Olympic FC goalkeeper Mario Aparicio says his side are better for the experience despite being humbled 11-1 by A-League club Brisbane Roar at Goodwin Park on Sunday afternoon.

The former Parramatta Power and Colo Colo (Chile) shot-stopper received a torrid workout at the hands of Roar’s multi-pronged strike force, producing a number of telling saves in a rapid-fire first half.

Brazilian Henrique scored a late hat-trick for Roar, adding to doubles from Thomas Broich, Matt McKay and Kwame Yeboah. Youngsters Ben Litfin and Brandon Borello added a goal apiece in the 11-goal romp.

Olympic saw their moment in the sun when Glockner controlled a sharp pass across the box from Costa Psaros, the composed youngster shuffling past a defender before hitting an assured shot past Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo.

Despite the ten goal margin, Aparicio, produced one of the highlights of the afternoon for the hosts when he denied Ivan Franjic from the penalty spot midway through the opening half.

Speaking after the game, the 27 year old said his teammates would take much from the run against Queensland’s only fully professional club side.

“It’s always good to play against the Roar and it gives the younger guys the opportunity to see what they are aspiring to and perspective of where they are at as well.”

“It puts into perspective what level we’re at and what level they are. There’s moments there where we played some decent football, but you can tell when they train everyday they are just a different class.”

Aparicio said he was happy with his turn against the Roar and it would stand him in good stead for next Saturday’s NPL Finals Series Semi Final against Sydney United 58 FC.

“It’s a challenge, and it shows what quality Roar have this year, but it’s always nice to make a few saves and I felt pretty good to be honest.”

Aparicio also said he was well-aware of his Sydney opposition following his years spent in the western suburbs as a young player.

“I left school and got my first professional contract with Parramatta Power in the NSL,” Aparicio explained.

“I know some of the boys in that league and some of the boys we’ll be playing against as well, so there’s always a bit of rivalry on the west side of Sydney.

He said that despite the unflattering scoreline Olympic were looking forward to making amends, possibly in a future FFA Cup tie.

“The FFA Cup is a great opportunity for footballers. It’s something that we’ve always needed and I’m pretty glad I’m still around for it,” Aparicio asserted.

“If we play the Roar again, we will be more in season and we can definitely give them more of a go.”

Speaking after the match, Roar manager Mike Mulvey said he wished Olympic luck against Sydney United 58 FC in the NPL Finals Series on Saturday.

"They've had a couple of weeks off since their Grand Final so it's very difficult to suddenly come out against a team that is well-primed for the start of the A-League," Mulvey said.

"I'd like to wish them all the very best because they are representing Queensland and we're definitely behind them and we hope they do extremely well next week against Sydney."

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland
Image: Alannah Pearson (Olympic FC)