Growing pains will reap rewards: Wollongong keeper

Augusto was impressed by WCFC’s promising efforts in their first three NSW Premier League games – their maiden win over Bonnyrigg has been wedged between 1-0 losses to Bankstown and Sydney United.
The 24-year-old former Sutherland shot-stopper said WCFC deserved better from each of their losses.
“The boys have been playing really well – in the two losses we should gave have got at least a draw,” Augusto said.
“We’re a brand new team – we can’t expect to win everything straight away but we have matched every team so far. It’s early days and we haven’t talked about it yet, but I think semi-final football is on the cards.”
Although he is bound to face testing assignments, Augusto is relishing mixing it with the state’s best after spending 2008 in the second-tier NSW Super League.
“It’s good to be back up – I went to the Super League to help out Fraser Park but it probably wasn’t the right decision,” Augusto said.
“I’m glad to be playing in the Premier League again – there are plenty of guys who belong in the A-League.”
Augusto got a taste of being in the hot seat on Sunday against United, whose attacking arsenal included ex-Socceroos David Zdrilic and Ante Milicic and goal hound Luka Glavas.
The gloveman produced a number of fine saves to deny Glavas – at other times WCFC’s back four combined to shut down United’s raids.
“I am pretty happy with how I am playing, especially my shot-stopping,” Augusto said.
“(Centre-back) Alfredo has been a rock and guys like Dave Able and Jamie Pitt have looked solid in a bunch that hasn’t played together much.”
Augusto was without a club before coach Tony Pace – who mentored him at Seymour Shaw Park – came calling after the Wollongong Wolves collapsed last year.
“I didn’t have a club and Tony called me after he took over and asked if I wanted to take a chance,” Augusto said.
“I’m grateful for that.”
-By Joel Ritchie (Courtesy of the Illawarra Mercury)