Against the backdrop of yet another impressive Socceroos performance against quality opposition, City fans would have taken even greater pride in the involvement of several figures connected to the club.
Becoming Socceroo #629, Aiden O'Neill had an outstanding start to life in the green and gold.
The Melbourne City man fit in seamlessly at the base of the Australian midfield, sitting deeper than midfield partners Keanu Baccus and Jackson Irvine. Here, he was comfortable in possession from the off - a trait probably attributable to his development at City - and was active in providing defensive cover when caught in transition.
O'Neill also brought his recent attacking form with him, walloping a shot on-target late in the first half that required a safe pair of hands from Ecuador goalkeeper Moises Ramirez. As the 24-year-old eased into the game, he also began to contribute going forward with his passing to release his wider teammates.
Harry Souttar summed it up when he said of O'Neill's Socceroos debut, "There's not going to be many better."
In other City news, Marco Tilio recovered from a disappointing display against Macarthur FC last weekend by putting in a performance that was closer to his usual body of work when he entered the fray in the 78th minute.
Whilst not contributing anything meaningful, Tilio looked lively from the outset and threatened with his dribbling abilities despite matching up against Brighton & Hove Albion defender Pervis Estupinan.
Finally, it may be of interest to City fans that Connor Metcalfe also added to his growing Socceroos caps tally.
The City Academy product picked up his sixth senior international cap while slotting into midfield - not on the wing, where he has hit a recent purple patch of form for club side St. Pauli.
The Socceroos will next be in action on Tuesday night at Marvel Stadium, where City fans will be hoping to see Jordan Bos in the green and gold for the first time.
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