Melbourne City utility Ben Garuccio has praised his teammates for the attacking efficiency which helped secure a 4-1 win over Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
City trailed 1-0 at the break through Mitch Austin’s stunning breakaway goal, but rallied to turn the match around with a dominant second 45 minutes.
The competition’s leading scorers notched their 50th goal in just 20 matches when Aaron Mooy stroked home his second deep in added time.
MATCH REPORT: City three points from summit after win over Mariners
Garuccio was one of three City players to score as his first ever Hyundai A-League goal put the hosts 3-1 ahead in the 69th minute.
“It was good. It was a must-win game and we went down 1-0, but we also saw they took the lead last week (and lost 3-2 to Adelaide United),” Garuccio said on Fox Sports after the match.
“We knew we would have chances. Credit to the boys, we took our chances in the second half.
“That was an important three points for us.”
City’s powerful attacking display came despite an off-day for star forward Bruno Fornaroli, who failed to beat Mariners goalkeeper Paul Izzo with a number of attempts.
Garuccio acknowledged his teammate’s smart assist by mimicking the Uruguayan’s goal celebration after tucking away a near-post finish.
“That was (just) for Bruno, what he does. I said, ‘if you assist me I’ll make sure I do this one (celebration gesture)’ so I gave it back to him,” the first-time goalscorer smiled.
