Socceroos striker Mitch Duke scored his first goal since May with a clever header in Japanese J1 League leaders Machida Zelvia’s 3-1 away win over Gamba Osaka on Sunday.
Duke had been prolific last year with 10 goals in 34 appearances as Machida earned promotion to J1, but hasn’t had as many opportunities this term, mostly playing off the bench.
The Australian striker earned a rare start on Sunday and made the most of it, swooping alertly to head home after Ibrahim Dresevic’s initial effort was saved.
The goal was Duke’s third league goal of the campaign and fifth in all competitions, having netted a double against Kashima Antlers in the cup in May.
Duke started and played 61 minutes as Machida secured the crucial win to move five points clear of both second-placed Kashima and third-placed Gamba after 21 rounds.
Elsewhere, Thomas Deng was a 65th minute substitute for Albirex Niigata as they climbed up to 14th with their 1-0 win at Consadole Sapporo.
Mitch Langerak put in a full shift in Nagoya Grampus’ 2-1 loss at Cerezo Osaka which made it three straight defeats.
In Korea’s K League 1, ex-Sydney Olympic midfielder Peter Makrillos made his debut for new club Suwon Bluewings following his midweek trade.
Makrillos moved from K2 club Seoul E-Land to the Bluewings in exchange for Kazuki Kozuka.
The Aussie got the assist for Suwon and played until the 97th minute in a 1-1 draw with Ansan Greeners.
Harrison Delbridge played a full game in Incheon United’s 1-0 home defeat to Gangwon.
Aaron Calver put in a full shift as Daejeon Citizen lost 2-0 to Suwon FC, for whom Lachlan Jackson was an 81st minute sub.
In K2, another Aussie on the move to Korea, Connor Chapman, made his debut for new club Gimpo Citizen as an 84th minute sub in a 1-1 draw with Cheonan City.
In Norway’s Eliteserien, Gianni Stensness put in a full shift as Viking won 4-2 over Rosenborg.
Aussie forward Nick D’Agostino started and played 66 minutes for Viking, while Patrick Yazbek was a 78th minute substitute.
In transfer news, Middlesbrough are planning on loaning out Aussie winger Sam Silvera to newly promoted Championship club Portsmouth on a temporary switch.
Boro want Silvera to gain more first-team football, but the loan deal won’t include the option of a permanent stay, with the Socceroo still firmly in manager Michael Carrick’s plans at Riverside Stadium.
Portsmouth are also reportedly keen to have Aussie midfielder Alex Robertson back on loan for the 2024-25 season having returned to parent club Manchester City.
Robertson was loaned from City to Pompey for the 2023-24 season and impressed before injury ended his stay prematurely. Everton are also interested in Robertson according to reports.
Socceroos full-back Ryan Strain swapped Scottish Premiership clubs last week, moving from St Mirren to Dundee United on a two-year deal.
United manager Jim Goodwin said: “The signing of Ryan is a coup for the club, I’m thrilled to get the deal done.
“Throughout the past two seasons, he has been one of the country’s best performers in his position – his set-piece delivery is first-class, he rarely loses a defensive duel and possesses an infectious work rate.
“Furthermore, he has experience on both the European and international stage which he can pass on to other members of the dressing room.”
Strain’s former Buddies and Socceroos teammate Keanu Baccus left St Mirren in May, joining English League One outfit Mansfield Town.
Socceroos midfielder Ajdin Hrustic is a player of interest this off-season with his short-term contract with Heracles expiring meaning he’s available on a free transfer.
🇦🇺 A flying wing-back touches down in DD3
📝 #DUFC are delighted to announce the signing of Australian international Ryan Strain on a two-year deal
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— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) June 21, 2024
