We take a look at the weekend’s fixtures to select the team of the week for round four of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
We take a look at the weekend’s fixtures to select the team of the week for round four of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
Player of the week
Tomi Juric was a standout in the Western Sydney Wanderer-s come from behind 2-1 victory over Adelaide United. The Wanderers were expected to grab the three points at home but went down a goal to Gombau-s side – cue Juric-s timely brace against his former club. The 22-year-old got his side back level in the 61st minute when he cut inside from the left and drilled the ball past Reds keeper Eugene Galekovic. Juric then scored the winner via a header in the 80th minute to send the Wanderers faithful into raptures. If anything the Wanderers lacked an out and out threat up front in their inaugural season so if Juric begins to trouble the scorers on a regular basis than the rest of competition should be worried.
Forwards
Henrique
After a goalless first half Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey pulled off a coaching masterstroke as he pushed Herique into a central striking role. In Besart Berisha-s absence Henrique filled in admirably as he scored a classy double as the Roar claimed a dominant 3-0 win over the Melbourne Heart. Henrique struck in the 48th and 65th minutes to give his side an advantage that would not relinquish at home. Such is the depth of the Roar that even when their best are not available they can still pile on the goals.
Midfielders
Marcelo Carrusca
Carrusca put in a strong performance for the Reds who, despite Carrusca-s goal, could not get an unlikely win on the road against last year-s Premiers Plate winners in the Western Sydney Wanderers. Carrusca got the opener after he turned in Jeronimo-s cross shortly after half-time. The Argentinean had a game-high five shots on goal ensuring the Reds gave one of their best away showings in recent memory despite the loss.
James Troisi
It was a week of braces in the Hyundai A-League as Troisi looked in stellar form as he led the Melbourne Victory to a 3-2 home win over the Wellington Phoenix. After Archie Thompson scored the opener, Troisi scored the second when he capitalised on some confusion at the back to steal the ball and plant it in the back of the net. His second was a piece of class as he cleverly chipped Glen Moss after a perfect ball from Kosta Barbarouses. Troisi will be hoping his form will see him in contention for a call up to the Socceroos side against Costa Rica.
Marcos Flores
Flores continues to impress every time he steps out on the park in the Mariners strip. After his side fell behind 2-0 in the F3 derby Flores converted on the Mariners penalty attempt to get his side back to 2-1. He looked dangerous throughout the match as he aimed to inspire his side back from the brink of defeat. Flores now has three goals in his 2013/14 campaign and is one of only two scorers for his side.
Matt McKay
Alongside other round four team of the week inductees Troisi and Juric, McKay has returned to Australia after playing overseas to find a great run of form. McKay had his side-s first chance against the Heart but put his shot just past the far post. He would continue to threaten throughout the match and on 76 minutes he ensured he the Roar weren-t going to be run down as he found his captain in Matt Smith who finished the 3-0 rout.
Defenders
Corey Brown
Young Roar left back Corey Brown got his opportunity to shine against the Heart and didn-t disappoint. Brown had a match-high 90 touches and completed 84% of his passes from the back. The 19-year-old equipped himself well throughout and helped to ensure that his side kept John Aloisi-s men scoreless.
Scott Neville
After over seven hours without a goal in the Hyundai A-League, Neville got the ball in the back of the net for the Newcastle Jets as he gave his side the lead in the F3 derby. Neville poked the ball home after Adam Taggart-s shot was blocked by Justin Pasfield. Despite getting a two goal advantage Neville and the Jets could not hold on but there are signs that they are on the improve.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Topor-Stanley pulled out another strong performance in the red and black as the Wanderers claimed a 2-1 win at home. Topor-Stanley made a number of key clearances from the back and pushed forward as he had a couple of shots on goal that troubled the Reds. Topor-Stanley and the Wanderers currently sit second and will be looking to maintain one of the league-s best back fours as they did on their way to the Premiers Plate in the inaugural season.
Jerome Polenz
Strong at the back and a danger pushing into the final third, Polenz is keeping opposing coaches on their toes so far this season. Polenz was again in the thick of the action in the Wanderers home win on Friday night with a perfect cross finding Tomi Juric to score the winner and get the Wanderers first home win of the season.
Goalkeeper
Danny Vukovic
The Glory keeper was in superb form for his side as he kept his third cleansheet in a row as Perth claimed a contentious 1-0 win over Sydney FC. Vukovic was called to make eight saves as the Sky Blues fired in 19 shots as they tried to get a result at nib Stadium. After conceding three goals in the opening match Vukovic and his Glory teammates have not been broken which is sure to have coach Alistair Edwards extremely pleased.
