Western United guns Angus Thurgate and Ben Garuccio will face off against the world’s best talent after earning selection in the A-League All Stars Men squad.
The pair received the nod after outstanding seasons for Western United, seizing the opportunity to do battle against the Premier League’s Newcastle United on Friday 24 May.
Thurgate and Garuccio finished second and third respectively in Western United’s A-League Men Player of the Season count, indicative of their importance to John Aloisi’s side this season.
In his first season at the Club, Thurgate started every single match in midfield and oozed class and consistency in the Green and Black, while Garuccio was at his trademark best bombing up and down the touchline, scoring three goals from left-back.
The two players join Western United goalkeeper coach Michael Theo in representing the Club for the showpiece event at Mars Stadium.
Unfortunately, superstar attacker Daniel Penha has withdrawn from the squad and returned home to Brazil due to personal reasons.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato commended the achievements of both individuals and said the Club’s presence across the All Stars event was an impressive feat.
“Angus and Ben both had outstanding seasons with us and we are incredibly excited for them both to have this opportunity to come against a European powerhouse in Newcastle,” he said.
“They are both worthy of this recognition and we are proud of them as footballers and as people to represent our Club on such an occasion.
“To have two players and a staff member across both men’s and women’s All Stars squads, with Daniel also being recognised, is an outstanding achievement and I congratulate all of our talented personnel and wish them all the very best on the night.”
Tickets are on sale now for the historic double header with the men’s clash kicking things off at 5:15pm AEST before the inaugural women’s All Stars match against global behemoth Arsenal takes centre stage at 8:05pm.
With Grace Maher, Alana Cerne and Kat Smith flying the flag in the women’s squad and Thurgate, Garuccio and Theo joining them on the men’s side, there will be plenty for Western United fans to cheer for on a fantastic night for football in Australia.
