What a weekend of football, with fantastic goals and brilliant performances. But from all that, who could make the cut for the team of the week?
What a weekend of football, with fantastic goals and brilliant performances. But from all that, who could make the cut for the team of the week?
Goalkeeper: Jacob Spoonley – Wellington Phoenix
He may have been on a one-and-done deal, but Spoonley more than filled the big gloves of Glen Moss or Mark Paston for the Phoenix, called upon to make several saves his one-on-one stop on Fred was all class and there was simply nothing anyone could do about Matt Thompson-s strike.
Defender: Andrew Durante – Wellington Phoenix
The Phoenix captain led by example as his side captured a draw they probably had no right to consider going into the game. He marshalled his defence as well as he usually does and was a threat going forward, but importantly he provided plenty of cover at the back for the Phoenix repelling countless chances
Defender: Trent Sainsbury – Central Coast Mariners
The young defender came of age and outshone regular stars Patrick Zwaanswijk, Pedj Bojic and Josh Rose in an outstanding performance, often the last man he made plenty of crucial challenges and provided a wonderful assist for Daniel McBreen-s goal.
Defender: Craig Goodwin – Newcastle Jets
The young defender had a huge impact for his side repelling countless Sydney FC attacks and appearing threatening in attack. He topped off a highly impressive performance beating Ivan Necevski with a classy chip finish.
Midfielder: Erik Paartalu – Brisbane Roar
With Mass Murdocca alongside him, as Rado Vidosic deployed two defensive midfielders behind the marauding trio of Broich, Nichols and Halloran, Paartalu was a giant for the Roar. The big man in orange dominated the centre of the park and made Melbourne Victory look flimsy in comparison.
Midfielder: Richard Garcia
The sometime Qantas Socceroo is proving a valuable addition to the Heart midfield. Threatening in attack, going close to scoring with a clever downward header and was the first to put his hand up in defence once Simon Colosimo was sent off.
Midfielder: Mitch Nichols – Brisbane Roar
He seems to have been around forever – but the 23-year-old continues his development as one of the Hyundai A-League-s smartest players, with a gift for turning up in the box at just the right time and his awareness creating endless chances for his teammates.
Midfielder: Thomas Broich – Brisbane Roar
Although now deployed more centrally, Broich-s consistency for Brisbane is impressive, and after looking a little unsettled against Perth in Round 1, the German had the run of the green against a lightweight Victory side. All class.
Midfielder: Alessandro Del Piero – Sydney FC
The Italian star didn-t disappoint Sky Blues fans in his home debut, finding the net with a trademark dipping free kick, but that wasn-t all. Del Piero caused the Jets problems all night and proved that at 36 years of age, class is permanent and that A-League fans have plenty to look forward to.
Striker: Iain Ramsay – Adelaide United
He played wide for the Reds but often pushed far enough up to be considered a striker for the Reds. His pace and creativity proved difficult for the Wanderers to deal with and his potential is starting to be realised. His assist for Jeronimo Neumann-s goal was delightful to watch.
Striker: Fabio Ferreira – Adelaide United
Like Ramsay, the former Chelsea man played wide, drifting in behind Bruce Djite at times and he had a huge impact, his skill on the ball combined with his pace caused Nikolai Topor-Stanley an endless array of problems and resulted in him earning a penalty for his side, even though the contact appeared to start outside the box. It was a brilliant performance when the Reds needed it, and made the loss of Dario Vidosic hurt less.
Coach: John Kosmina – Adelaide United
Adelaide United are looking to reclaim their former Glory and the coach has to take some of the credit for their unbeaten start to the season. Their opposition may not have been the stiffest they will face this year but they have looked good playing a style of football they seem comfortable with. Hats off to Kossie.
This article had been amended to add missing copy on Richard Garcia.
