Soccer team back from Australia

Soccer team back from Australia

JAKARTA: The national under-23 soccer team returned home on Thursday night after monthlong training in Perth, Australia, for this month's Southeast Asian Games.

The team, who will rest for several days before resuming training, lost 2-4 in their last friendly against a local Perth team on Wednesday, according to coach Edi Harto.

However, the team defeated Floreat 5-0 the week before. It also defeated Perth Azzuri FC 1-0 and held Perth Glory and Sorrento FC to goalless draws.

"The condition of all the players is better. They have shown physical improvement from the national training," Edi was quoted as saying by Antara news service.

The team will play Persib Bandung on Nov. 12 in Bandung and PSIS Semarang on Nov. 15 before leaving for the SEA Games in the Philippines on Nov 17. Soccer will be played in Bacolod City during the Games from Nov. 27-Dec. 5. -- JP