Three matches across the Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League provided plenty of entertaining on Sunday.
KEEPUP followed along live to bring you all the goals, highlights, up to date scores and biggest talking points from a big day in the A-Leagues.
RESULTS
- Perth Glory 2-0 Brisbane Roar
Isuzu UTE A-League, UTAS Stadium
- Melbourne City 2-1 Sydney FC
Liberty A-League, AAMI Park
- Western United 3-2 Western Sydney Wanderers
Isuzu UTE A-League, AAMI Park
REACTION
Don’t expect Garuccio to repeat his worldie
Ben Garuccio broke the internet with his ‘scorpion’ goal.
The Western United full-back had not scored in four years before today but he changed that with his double to fire the team past the Wanderers 3-2 and to the top of A-League Men.
His second goal left jaws on the floor after the reverse bicycle kick found the back of the net with 22 minutes remaining in Melbourne.
Funnily enough, Garuccio bought new boots and wore them today, and they worked a charm.
“I did mean it but could I do it again in 1,000 goes? Probably not,” Garuccio told Paramount+.
“I did it a few weeks ago in training and I faceplanted. I suppose it’s just one of those – 1 in 1,000.”
Dissecting the goal after receiving a sublime pass from Aleksandar Prijovic, Garuccio said: “The ball sort of came behind me. I made the run. I saw Alex get the ball.
“I saw both defenders go out and I thought I’d try to make the run. To be fair, it was an unbelievable ball.
“I threw my leg at it and tried to watch it as best I could. I looked up and it was in the net.
“I couldn’t concentrate for the rest of the game. I was daydreaming.”
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: WESTERN UNITED 3-2 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
Full-time: Garuccio stunner lifts Western to the summit
A win and a worldie. The perfect night for high-flying Western and Garuccio.
Garuccio’s brace, highlighted by his Puskas Award nomination, helped Western return to the top of the table thanks to their victory against the Wanderers.
And breathe!
86′ Goal 3-2: Wanderers still a chance?
Amid all the fanfare and focus on Garuccio’s goal, the Wanderers kept pressing and managed to claw themselves back against Western.
Running out of time, Steven Ugarkovic sent a half-volley low and hard past young.
Game on.
68′ Goal 3-1: A goal for the ages
I see it but I don’t believe it. That’s the general consensus after Garuccio’s moment of magic.
Out of nothing, the Western full-back produced a stunning ‘scorpion’ goal to break the internet.
The Puskas Award could already be decided by the man from Western United. Incredible.
Wanderers getting into the groove now
After such a dreadful opening period, Western Sydney are putting pressure on the hosts.
If not for Jamie Young, the Wanderers would be level on the road.
The Western goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to deny Hemed a second goal in the 56th minute.
51′ Goal 2-1: Wanderers pull one back
Six minutes into the second half and suddenly, the game has taken a different complexion.
The Wanderers received a penalty for a handball inside the area, paving the way for Tomer Hemed.
Hemed made no mistake from the spot to give the Wanderers some hope.
Half-time: Western having it all their own way
Never before have Western gone five games without defeat in the A-League Men, but they’re well on track to make history in that department.
It’s been smooth sailing for the home side against a disjointed Wanderers side, who once again, are under the microscope.
Western Sydney are winless in their last 10 A-League Men games played at AAMI Park (D3, L7), so they’re up against it in the second 45 minutes.
45+2′ Goal 2-0: Horror end to Western Sydney’s first half
If there’s a definition for how not to end a first half, it’s this moment.
Already under the pump and in all sorts of trouble, the Wanderers conceded on the stroke of half-time, leaving the embattled guests with a mountain to climb.
Prijovic turned provider for Ben Garuccio, who was played through the big striker and found the back of the net in the second minute of first-half additional time.
27′ Goal 1-0: Prijovic with a touch of class
Western exposed the Wanderers’ defensively frailties as Prijovic lobbed in the opening game approaching the half-hour mark.
The Wanderers didn’t heed the earlier warning, with Prijovic getting on the end of Imai’s throughball and finishing over the top of Western Sydney goalkeeper Daniel Margush.
Prijovic has four league goals since joining Western.
Diamanti-Prijovic link-up almost breaks deadlock
In a lowkey start, Alessandro Diamanti and Aleksandar Prijovic nearly combined to open the scoring after 17 minutes at AAMI Park.
A superb cross from Diamanti picked out Prijovic but the former Serbia international could not keep his header on target.
The Wanderers let off the hook.
History beckons for Western United?
Opta has you covered for all the pre-game data goodies:
- Western Sydney Wanderers have won two of their last three A-League Men games against Western United (L1), conceding just a single goal in that period; though, they were defeated 1-0 in their most recent encounter.
- Western have lost only two of their last 10 A-League Men games (W6, D2) and are undefeated in their last four games (W2, D2); they have never gone more than four games without a loss in the competition.
- The Wanderers picked up a 2-0 win over the Melbourne Victory in their last A-League Men game and will now search for back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time since May 2021 when they logged a 3-2 win against Sydney FC and a 5-0 win against Western United.
- Western Sydney are winless in their last 10 A-League Men games played at AAMI Park (D3, L7); their last win at the venue came on 13 November 2015 against Melbourne City FC.
- Western United have scored the opening goal of the game on eight occasions in the 2021-22 A-League Men season – the joint-most of any team – and have gone on to pick up six wins and two draws from those games.
- Western United (6) and Western Sydney Wanderers (4) have kept more clean sheets than any other teams in the 2021-22 A-League campaign.
- Wales (Western United FC) is set to play his 100th A-League Men game; he has created four scoring chances in his last three games at AAMI Park, including two assists.
- Troisi (Western Sydney Wanderers) is set to play his 150th game in the A-League Men; he has been directly involved in three goals in his last two games against Western United in the competition (1 goal, 2 assists).
Top of the table up for grabs at AAMI
For the second time in just over two weeks, Western United and Western Sydney lock horns in the A-League Men’s. United won 1-0 in the Wanderers’ home fixture on February 5, but Mark Rudan’s side will be confident of building on a good win against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night.
Western have a chance to reclaim top spot from Melbourne City – a win would restore their one-point buffer at the summit.
A Wanderers – who have captain Jack Rodwell back in the line-up – victory would send them within three points of third-placed Adelaide United.
There are a couple of milestone men in today’s game, with Steve Lustica (150), James Troisi (150) and Lachie Wales (100) all celebrating significant matches.
LIBERTY A-LEAGUE: MELBOURNE CITY 2-1 SYDNEY FC
City full of belief in premiership race
Melbourne City knew a win would break the premiership race wide open and they delivered.
Two points adrift of Sydney with a game in hand, City are in control of their own destiny during the closing stages of the regular season.
That success, despite the injury to McNamara, has Torpey and Co. confident they can surpass Sydney for silverware.
“Definitely,” Torpey told Paramount+ when asked if she though City can leapfrog the Sky Blues.
“That win is what we needed. We don’t know what’s to come, we have some tough games still. Really excited but gives us some hope.”
City prevailed thanks to their two-goal first half and some tireless defending in the second period.
“I’m barely walking (laughing),” Torpey added. “I thought we hung on. Sydney put in a great shift and it was a lot of effort from us. I think that’s what got us through.”
On the first half specifically, Torpey said: “I think we’ve been building towards it. Definitely one of the best halves we’ve played. It was just our effort and resilience.”
Full-time: City ruin Sydney’s unbeaten season
For the first time this term, Sydney have tasted defeat after succumbing to City at AAMI Park.
The top-of-the-table clash didn’t disappoint – end-to-end drama and goals in Melbourne, where the premiership race was thrown wide open.
City are only two points adrift with a game in hand.
Sydney were unable to overturn City’s two-goal first half, with both sides out on their feet at the end of 90 minutes.
The victory, though, game at a cost for City following McNamara’s injury – the star forward was seen on crutches post-game.
79′ Goal 2-1: Sydney set up grandstand finish
The Sky Blues got the goal their pressure deserved – Princess Ibini-Isei the scorer.
After Remy Siemsen was brought down in the area, Ibini-Isei made no mistake from the penalty spot, going straight down the middle to give Sydney some hope.
Can City hold on?
Distressing scenes as McNamara hobbles off
On what has been a fantastic day for City so far, it has all turned sour for the home side after Holly McNamara suffered what appears to be a knee injury.
McNamara was visibly upset as she laid on the pitch following an innocuous movement.
The Australia international had to be helped off the field in a sad sight.
Chances coming in thick and fast
Sydney pushed numbers forward and had City scrambling, but the hosts offered a reminder of their threat at the other end.
Leticia McKenna came within a whisker of making it 3-0 for City in the 55th minute.
Incredible amount of action in this second half.
Barbieri to the rescue as pressure mounts amid Sydney onslaught
Slowly but surely, Sydney have found their feet and worked their way back into the contest after a lacklustre opening.
Sydney almost capitalised after some wayward passing in defence, however, evergreen goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri was up to the task to thwart the Sky Blues within four minutes of the restart.
And after that, City somehow survived a goal-mouth scramble. Intense scenes.
Half-time 2-0: Sky Blues look a shadow of themselves
The team to beat this season, Sydney were completely out of rhythm in this fight for the premiership.
Shaky defensively, the Sky Blues were also unconvincing in attack as City played the match on their terms.
City are looking the goods to snap their run of back-to-back losses against Sydney.
46′ Goal 2-0: City putting Sydney to the sword
City were a constant threat and their dominance was rewarded prior to half-time.
A sublime defence-splitting pass released Kaitlyn Torpey and she made no mistake, guiding her show coolly past Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman.
From not conceding first in the league this season, to twice in the space of 45 minutes.
13′ Goal 1-0: Sky Blues concede first
It’s not often Sydney trail but for the first time this Liberty A-League season, that’s exactly what’s happened.
No Wilkinson, no worries for City, who rattle the Sky Blues with a 13th-minute opener via Rhianna Pollicina – she has five goals in her last six appearances.
Not since March last year had Sydney conceded a goal in the first half of an ALW game as City carved open the visitors.
Sky Blues eyeing City hat-trick
Here’s everything you need to know pre-game courtesy of Opta:
- Sydney have won their last two A-League Women games against Melbourne City FC after having won only once in all their 10 meetings in the competition prior (D1, L8).
- City have won 11 of their last 13 A-League Women games (L2) and have won their last four games on the bounce at AAMI Park, outscoring their opponents 14-3 in that span.
- Sydney are undefeated in their last 11 A-League Women games, keeping nine clean sheets in that period; in fact, they haven’t conceded a goal in the first half of a game since March 6, 2021 against Adelaide United.
- Sydney (20) and City (17) have forced more high turnovers per game than any other teams in the 2021-22 A-League Women season, while no team has scored more goals from high turnovers than the Sky Blues (4).
- Remy Siemsen (Sydney FC) has been directly involved in nine goals in her last seven appearances in the A-League Women (5 goals, 4 assists); though, she’s scored only one goal and not made an assist across her last five games against City.
Grand Final preview?
It doesn’t get much bigger than this – second-placed City hosting high-flying leaders Sydney at AAMI Park.
A massive opportunity awaits for City after Sydney dropped points against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night: win this, and the gap between first and second closes to just two points – with City maintaining a game in hand on the league-leaders.
It’s an unmissable A-League Women’s battle which will play a significant role in crowning this season’s premiers. Golden Boot leader Hannah Wilkinson misses out for City on international duty with New Zealand at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States, where Rebekah Stott is also in action.
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: PERTH GLORY 2-0 BRISBANE ROAR
Full-time: Glory get the points
In Tasmania, the Glory celebrate their third win of the season courtesy of Fornaroli’s brace.
Add to that the return of Sturridge and it was a great afternoon for Perth, who ended a run of two consecutive losses against Brisbane.
The Roar have lost back-to-back games to be bottom of the standings.
73′ Goal 2-0: Bruno at the double
Just as Brisbane started to turn the screw on Perth, the Glory struck a dagger through Roar hearts with 17 minutes remaining.
Some fine movement and passing from Perth ended with Fornaroli lashing a shot into the top of the net.
Game over?
Sturridge time in Tassie
With the threat of Brisbane looming large, Perth have turned to Daniel Sturridge.
The former Liverpool, Chelsea and England forward had been cleared to return from COVID-19, which hit him hard last month.
Half-time 1-0: A season first for Perth
Before today, the Glory were the only team yet to lead an A-League Men game at half-time this season.
Thanks to Fornaroli, Perth ended that drought as they edge closer to just their third win of the campaign.
Brisbane finished strongly and will be buoyed by their performance heading into the second 45 minutes.
The curious case of Lescano
What happened to Juan Lescano in the first half?
The Argentine forward was substituted six minutes before half-time, with no apparent limp or injury.
Very interesting scenes.
Brisbane starting to threaten
While the Glory broke the deadlock, Brisbane have taken control of proceedings.
With more possession, the Roar have threatened to equalise – an excellent save from Reddy foiled Nicholas Olsen at point-blank range and from the resulting corner, Matti Steinmann’s downward header bounced over the bar after the half-hour mark.
8′ Goal 1-0: Glory strike first from the spot
Playing at their home away from home, Perth make the perfect start thanks to Bruno Fornaroli’s eighth-minute penalty.
After Henry Hore got his challenge on Pacifique Niyongabire all wrong, the referee pointed to the spot and Fornaroli converted experectly.
The long-range specialists?
Opta has you covered for all the stats and facts you need to know before Perth and Brisbane do battle:
- Brisbane have won their last two A-League Men games against Perth; the last time they strung more than two wins together against the Glory was a four-game stretch from 2007 to 2009.
- The Glory are the only team yet to lead an A-League Men game at half-time this season; though, they’ve also only trailed at the break once and been level with their opposition on the remaining seven fixtures.
- The Roar have won 50% of their 48 previous A-League Men games against Perth; among teams they’ve faced at least five times in the competition’s history only against Central Coast Mariners (33/54 – 67%) do they boast a higher win rate (incl. shoot-outs).
- Brisbane have a shot conversion rate of just 10% (excl. penalties) this A-League Men season, the second-lowest of any team in the competition; the Glory (15%) have the second-highest rate of any team.
- Brisbane have conceded just 10 shots per game in the A-League Men since the beginning of 2022, the fewest of any team in the competition and seven per game fewer than the Glory (17) who have conceded the third most.
- Perth have scored 43% of their goals in the 2021-22 A-League Men season from outside the box, the highest proportion of any team in the competition.
- Glory goalkeepers Cameron Cook (82%) and Brad Jones (82%) have the highest save rates of any keepers to have played more than a single game so far this season.
Glory take the A-Leagues to Tassie
UTAS Stadium is the venue for Perth’s clash with Brisbane – the dislocated Glory hosting a couple of A-Leagues fixtures in Launceston due to the current border restrictions in Western Australia.
Daniel Sturridge starts on the bench for Perth, who have Liam Reddy back between the posts against the Roar.
If Brisbane are to win, they’ll have to do it without injured star forward Nikola Mileusnic – Nicholas Olsen is the replacement, while Jordan Holmes makes his debut.
