Melbourne Victory have revitalised their season, and sent a warning to the rest of the competition: the giant is waking.
On a night when Besart Berisha shook off some ordinary form, and Melbourne jumped back into the top four race, Adelaide were again forced to look within, as their horrid disciplinary record came back to haunt them.
The first half was evenly poised, though Victory seemed nervous.
Such nerves were even evident in their opening goal, when Leroy George crossed in to find James Troisi, who moved the ball back seemingly towards Berisha. However, Berisha would not get a touch, and the ball instead continue into the goal, despite Taylor Regan’s efforts.
From there, the night was Victory’s, as George again was involved in the second goal. However, this time, entirely on his own, as he scored with a free kick that should make highlight reels for years to come. Paul Izzo again exposed in the Reds goal from a set piece.
Adelaide, at 2-nil down, would not have lost heart, having come back from the same deficit a week earlier, but still with all their players on the park.
That would all change in the second half.
In a match that had been bubbling below the surface all night, mostly though between Regan and Berisha, a clash between substitute Dzengis Cavusevic and Rhys Williams was an ultimately turning point. When Cavusevic laid a hand on Williams’ face, the defender went down, and the ref pulled out the red card.
From there, Victory took hold of the match. George again sending the ball into the area, landing at the feet of Berisha, who finally had the ball in the net, and the game in Melbourne’s hands.
Melbourne would spend the rest of the game banging on the door for a fourth, but to Adelaide’s credit, the score did not change.
Melbourne will look to the next round with energy, as they get ready for the Melbourne Derby.
Adelaide will need to look at their discipline. They have received five red cards this season, and their coaching staff were yellow carded again. Kurz might blame the officials as much for the result as anything, however they were still down 2 goals when Cavusevic was sent from the park.
A thrilling and exciting contest, despite the result being clear early in the second half. Melbourne now can use this as a charge up the table, and take some confidence into the Asian Champions League fixtures to come.
Melbourne Victory: 3
Adelaide United: 0
Pedro The Fisherman said
Players touch the ref EVERY week! That was also a simple overreaction from an inexperienced (and inappropriate) official!
Realist said
You are aware that in the Laws of the Game, there is actually no mention about getting to the ball first when in reference to a foul?
Fadida said
Why? Is AFLX coming to take over the world? A sport with a "Most Courageous Award"?
Kangajets said
Kenny The A league is far from perfect , but it is better then 13 years ago . Comparing A league to other sports like Afl is not very relevant most of the time ... For instance.... just say the A league has the 15 th best attendance figures in world football ( correct me if I’m wrong). ... I’ve played afl in the 15 th best Comp in the world ..and we had about 50-100 people watch us play ,,, the A league averages 11000 Too many people worry abt the A league compared to Aussie rules , the only thing we can learn from Aussie rules is not to make the mistakes they made with gws and Gold Coast suns . Rugby league is a better example of generational growth in attendance and participation in Australia. The first 20 years were the hardest ,when rugby league broke away from rugby union in 1908, but over the next century, each generation was more successful for league ..... The next A league generation will have multiple divisions without a salary cap with promotion and relegation and participation numbers that will generate eventual world class players from within Australia.
Rick Disnick said
"but believe simulation puts people off the sport (the rest of the world aren’t put off)" The FA doesn't agree with you there, Fadida. You make the fatal mistake of believing the status quo is eternal. Football would be wise to not rest on its laurels.
Fadida said
Young was brilliant yet again
Fadida said
As I said, you'd rather sometime be punched than stimulate. Very Australian. Crowds at native sports love onfield fights but believe simulation puts people off the sport (the rest of the world aren't put off). Much more acceptable to throw a punch apparently
That A-League Fan said
wasn't talking about Williams mate. Talking about the A-League in general.
Kangajets said
True It didn’t surprise me that Brisbane Roar would play well , And Jamie Young was again outstanding I thought the jets took there own self belief about winning to a new level yesterday. The sky is the limit for this current jets squad in the next few seasons .
Kangajets said
Selwood. Why so serious today ??
Kangajets said
rick I’ve played against many a top afl level player . I too know how to drop the knees and win a free
Kangajets said
Thanks for trying to explsin my intelligence rick Love Your faux academic manner “”,,because I’m simple “ ., I’m glad a got me a edumacation when I was a youngster. We can’t all be rocket surgeons rick . I just have to complete my post grad in self righteousness and I’ll be able to relate to on your level about the Spanish civil war and modern European football economies. Good day to you sir
Rick Disnick said
Kangajet’s argument: “you know it”. Rick’s argument: 4 x MVP Most Courageous Player award, 3 x AA Captain, 6 x AA player, 3 x Premiership player.
Rick Disnick said
Kangajet's argument: "you know it". Rick's argument: 4 x MVP Most Courageous Player award, 3 x AA Captain, 6 x AA player, 3 x Premiership player.
Rick Disnick said
I think you've just made my point. Your problem though is simple (and evident in your writing): you lack the ability to understand why kids play multiple sports. The AFL offers greater opportunity due to greater wealth at the elite level. The FFA needs to cut the head off the snake. The AFL needs to cut the legs from under the beast. When you understand that, you'll be worthy enough of my time to engage in this further. BTW — AFLX is designed for one purpose only: destroy football at its grassroots. Cut the beast's legs off! You s@ckers keep believing it's about overseas expansion, but it will be at your own peril.
Rick Disnick said
I'm not offended at all. If you're going to entice a red card, you may as well make it worth it. Like I said: it's embarrassing and one of the many reasons football fails in this country at the elite level. You can either accept this or continue reading the dozens of articles written weekly, on this very forum, asking why the A-League stinks commercially.
Kangajets said
Rick is all revved up from the non contact Ozzir rules Xxx last week No x on this weekend ,, but the E league might suit rick .
Kangajets said
Rick D u c k. Wood Is Joel S. Simulation to win a free kick You know it
Kangajets said
Eddie Why would fox want to destroy the A league?
Kangajets said
Joel Selwood is a great player . Very tough ball winning midfielder , but As you know , Selwood is called duck wood, because he simulated high contact by ducking his knees to win free kicks See the link ., players in all codes will exaggerate high contact to win free kicks I don’t condone it by the way Don’t mind the cats , but it’s ironic that you support a regional team when you have said regional teams would not be significantl in the A league When wsw doesn’t make the grand Final ,,feel free to jump on the Newcastle bandwagon 👍🏼
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