Gold Coast United needed a sensational performance from goalkeeper Glen Moss to withstand Brisbane’s onslaught in their 2-2 draw at Suncorp Stadium, but coach Miron Bleiberg says the result ensures his side hold a psychological edge over the competition leaders.
Brisbane fired off 11 shots on goal to United’s four, but the visitors never trailed, and despite conceding a late equaliser, they were able to prolong their undefeated record against the Roar.
The Roar were able to stretch their undefeated streak to 18 games and fend off a strong challenge to their unbeaten home season, but United coach Bleiberg says his side can take solace in extending a streak of their own.
“I think we were a bit unorganised in the first 10 minutes, and the Roar started on fire, and that’s when Glen Moss saved the country,” he said.
“I think from everyone it was a brave performance and Glen Moss was part of it. But in the early stages he made one or two saves that just let us have time to adjust and get organised.”
“To say we were better, no, but we proved that we can compete with the Roar and they’re still yet to beat us.”
“Come the final, someone will have to lose, it can’t finish in a draw. We have the small satisfaction that they haven’t beat us yet.”
Though content to split the points from the encounter, Bleiberg was left to ponder what could have been, after the Roar were only unable to draw level through a late Jean Carlos Solorzano penalty, which was controversially awarded after an innocuous challenge on the edge of the area.
“I think that neither team deserved to lose today. I think it would have been cruel on the Roar if they had have lost and it would have been cruel on us if we had have lost,” Bleiberg said.
“However, we have a bit of a bitter taste in our mouth, and that’s reflected in our dressing room. We’re not cheerful because we drew with the top team of the competition. On the contrary, we feel bad because we were leading twice.”
“If it was a penalty by the law, it could be. But it was what we call a soft penalty, so we have a bit of a bitter taste, because the mighty Roar needed this soft penalty to equalise with us.”
With Jason Culina a likely inclusion for the Asian Cup, which gets underway in early January, United will be at pains to cover their marquee player and maintain their standards through their busiest period of the season.
But while unhappy not to be a part of United’s end of season charge, the inspirational skipper says his club has the man power and character to lift in his absence.
“I’m a little bit disappointed because I want to be part of every game for Gold Coast United, but it’s something I have to do. When you get selected for the national team, you don’t say no,” said Culina.
“So on one hand, I’m excited to be part of another Asian Cup, on the other I’m a little disappointed because I don’t want to leave the boys behind.”
“But they’re good enough, and we’ve spoken about it in the last couple of weeks that we all need to stand up and be counted.”
“Every player is important in the team and everyone plays there part. No one player makes all the difference.”
“The boys will be right, we’ve got enough depth, and as long as we continue what we do and working hard, we’ll be right.”
