Western United head coach John Aloisi joked “if you score winners like that, you can take your top off again” after Jordan Lauton was sent off following his incredible bicycle kick goal against Perth Glory in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
In one of the best goals ever scored in the history of the competition, Lauton broke Perth’s hearts with a stunning acrobatic effort in the 95th minute of Friday night’s dramatic 3-2 victory at HBF Park.
BUY TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
After teammate Tate Russell had equalised in the 91st minute, Lauton sensationally struck four minutes later in an all-time great moment – the 21-year-old’s first Isuzu UTE A-League goal before he was shown a second yellow card following his celebration.
CHAMPS SILENCE ROAR: Mariners fend off 10-man Brisbane as debutant’s magic moment seals unwanted history
“Unbelievable goal to win it,” Aloisi told reporters post-match.
Academy graduate Lauton signed a scholarship contract at the start of 2024-25, having made his A-Leagues debut last season.
DRAMA! Bicycle kick STUNNER seals epic comeback as Western break Perth hearts in stoppage-time madness
CITY 2-0 PHOENIX: City youngster’s first A-Leagues goal inspires win over Phoenix as another star struck by injury
Aloisi continued: “Once we scored the second goal, we just felt that we could – if we got another opportunity in the final third – that we could get something from the game because they kept dropping deeper and deeper.
“I just wanted bodies in the box and get the ball into the box. When he threw his leg at it, I was thinking oh it’s probably not the right one to throw his leg at. Then it goes into the back of the net and you’re just like wow.
“He will remember this night forever. He made his debut last season. He is on a scholarship this season. He’s a great kid who’s worked so hard to get his opportunity. He has been at our club for a couple of years now in our NPL system.
“Travels from Ballarat everyday. When we were training with the NPL at 6 in the morning, he’s travelling an hour and a half from Ballarat. That’s how much he wants it.
“I’m so happy for him and he will also remember that he got a red card. A bit of a funny night.”
BUY TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
On Lauton’s red card, Aloisi added: “He apologised to me.
“I said that’s okay. If you score winners like that, you can take your top off again.”
