The Socceroo, who scored the winner in last week's 2-1 victory over Thailand, was impressive throughout the game.

Albirex had gone ahead early through Isao Homma before Brosque played a role in Genki Omae's leveller on 16 minutes.

The former Sydney FC man then hit the winner on 74 minutes after collecting a pass from new Shimizu signing Freddie Ljungberg, clinching the victory in the first leg of their second round tie.

The winner of the tie will progress to the quarter-finals where they will meet Joshua Kennedy's Nagoya Grampus.

Brosque played a full game against Niigata, while Eddy Bosnar wasn't in the S-Pulse squad.

Meanwhile, in China's Super League, Brendon Santalab was on the scoresheet as Chengdu Blades drew 2-2 with Shenzhen Ruby.