Adelaide United skipper Isaias earned plenty of praise in Friday night’s win over Brisbane Roar but it was more to do with a classy bit of leadership and quick thinking than his overall performance.
In a crazy end to the match at Coopers Stadium, it was the Spaniard’s quick reaction to Stefan Mauk’s potentially serious injury which drew plenty of acclaim.
The Roar midfielder was knocked unconscious when his head hit the ground after a heavy challenge on Craig Goodwin.
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
TALKING POINTS: How Honda is blowing Johnny Warren Medal stats out of the water
TEAM OF THE WEEK: See who made the XI for Round 6
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5974535741001
As several Adelaide players raced towards the Roar playmaker to remonstrate with him, it was Isaias who was first to realise Mauk was knocked out and did his best to keep other players away.
Isaias played down his classy actions when speaking with Fox Sports post-match, saying: “It was a quick action. We don’t really know [what happened].
“It was a rough tackle from Stefan [Mauk] and everyone ran to him but when we saw he was out we got really scared about it and we gave him space for the staff to look at him.”
But there was plenty of love for the Reds skipper on social media.
Glad to hear you’re okay, @StefanMauk! Recover well and see you next time 👍 #MoreThanFootball https://t.co/0WsBGBZaMN
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 1, 2018
— Stefan Mauk (@StefanMauk) December 1, 2018
Adelaide have got themselves a proper leader for a skipper. Full credit.
— James Lawrence (@LawrieOz) December 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/jarrodwalsh/status/1068469211788271617
Isaias trying to protect Mauk. Well done to him, that shows real leadership and bravery to immediately do that. Very well done.#ALeague #ADLvBRI
— Joey Lynch (@joeylynchy) November 30, 2018
Well played, Isaias 👏🏼 What a guy! #ADLvBRI
— Tyson Scott (@Tys0nScott) November 30, 2018
In the heat of everything there, Isaias keeps his head and does the right thing, bloody well done by him 👏 #ADLvBRI
— Katie Lambeski (@katielambeski) November 30, 2018
Koutroumbis raises the benchmark
Six weeks ago, Newcastle Jets defensive midfielder Johnny Koutroumbis was diagnosed with stage one thyroid cancer.
Yet, a month and a half later, the 20-year-old appeared on the bench in Newcastle’s 3-0 loss to Melbourne City.
‘I was scared’: Fit-again Koutroumbis reflects on cancer shock ahead of comeback
A remarkable effort from the youngster.
What a story. ❤️
Johnny Koutroumbis, you're a hero. 👏 pic.twitter.com/iwoaESdZt9
— Fox Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 2, 2018
O’Neill’s knack for the spectacular
Sydney FC were far from their best against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday but took all three points thanks to a piece of Brandon O’Neill brilliance.
The Sky Blues midfielder hit a left-foot rocket from more than 30-yards out which scorched through the air to nestle in Ben Kennedy’s top corner and hand the visitors a 2-1 win.
It was O’Neill’s sixth goal in his Hyundai A-League career, with five of those coming from outside the box, underlining his ability to produce from distance.
Interestingly, it was the first goal O’Neill has scored with his left, but on the evidence of the weekend, he should try his luck more often with his ‘so-called’ weaker foot.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5974003291001
O'Neill chanelling Gio van Bronckhorst with that goal. Sumptuous. #CCMvSYD #ALeague pic.twitter.com/oWPVvN92t0
— Josh Parish (@joshparish_) December 1, 2018
How good is Brandon O’Neill. Such a player. What a strike. One of my favourites, destined for a higher level.#CCMvSYD
— Sebastian Hassett (@sebth) December 1, 2018
Wonderful, wonderful goal from Brandon O’Neill – might be a goal of the season contender ! @FOXFOOTBALL @FOXFootballLive @SydneyFC #ALeague #CCMvSYD
— Hugo McWilliam (@HugoMcWilliam) December 1, 2018
Krishna creates Phoenix history
It didn’t turn out to be the winning goal but Roy Krishna’s strike in Wellington Phoenix’s 1-1 draw with Perth Glory will be one the Fijian will never forget.
Krishna’s 44th-minute goal was the 34th for the Phoenix, taking him past Paul Ifill as the club’s greatest-ever scorer.
One of Wellington’s best players since his debut in 2014, it’s a special accolade for Krishna who will be hoping to add a few more to his tally if the Phoenix are to play finals football this season.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5974273228001
Well done @RoyKrishna21 👏👏👏
Congratulation on being the leading goal scorer for the #Nix on 34 goals!#CreateHistory #WELvPER pic.twitter.com/EdWKzqglBG
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) December 2, 2018
Roy Krishna now the @WgtnPhoenixFC leading all time goal scorer. Congrats you Fijian flyer! 👏🏻👏🏻⚽️🇫🇯 #COYN #WELvPER
— Sean Hogan (@SeanHoganNZ) December 2, 2018
Double stop illustrates Sydney’s desire
If there was a moment that outlines why Sydney FC have had so much success over the last couple of seasons, it came early in the win over the Mariners.
The home side looked certain to score when Matt Millar’s cross fell to an unmarked Jack Clisby at the far post inside the opening minutes.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5974533524001
Clisby’s shot looked destined for the net but was blocked by defender Rhyan Grant, before keeper Andrew Redmayne showed great reflexes to stop the Mariners defender smashing in the rebound.
While the Sky Blues fell behind soon after, they were able to regroup and take all three points thanks to goals from Adam Le Fondre and O’Neill.
Sydney FC have been the best defensive side over the last two seasons and that incident showed just why they are so hard to score against.
That is why @RhyanGrant is a Socceroo! That was an outstanding block denying Jack Clisby the opener! #CCMvSYD #ALeague @FOXFOOTBALL @FOXFootballLive @ALeague @SydneyFC
— Hugo McWilliam (@HugoMcWilliam) December 1, 2018
