entered the final round as title contenders but fell 3-1 to Kashima Antlers. Despite the loss, Duke's side finished their campaign with automatic qualification for the next instalment of the AFC Champions League Elite's League Stage.
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Juric brothers shine in FC Koper win
In Slovenia's top flight, brothers Deni and Tomi Juric played pivotal roles in FC Koper's 3-1 victory over NS Mura.
Deni opened the scoring for the away side before being substituted for his older brother, Tomi, in the 68th minute. Tomi then sealed the win with a goal in the 79th minute.
The former A-Leagues striker has been highly efficient this season, netting three goals across only 147 minutes of play—an impressive average of a goal every 49 minutes.
Meanwhile, Deni has scored six goals, making him the competition's joint second-top scorer.
Strain helping Dundee United's European push
Ryan Strain continued his impressive run for Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, completing a fourth successive full 90 minutes.
Over that span, the full-back has played his part in two wins and two draws, helping his side achieve two clean sheets and contributing to a draw against giants Rangers FC.
The promoted side has defied expectations, currently sitting fourth on the table. Strain's defensive reliability and exceptional work rate have been instrumental in their surprising bid for European qualification.
Other notable Aussies abroad mentions
Rhys Youlley made his senior debut for KVC Westerlo in their 4-1 loss to giants Anderlecht in the Belgian Cup.
Anthony Carter scored a brace in the Portuguese second division as his Alverca side beat Oliveirense 4-1.
Jamie Maclaren, Jason Cummings, and Dimitri Petratos remain top of the Indian Super League after Mohun Bagan beat North East United 2-0.
Click here to read more of Front Page Football's Aussies Abroad coverage!
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