By scoring his maiden goal in the Hyundai A-League, Jordan Murray capped off his record-breaking 2018 in style. Although excited to find the back of the net, Murray would happily trade his goal for three points.
Thanks to everyone who spent their New Year's Eve at Central Coast Stadium ? Bring on a bigger and better 2019! #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/DIG8aR0Y2S
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 1, 2019
The 22-year-old striker bagged a record-breaking 23 goals in just 19 games during the 2018 NPL NSW season, the most in a single season by anyone in the history of the competition.
Less than six months ago, Murray set aside his trade as an electrician to chase a dream he’s worked for his whole life. To become a professional footballer.
That dream became reality when Murray put pen-to-paper with the Mariners in August. Since then he hasn’t looked back, scoring multiple goals in the pre-season, appearing seven times in the Hyundai A-League and starting once already.
CLICK HERE to watch Jordan Murray’s full press conference
Now, with his first goal under his belt, Murray is hungry for more goals but hungrier to taste a three-point performance with the Mariners.
Speaking with media after Wednesday’s training session Murray credited the support of his dad (Peter Murray), a former professional footballer who plied his trade for APIA Leichhardt & Wollongong City in the National Soccer League, as well as Earnest Boral in Hong Kong.
Congrats, @Jmuzza23 ?? ? @FOXFOOTBALL #CCMvPER #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/dnCrlgtaJA
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 31, 2018
First goal in the A-League…
“It’s a very exciting feeling but hopefully there’s plenty more to come. It was a feeling that I’ve dreamt of for a very long time, scoring my first professional goal. Especially in front of the Mariners’ fans at home on New Year’s Eve.
“But I’m just looking forward to making sure we can get three points this weekend. The goal now is to consistently play 90 minutes but as a team, the goal is to get three points and get the Mariners back to where they deserve to be.
Reflecting on New Year’s Eve…
“We’re all working hard at training, for me personally I want to do everything I can to earn more game time and eventually start. My aim is to score as many goals as I can.
“As a team, we’re a bit low on confidence because of results but the minute we win a match the confidence will overturn everything that’s happened in the past.
“We’re looking forward to every game, I’m sure this weekend we will go to Sydney with all guns blazing to get three points, nothing less. We’ve got our eyes set on nothing but three points.
78’ | GOOOAL! @Jmuzza23 gives the Mariners fans something to cheer about. His first goal in the @ALeague from close range! #CCMvPER #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/RLjJ7zX5Iw
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 31, 2018
Mood within the squad…
“Belief is always the biggest thing. We need to belief that we can go into every game and get the job done, no matter who we play. That belief is there, I know that for a fact. Every training session we’re putting in – we just need to focus on the pitch for 90 minutes. When we take that one goal lead, we need to stay focused and do whatever it takes to claim three points.
Transition from tradie to professional footballer…
“I’ve always had self-belief that it was going to happen because to get to the next level you need to belief in yourself a bit. The belief to go out there and score goals is a huge thing that you need to have.
Jordan’s dad, the mentor…
“There’s a lot of people I need to thank for getting here, they know who they are. My biggest influence would be my dad – he’s stuck by me for a very long time, he’s an ex professional player himself. He’s my harshest critic, there’s always the negatives but there’s always the positives and he’s always been there for me. He’s my biggest hero.
Match Details
Friday, 4 January 2019
Hyundai A-League Round 11
Match: Sydney FC vs. Central Coast Mariners
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEDT)
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #SYDvCCM & #CCMFC
