Melbourne City have overcome a goalless first outing from their prolific front three and a late scare from Brisbane Roar to kick off their Isuzu UTE A-League Men title defence with a 2-1 win.
City started boom recruit Mathew Leckie, despite his recent heavy workload across the Socceroos’ two recent World Cup qualifiers, along with Jamie Maclaren and Andrew Nabbout at AAMI Park on Friday night.
None of the three attackers had a scoreboard impact but nonetheless City broke through Brisbane’s resolute defensive block through Curtis Good in the 40th minute, with Connor Metcalfe adding a second three minutes later.
The Roar, who were without skipper Tom Aldred and recruit Juan Lescano, hit back through substitute Luke Ivanovic in the 71st minute but were unable to land an equaliser.
City dominated possession early and Maclaren spurned a golden opportunity to open his account in the 26th minute, when he got on the end of Nabbout’s compelling through-ball but dragged his shot wide.
Brisbane had their own big chance on 31 minutes when Nikola Mileusnic forced a good save from Tom Glover before City cleared away the subsequent goalmouth scramble.
City broke the deadlock via a set piece nine minutes later.
Florin Berenguer and Connor Metcalfe combined for a short corner and while Maclaren’s quick-thinking volley was well saved by Macklin Freke, Good was on hand to tap home at the near post.
WATCH: Curtis Good scores the first goal of the new season
In the 43rd minute, Scott Jamieson found Metcalfe with a brilliantly looped long ball and the City midfielder twisted and turned, then tried his luck with a vicious strike that took a fortuitous deflection and nestled in the net.
Brisbane found their feet in the second half, especially after the introduction of former Sydney FC youngster Ivanovic, who skidded a shot wide in the 66th minute.
Five minutes later, Ivanovic got the Roar back in the game when he headed home Jay O’Shea’s tantalising ball.
WATCH: Luke Ivanovic gives Brisbane hope
Kai Trewin thought he’d drawn the Roar level when he headed home O’Shea’s free kick in the 80th minute, but the youngster was ruled offside, while Jesse Daley put a chance wide at the death as City just held on.
