Super Saturday was a treat in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Western City and defending champions Melbourne City played out a four-goal thriller in their top-of-the-table showdown, while Brisbane Roar snapped Wellington Phoenix’s unbeaten run, and the fun didn’t end there.
Sydney FC topped Perth Glory to end their five-game drought in the ALM before Macarthur FC emerged victorious against local rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
KEEPUP followed along LIVE to bring you all the goals, highlights, up to date scores and biggest talking points from the four Isuzu UTE A-League fixtures on Saturday.
- Isuzu UTE A-League: Western United 2-2 Melbourne City
MATCH REPORT: WESTERN & CITY SHARE SPOILS IN THRILLER
- Isuzu UTE A-League: Brisbane Roar 2-1 Wellington Phoenix
MATCH REPORT: ROAR END NIX’S UNBEATEN STREAK
- Isuzu UTE A-League: Perth Glory 0-2 Sydney FC
MATCH REPORT: SYDNEY SNAP SKID
- Isuzu UTE A-League: Macarthur FC 3-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
MATCH REPORT: MACARTHUR BEAT WANDERERS IN ALM DERBY
EDITOR’S PICK – Four goal thriller between Western and City
The blockbuster pitting first against second lived up to the top billing in Melbourne, where defending champions Melbourne City came from two goals down to earn a draw against Western United at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.
Imports Leo Lacroix and Rene Krhin gave Western a 2-0 lead before City rallied behind a Connor Metcalfe masterclass, the St Pauli-bound star’s goal triggering a comeback in the A-League Men, capped by Jamie Maclaren.
REACTION
‘They sharpen their fangs for every game, ripping flesh off everyone’ – Harper
Metcalfe, who will link up with fellow Australia international Jackson Irvine at 2.Bundesliga outfit and promotion hopefuls St Pauli at the end of the season, also hit the woodwork in a sublime display that showcased why the German club were so keen to sign the 22-year-old midfielder.
He was lavished in praise post-game, along with fellow midfield maestro Aiden O’Neill as Network 10 dissected the memorable top-of-the-table clash that left both teams stuck on 33 points.
Co-commentator Andy Harper was animated in his description of the duo as he hailed the work of Metcalfe and the glaring hole his absence is set to leave at City.
“I love him,” Harper said of Metcalfe. “I think he’s fantastic. He’s had to rebuild his body. Melbourne City plucked him into the academy because they saw the potential.
“But he needed remodelling. He was having a couple of issues with injuries.
“Even a couple of years ago at senior level, he started and caught the eye even back then, but broke down with injury. Had a good pre-season coming into last year, stormed the show, gets to the Olympics, now a senior Socceroo on the cusp of his move to Germany.
“Just an outstanding talent. How long before we have to start discussing the replacement for Connor Metcalfe at Melbourne City? Already of course they’ll be doing their due diligence on the next midfielder they’ll have to try to recruit to fill what is going to be a massive hole.
“He and Aiden O’Neill – they are my type of combination. I just love them. They’re beasts in midfield. So hard to get through, and past, and over and under and around. They sharpen their fangs for every game, and ripping flesh off everyone as best they can.
“And Metcalfe is popping to score equalising or winning goals. It’s a great combination and a big hole to fill.”
Network 10 analyst Tarek Elrich led the segment by lauding the work of Metcalfe as he tipped City product for a “big future” in football.
“He rolls up the sleeves and gets stuck in. Him and O’Neill in midfield, they make it their own,” said the former Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, Adelaide United and Perth Glory full-back.
“But he just has that silk. He is like a seasoned pro. He has only played a few seasons in the A-League but he just looks so composed on the ball.
“You saw that shot that hit the crossbar, the goal arriving late before half-time and even towards the end, he was still bombing on while still doing his defensive work.
“I’m a big fan of this kid. If he keeps going the way he’s going, he could have a big future.”
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: MACARTHUR FC 3-1 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
REACTION
Noone savours ‘proper derby’
Bragging rights went the way of Noone and Macarthur at home to the Wanderers on Saturday night.
Craig Noone’s opener and Ulises Davila’s second-half brace guided the Bulls past Western Sydney 3-1 and up to third in the A-League Men standings.
It was a much-needed result for Macarthur, who had gone three matches without a win.
“It was a big ask but we want to play games,” Noone said afterwards. “Three games in a week, well six in two weeks is pretty big but the win is all that matters.
“I think everyone man-for-man, even the subs that came on, I think we really wanted this one and we got it.”
On the derby atmosphere, the Englishman added: “It was a great atmosphere tonight. Our fans were great, you could hear them all night. This is a proper derby and it felt like it.”
Davila was named man of the match following his two-goal performance against the Wanderers.
The Mexican gave Macarthur a 2-0 lead with his thunderous finish before converting a 98th-minute penalty.
“Thank God we have a good result tonight after the big two losses, so very happy for the boys. We will focus on the next one,” he told Paramount+.
“We play against two very good teams – Melbourne Victory and City. We fought against those two teams but it wasn’t enough. Today was a great performance. Very proud of the boys and the result.”
As for the Wanderers, they stay 10th in the table and six points adrift of the top six after four consecutive away losses.
“It’s very difficult but we had a great game last week and we were expecting the same performance today but we started sloppy and conceded a silly goal,” lamented Adama Traore.
“It’s been like this all season. What can we do? We just have to work hard and prepare for the next game.”
“Traore added: “Every game if you don’t start strong it’s very difficult. We concede a silly goal and make it difficult for ourselves.”
Full-time: Macarthur return to winning ways
Macarthur needed a win and they got it tonight.
The Bulls snap a three-game winless run to catapult themselves into third position, behind Melbourne City and Western United, while maintaining their unbeaten record against the Wanderers.
Western Sydney have lost eight of their last 11 ALM games as the away team on the day (W1, D2), including their last four in a row. First time they’ve lost four consecutive away games since November-December 2019
98′ Goal 3-1: Davila seals Bulls triumph
The match finishes with a bang in Campbelltown.
Michael Ruhs is brought down in the area by Wanderers goalkeeper Daniel Margush but the flag is up for offside or is it?
VAR intervenes and awards Macarthur the penalty, which Davila converts for his last-gasp brace.
80′ Goal 2-1: Super-sub Antonis sets up grandstand finish!
On the pitch for a matter of seconds, Terry Antonis offers the Wanderers a glimmer of hope with 10 minutes remaining.
Despite the hint offside and a VAR review, Antonis’ close-range header stands and Western Sydney are alive.
Can Macarthur hold on?
73′ Goal 2-0: Another Macarthur thunderbolt
Macarthur don’t score ordinary goals.
Ulises Davila added his name to the list of emphatic scorers with his 73rd-minute thunderbolt to double the home team’s lead.
What’s the speed of that rocket?!
Macarthur defending for their lives
The Wanderers have well and truly taken control of proceedings in the second.
Mark Rudan’s Western Sydney are dominating possession and pegging Macarthur into their own penalty area.
The Bulls can’t get out as the Wanderers press forward in search of an equaliser.
51′ A bootless assassin comes within a whisker
After teeing up Noone’s opener without a boot, Toure almost doubles Macarthur’s lead six minutes into the second half.
Unmarked outside the area, Toure flashes his shot just wide of the post.
So close for the Bulls.
Fun at Campbelltown Stadium
Fans are enjoying the show in the local derby, with both sets of supporters proving plenty of colour and noise.
Macarthur are good value for their 1-0 half-time lead against a Wanderers side struggling to create anything clear cut.
8′ Goal 1-0: No boot, no worries for Toure as Bulls lead
Macarthur open the scoring against their local rivals and it’s come in quite bizarre circumstances.
Al Hassan Toure lost his boot in the lead up but he still managed to send in his cross to pick out Craig Noone, who is on hand to finish emphatically.
First bootless assistant of the season for Toure!
Opta insight
- Macarthur FC are undefeated against Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Men (W2,D1), keeping two clean sheets against them in that time.
- Macarthur have lost their last two games in the ALM but have never previously lost more than two successive games since joining the competition last season.
- Macarthur picked up a 4-1 win in their last ALM game at Campbelltown Stadium (19 February 2022 v Adelaide United) and will be searching for back-to-back wins at the venue for the first time since April 2021; their only previous game there against Western Sydney Wanderers FC ended in a 2-all draw.
- Western Sydney have lost seven of their last 10 ALM games as the away team on the day (W1, D2), including their last three in a row; the last time they lost more consecutive games as the away team was a four-game stretch from November to December 2019.
- The Wanderers will be looking to log back-to-back ALM wins for the first time since May 2021 after picking up a 2-0 win over Sydney in their last game (5 March 2022).
- Macarthur’s Craig Noone has created 41 scoring chances this ALM season, the second most of any player in the competition (Craig Goodwin – 49); he has created six or more chances in two of his last three games against Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
- Western Sydney forward Tomer Hemed has scored one goal in each of his last two starts in the ALM and found the back of the net once in his last game against Macarthur (4 June 2021).
- Apostolos Giannou of Macarthur FC has scored a goal in each of his last two ALM games after having scored only one goal in all his seven career games in the competition prior.
Wanderers riding wave as Bulls look to snap skid
A 2-0 win over rivals Sydney FC was just what the doctor ordered for Mark Rudan’s Western Sydney Wanderers, who approach their clash with Macarthur FC with momentum after a challenging run of five games which garnered just one win and four losses.
The Bulls are winless in three having been easily dispatched by Melbourne Victory and City in consecutive games. But facing the Wanderers at Campbelltown Stadium should give Ante Milicic’s side a boost; led by the individually brilliant Ulises Davila and Craig Noone, the hosts have ample firepower to turn any form slump around with the flick of a switch.
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: PERTH GLORY 0-2 SYDNEY FC
REACTION
Sydney’s newest scorer savours maiden strike
Remember the name: Patrick Yazbek.
The 19-year-old has been a revelation for a Sydney side struggling for form in 2021-22.
A shining amid the club’s hot-and-cold season, the teenager opening his A-League Men account with a well-taken goal in the second half to double Sydney’s lead.
“Just won the ball in the middle and thought we need to get a goal to put a seal on this game. Found myself in the right spot with Trent’s good passing. I’ll take it,” he told Paramount+.
The result snapped Sydney’s five-game drought in the ALM, having qualified for the AFC Champions League group stage.
Sydney are also back in the top six and Yazbek is hoping the win can kick-start their campaign.
It’s definitely great,” he said. “As a team we’ve been through a fair bit this season.
“Not where we want to be. To get a win, a convincing win as well. A bit scrappy in moments but a 2-0 win, we’ll take it.”
Yazbek added: “In this league, a win or two in a row changes everything in the table so I’m just glad to get the win. It feels good.”
Full-time: Sydney snap drought
After five matches without a win in the league, Sydney are back among the victors in the ALM.
Goals from Barbarouses and Yazbek send the Sky Blues back into the top six as Perth slide to the bottom of the standings.
70′ Goal 2-0: Sydney punish luckless Glory
The Glory cannot take a trick.
After countless opportunities and watching O’Neill leave the game with his shoulder in a makeshift brace, the Glory then concede inside the final 20 minutes.
Patrick Yazbek tucks away Sydney’s second goal, with Trent Buhagiar the architect.
Yazbek’s first A-Leagues goal.
65′ Sad sight for O’Neill and Perth
The Glory have endured a torrid time in 2021-22 – hotel quarantine, COVID outbreaks, displaced from Western Australia and life away on the road.
Already missing star signing Daniel Sturridge, the Glory have now seen O’Neill leave the game with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly following a challenge by Alex Wilkinson.
Not what you want to see if you’re the Glory.
59′ Woodwork saves Sydney
Three minutes after threatening to equalise, Fornaroli then sees his effort hit the woodwork with a stunning effort from outside the box for the rallying Glory.
Perth are huffing and puffing but without reward so far.
The Glory are unfortunate not to be level.
56′ Perth threatening in the second half
Whatever was said at half-time seems to have rubbed off on the Glory side as they dominated the early exchange of the second period.
Redmayne fumbles the ball into the path of Adrian Sardinero, who tries to bundle the ball over the line but it slowly trickles goal-bound, allowing Sydney to clear the ball away from the line.
Huge let off for the Sky Blues.
O’Neill not mincing his words!
Perth had a couple of chances during the first half, but defensively the Glory were carved open repeatedly by Sydney.
Glory captain Brandon O’Neill made his feelings known at half-time, with Perth again trailing in front of their home crowd.
“Not by a long shot,” O’Neill told Paramount+ when asked if he was happy with the first 45 minutes. “A lot of things to work on in the second half.”
Asked how to fix Perth’s defensively lapses, O’Neill let loose.
“We need to be set up properly, first and foremost. We need to have a structure behind the ball and boys really need to understand their roles and responsibility in the team,” he said.
“This first half hasn’t been good enough, with and without the ball.
“We really need to apply them structures and organisation principles that a good defensive structured team needs.”
26′ Redmayne in between Bruno and a Glory equaliser
Sydney’s defence parted like the Red Sea as Bruno Fornaroli charged through on goal approaching the half-hour mark.
Fornaroli drifted on his right boot and Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne had to be at his best to keep out the Uruguayan.
18′ Narsingh putting on a show
Former PSV speedster and Netherlands international Luciano Narsingh has been lively in his first start for the Sky Blues.
The Dutchman finds himself in a one-v-one situation with the goalkeeper but former Liverpool glovesman Brad Jones is quick off his line to deny Narsingh.
7′ Goal 1-0: Sky Blues hit the front
Out of the top six after results earlier today, Sydney need a result and they’ve made the perfect start.
Kosta Barbarouses bags his first goal of the season after some sublime work down the wing by Sydney team-mate Callum Talbot.
Perth already have work to do in WA!
Opta insight
- Perth Glory picked up a 2-1 win in their last A-League Men game against Sydney FC (22 January 2022), snapping a seven-game winless stretch against them (D2, L5); the Glory will now look for back-to-back wins against the Sky Blues for the first time since November 2013.
- Sydney FC have lost only one of their last 10 ALM games against Perth at HBF Park (W7, D2); although, they have managed to keep just three clean sheets in that time.
- Perth will be aiming to avoid back-to-back defeats at HBF Park in the ALM for the first time since November 2019 after succumbing to a 2-1 loss to Adelaide United in their last game at the venue (6 March 2022).
- Sydney FC have lost their last three ALM games in succession; the last time they lost more consecutive games was a four-game stretch in November 2012 which included Steve Corica’s first two games as manager of the team.
- The Glory have had just 17 touches in the opposition box per game this ALM season – the fewest of any team – while no team has had more than Sydney FC (32).
- No team has hit the woodwork more times than Sydney FC (7) this ALM season, while no team has struck the paint fewer times than Perth (2).
- Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli has scored 15 goals and made four assists in his last 20 ALM games at HBF Park, finding the back of the net once in each of his last two games there.
- Sydney’s Bobo has scored 10 goals against the Perth Glory in the ALM, his most against any side and – despite not scoring in his last two games against them – he has scored seven goals in his last six games against the Glory.
Glory to give fans something to cheer about in Perth?
Perth Glory’s long-awaited homecoming ended in 2-1 defeat at the hands of Adelaide United on Sunday afternoon. Now, Richard Garcia’s side will look to capitalise on their first full week at home since November, 2021 to take maximum points from this clash with Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues bucked a five-game winless run this week with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Kaya F.C.–Iloilo in the AFC Asian Champions League preliminary round. Adam Le Fondre and Bobo both returned to the scoresheet with two goals each; head coach Steve Corica will hope the Champions League goals translate into A-League Men’s form
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: WESTERN UNITED 2-2 MELBOURNE CITY
REACTION
‘A fair result for both teams’ – Maclaren
Maclaren strengthened his case for the Golden Boot award after scoring the equaliser for City.
The two teams couldn’t be separated at AAMI Park, where fans were treated to an exciting showdown.
“It felt like we were stronger in the second half,” Maclaren said post-game. “But first half, they had two goals and we went in with one.
“They capitalised on their chances and we have to be better on the details. But 2-2 is probably a fair result for both teams.”
Maclaren took his season tally to 12 goals after finding the back of the net in trademark fashion with 24 minutes remaining.
“We pressed high and got them in good areas,” Maclaren said. “Nuno [Reis] won it and I just saw the space, that’s what I do. I make my runs in behind.
“They’re tough defenders to get past I’m not going to lie. Imai and Lacroix are fantastic centre-backs. I found my space and when you get one chance, you have to take it.”
There was a great atmosphere for the first-v-second battle, with plenty of colour on show as both fans made their presence known.
Despite the short turnaround for City, who played on Wednesday and no substitutions made by head coach Kisnorbo, Maclaren savoured the festivities.
“We were going gung-ho at the end,” Maclaren said as he played down fatigue within the squad. “Yeah boys are tired but at the same time, you want to play games. Last thing you want to do is keep training.
“This is beautiful, we got a great crowd today from both sides. What more.”
As for Western defender and goalscorer Lacroix, he added: “They [City] played very well. They have good players in front.
“It’s difficult but it was a beautiful game. I think the fans enjoyed it today. Keep going, it’s not finished we know what we have to do.”
Full-time: Honours even in top-of-the-table battle
This match definitely lived up to the hype in Melbourne, where City battled from 2-0 down to salvage a point against Western, though they could have easily walked away with maximum points.
Instead, City and Western remain level on 33 points atop the table, though the latter have two games in hand.
71′ Western looking like “roadkill”
City appear unstoppable at the moment… all that’s missing is the go-ahead goal.
Western have completely collapsed in the second half and if not for Young’s stunning save to keep out Andrew Nabbout, City would be ahead inside the final 19 minutes.
In the words of Network 10 co-commentator Andy Harper, Western are “looking like roadkill”.
66′ Goal 2-2: Maclaren restores parity
Western can’t say it wasn’t coming as City, finally, level proceedings with 24 minutes remaining.
After so many close calls, City do get the call their possession has deserved – Maclaren producing a trademark finish, across Young and into the back of the net.
Western are fading fast as City seize control.
63′ Now the woodwork denies City
City are huffing and puffing, but they still trail Western.
Western have been forced to weather a storm in the second half, City enjoying more and more possession in and around the penalty box.
Germany-bound star Metcalfe almost rifles an equaliser into the top corner of the net, but his strike cannons off the crossbar.
Western are holding on… just.
48′ Saved on the line!
Not for the first time today, City have been stopped on the line by Western.
In a chaotic start to the second half, goalscorer Lacroix reverts to what he knows best – defending – as he clears a shot off the line after Western goalkeeper Young fumbled the ball.
Did the ball cross the line?
Diamanti nearing return?
Alessandro Diamanti ongoing absence has continued today, with the Italian maestro sidelined due to a knee injury.
But the former Italy international said he is a couple of weeks away from a return for Western during his post-game interview on Paramount+.
Music to the ears of Western fans.
45′ Scorpion kick almost tees up equaliser
We’ve already seen a ‘scorpion kick’ goal at AAMI Park this season.
Western’s Ben Garuccio went viral with his memorable striker against Western Sydney Wanderers.
While this wasn’t for a goal, City captain Scott Jamieson’s scorpion kick in the build up almost helped create an equaliser on the stroke of half-time, but Jamie Maclaren fired over the crossbar.
42′ Goal 2-1: Metcalfe gives City hope before half-time
City have been worthy of at least a goal and they do put the ball in the back of the net prior to the interval.
Connor Metcalfe – the man set to join Socceroo Jackson Irvine at second-tier German side St Pauli at the end of the season – lashes home to give City hope.
“Now we’ve got a derby on our hands”, says Network 10 commentator Simon Hill.
30′ Goal 2-0: Western imports at it again as Krhin opens account
City are facing the real prospect of a regular-season sweep at the hands of high-flying Western.
Patrick Kisnorbo’s side are caught on the counter as Dylan Pierias produces a mazy run down the right before putting the ball on a plate for former Inter and Slovenia midfielder Rene Krhin!
Krhin opens his account for Western and bags his first league goal since 2018, when he scored for Nantes in Ligue 1.
18′ Western-City living up to the hype
Hold onto your hats, this is turning into a cracking clash.
It’s end-to-end action at AAMI Park, where Western and City are taking the game to each other as space opens up early.
Not deflated by conceding the opener, City push forward and force Western goalkeeper Jamie Young into a strong save via Tilio.
16′ Goal 1-0: Lacroix staking his claim as a striker
Is Leo Lacroix really a defender?
The Swiss centre-back makes it three goals in two matches with another towering header to give Western the lead, just moments after almost falling behind.
Western love this scoreline and they’ll be tough to beat from here. Game on.
14′ Risdon to Western’s rescue
The match has been evenly poised up until this point, Western’s low block nullifying City’s attack.
But City finally get in behind Western’s defence, Marco Tilio driving through on goal and finding Andrew Nabbout but Josh Risdon – initially left for dead by Tilio – makes a desperate goal-line clearance to keep the scores level.
Plenty of colour on show
It’s a beautiful day in Melbourne, with an atmosphere to book at AAMI Park.
Melbourne City and Western United fans have made their presence known in and around the stadium.
Opta insight
- Western United have won their last three A-League Men games on the bounce against Melbourne City after having lost all five of their previous meetings; they have won both of their last two encounters by scores of 1-0.
- Western have won their last four consecutive ALM games – the second time they’ve done so this season – and will be looking for a fifth straight win in the competition for the first time.
- Western have won nine of their last 11 ALM games at AAMI Park (L2), including their last three on the bounce, while City have lost only four of their last 24 games at the venue (W15, D5); three of those four losses were against Western.
- City are winless in their last four ALM games against fellow Victorian opponents (D2, L2), failing to find the back of the net in two of those four games.
- Western have scored the opening goal of the game on 12 occasions in the 2021-22 ALM season, more than any other team in the competition; although, City’s loss rate of 33% when conceding the opening goal of the game this season is the lowest of any team (W2, D2, L2).
- City trio Jamie Maclaren (113 – 1st), Mathew Leckie (82 – 3rd) and Andrew Nabbout (75 – 4th) have had three of the four most touches in the opposition box of any player in the 2021-22 A-League Men season (Elvis Kamsoba – 99, 2nd).
- Western star Aleksandar Prijovic has been directly involved in eight goals in his last seven ALM games (4 goals, 4 assists) but was not directly involved in a goal in his only previous game against City in the competition.
- City’s Florin Berenguer has found the back of the net in each of his last three ALM games at AAMI Park, scoring a goal with each of his three shots on target in that time.
Top spot and derby honours on the line in Melbourne
It’s a mouth-watering clash at AAMI Park between two sides locked on 32 points and pulling clear of the chasing pack.
City went back above Western into top spot in the A-League Men’s table with a 3-1 win over Macarthur FC on Wednesday night. Jamie Maclaren pulled further ahead in the Golden Boot race with his 11th strike of the season as the champions ramp up their pursuit of silverware this season.
City have scored 36 goals this season, 11 more than any other side in the competition – but to win today they’ll need to break down the league’s most stubborn defence: Western have conceded just 12 goals thus far, half of City’s total in the same category and they can claim a three-game sweep over their rivals this season.
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: BRISBANE ROAR 2-1 WELLINGTON PHOENIX
REACTION
Roar proud of Akbari’s Afghanistan call-up
He’s set to lose a regular member of his A-League Men line-up but Roar head coach Warren Moon couldn’t be happier that Akbari has accepted a call-up from Afghanistan.
Akbari marked his recent national team selection with just his second ALM career goal in Brisbane’s 2-1 win over Wellington.
The 21-year-old’s call-up means he’ll head to Turkey for a training camp, which will include a friendly against Madagascar.
It will make Akbari unavailable for the Roar’s ALM matches against Perth Glory, Melbourne City and Western United.
“Rahmat is an exceptional young talent and we’re very proud of him as a club,” Moon said.
“It’s obviously a national team call-up and there’s a lot going on in that part of the world and we’ve supported Rahmat during this time, knowing it’s not easy for him, knowing he’s got family back there.
“It’s a really proud moment for him and a tough decision but he goes with our blessing and we hope he does well.”
Full-time: Roar no longer bottom
Rejoice! The Roar are off the bottom of the standings thanks to today’s victory.
Brisbane were good value for their win as they also condemned the Nix to their first loss since New Year’s Day.
76′ Goal 2-1: Roar back in front
Well that didn’t last long as the Roar move back ahead.
Wellington are level for all but four minutes before Henry Hore pounces to restore Brisbane’s lead with 14 minutes remaining.
The Nix are going to have to come from behind again.
72′ Goal 1-1: Hooper with the equaliser
Gary Hooper is in the right place at the right time to restore parity.
Just moments after Lewis hit the post with a free-kick, Wellington team-mate Sotirio flicks the ball towards goal and Hooper is on hand to guide the ball into the net.
72′ Lewis rattles the post!
Bend it like Beckham?
With his best David Beckham impersonation, Wellington’s Clayton Lewis stands over the set-piece and curls a free-kick on goal but he hits the post.
Jaushua Sotirio almost scores on the rebound.
Ryo earns Roar praise
Roar loanee and Japanese midfielder Ryo has made his presence known at Moreton Daily Stadium.
His assist on debut for the Roar is all that separates Brisbane and Wellington at half-time.
The beneficiary of Ryo’s assist, Akbari, told Paramount+ at half-time: “Great ball from him.
“We got the goal early and have to build on that, finish it off in the second half.”
33′ Holmes thwarts rallying Nix
Riding an unbeaten run, the Phoenix find themselves behind but the visitors have grown into the match.
Ben Waine is played through on goal and the Nix man latches onto the half-volley from a difficult angle but Jordan Holmes has to be up to the task to keep out the ball just past the half-hour mark.
7′ Goal 1-0: Roar’s debutant makes immediate impact
Brisbane have made no secret of their desire to avenge a 3-0 defeat to Wellington earlier in the season and they are on track to do just that.
Japanese import Ryo Wada tees up Rahmat Akbari for the opening goal in the seventh minute – his looping cross into the box finding the latter, who nods the ball across goal and into the far corner of the net.
Opta insight
- Wellington Phoenix picked up a 3-0 win when they last met Brisbane Roar in the ALM (16 February 2022) and will be looking to defeat them twice in a single season for the first time since 2014-15 when they picked up two wins and a loss against them.
- The Roar are undefeated in their last six ALM games against the Phoenix in Queensland (W3, D3); each of those three draws ended in a nil-all score line.
- Brisbane have won three of their last four ALM at Moreton Daily Stadium (L1), including their last two in a row; they have never previously won more than two consecutive A-League Men games at the venue.
- Wellington are undefeated in their last seven ALM games (W5, D2), conceding just a single first-half goal in that time; they had lost four straight games prior to that unbeaten stretch.
- The Phoenix have made 6.4 shots from outside the box per game this A-League Men season, the second-most of any team (Newcastle Jets – 7.1), while only Perth Glory (3.9) have made fewer per game than the Roar (4.2).
- Brisbane and Wellington have scored the fewest and joint-second fewest second-half goals of any teams this season, while no team has conceded more second-half goals than the Phoenix (16) this campaign.
- Roar star Nikola Mileusnic has scored four goals in his last three ALM games at Moreton Daily Stadium; although, he’s scored only one goal in his last six games against the Phoenix.
- Wellington’s Jaushua Sotirio has been directly involved in five goals in his last seven ALM games (3 goals, 2 assists) after having only one direct involvement in his seven games prior (1 goal).
The tale of contrasting form
Wellington Phoenix climbed into the top six with a dramatic midweek win over Newcastle Jets.
Now Ufuk Talay’s side face the Roar, languishing at the foot of the table on a three-game losing streak, with the opportunity to further enhance their claim for a finals finish.
The last time these two sides met was on February 16 when Wellington made light work of Warren Moon’s side in a 3-0 triumph.
