After Friday’s double-header action in Adelaide, there were five more matches across a huge Saturday in the Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League.
It all started in the Liberty A-League when Melbourne City defeated Canberra United at AAMI Park before defending champions Sydney FC fell to a 1-0 defeat to Brisbane Roar at Ballymore Stadium.
FRIDAY IN THE A-LEAGUES: How the action unfolded in Coopers Stadium double-header
CHAMPS BEATEN: Mariners’ Isuzu UTE A-League title defence begins with defeat
14-YEAR WAIT OVER: Central Coast win in the Liberty A-League
INJURY NEWS: Positive update to double injury blow
In the Isuzu UTE A-League, the spoils were shared between Macarthur FC and Brisbane Roar to Campbelltown Stadium, Western United saw off Melbourne City at AAMI Park, while Australia Cup champions Sydney FC fell to a 2-0 defeat against Melbourne Victory in the ‘Big Blue’ at Allianz Stadium.
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MATCHDAY AGENDA
Melbourne City 2-1 Canberra United – AAMI Park (Liberty A-League)
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MATCH REPORT: City stay perfect thanks to Pollicina brace, despite Heyman moving closer to century milestone
Melbourne City held on to beat Canberra United as they secured back-to-back wins to begin the season. Rhiana Pollicina scored in either half as the home side dominated before the visitors rallied thanks to Michelle Heyman, who scored the 96th goal of her legendary A-League Women career. The result snapped Canberra’s seven-game unbeaten run.
Macarthur FC 1-1 Brisbane Roar – Campbelltown Stadium (Isuzu UTE A-League)
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MATCH REPORT: Roar star’s free-kick salvages draw in entertaining clash with Macarthur
Jay O’Shea salvaged a point for Brisbane Roar on Ross Aloisi’s Isuzu UTE A-League coaching debut, scoring a late free-kick in their 1-1 draw with Macarthur FC. Raphael Borges Rodrigues thought he had the winner for the Bulls, when his header gave Macarthur the lead shortly after half-time on Saturday. However, veteran midfielder O’Shea equalised via a 73rd-minute set-piece to ensure the spoils would be shared in the opening-round clash at Campbelltown Stadium.
Brisbane Roar 1-0 Sydney FC – Ballymore Stadium (Liberty A-League)
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MATCH REPORT: Roar celebrate eight-year first thanks to upset win over Sydney in front of record crowd
Chelsea Blissett’s first-ever Liberty A-League goal helped high-flying Brisbane Roar stun defending champions Sydney FC 1-0 in front of a record crowd on Saturday. Her 21st-minute strike ensured Brisbane remain perfect through two rounds – the first time they have achieved the feat since 2015-16.
Melbourne City 1-2 Western United – AAMI Park (Isuzu UTE A-League)
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MATCH REPORT: Dramatic penalty gives Western bragging rights over premiers Melbourne City
Noah Botic has helped Western United grab bragging rights over local rivals Melbourne City, firing home a late penalty to give them a 2-1 victory over the reigning Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers.
Lachie Wales gave Western the lead on the hour mark, before new City signing Tolgay Arslan equalised only moments later with a brilliant first Isuzu UTE A-League goal at AAMI Park.
With minutes to go, Western were awarded a penalty after City defender Nuno Reis handled Ramy Najjarine’s cross in the area. Botic stepped up and cooly dispatched the winner from the spot, ensuring John Aloisi’s side would defeat City for the first time since the 2022 Grand Final on Saturday evening.
Sydney FC 0-2 Melbourne Victory – Allianz Stadium (Isuzu UTE A-League)
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MATCH REPORT: Debutant’s stunning goal seals opening win for Melbourne Victory at Sydney FC
Melbourne Victory kicked off their 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign in style, defeating arch-rivals Sydney FC 2-0 at Allianz Stadium. Bruno Fornaroli opened the scoring with a lovely finish from the top of the area, before Zinedine Machach fired home his first goal in Victory colours to round out the win.
