A-League Round 2 wrap: Goals a plenty, as attendance records broken

The working week ahead is always made more pleasant when your team takes home all three points.

For Perth Glory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix, it’ll be that much more enjoyable.

Attendance records fall
Although weekend results may not have gone your side’s way – as was the case for my Brisbane Roar – a huge positive to come out of this round was the A-League attendance record being beaten. Record crowds turned up to watch three of the five matches this weekend, resulting in a new round record of 106,082.

Adelaide United posted a new club attendance record as 33,126 turned up to watch traditional rivals Melbourne Victory draw 1-1 at Adelaide Oval.

The Sydney derby drew another record crowd with a total of 41,213 turning out to watch a goal fest. Five goals were scored, resulting in the record for most goals in a Sydney derby.

And it would appear that David Villa is having the desired affect, as a record non-derby crowd of 15,717 turned up to watch the highly fancied Melbourne City take on Newcastle Jets. Although undefeated after two matches, the question has to be asked what will come of City when their saviour David Villa returns to New York.

Mariners were greeted by perfect conditions on the Coast, but Wellington were not such nice guests as they sent the majority of 7,237 fans home disappointed.

Teams of the round – Sydney FC and Perth Glory
For those from Sydney’s east, winning the derby will have made it that much sweeter. They will be crowing most this week as Sydney FC came back in dramatic fashion from two goals down to score three unanswered and take the bragging rights in what was a highly entertaining and controversial 3-2 win.

Although it’s only early in, the Wanderers appear to be sore and struggling. Hopefully they’re able to reverse their poor form in the Asian Champions League final.

But is there a new King in the A-League? Have Perth Glory knocked the Roar out of Brisbane? What a clash to end the round. Another five-goal thriller and a respectable 8,789 fans turned out despite abysmal conditions leading into the fixture.

Two rounds in and Perth Glory have already scored five goals. Compare that to last season and it took six matches to achieve the same amount. If the Glory can continue to win the fans may just return.

Supporters of the round
With a record attendance on hand to witness another epic clash between Sydney and Wanderers, you just can’t go past what the fixture brings to the league. There was the occasional hiccup from fans throughout, but all in all the atmosphere sounded electric.

Player of the Round
Andy Keogh, the Irishman who can. What a start to the season he is having. Three goals in two matches has bookies already firming odds that he’ll be the A-League golden boot. He is exactly what the Glory needed and a joy for other fans to watch. Despite Roar losing, I thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

Round 1’s burning questions answered
“Will David Villa start against the Newcastle Jets? And will City fans be able to finally out number those that occupy the Green Seat Elite?”

David Villa did start and he finished. Unfortunately, without him, City appeared to cause no real threat. Great to see more fans than green seats.

“Will marquees, Marc Janko (Sydney) and Robert Koren (City) make their club debuts?”

Marc Janko appeared solid in his first hit out for Sydney. The 196-centimetre Austrian appears as though he’ll be a handful for A-League opposition this season. Robert Koren was unfortunately sidelined again this week. John van’t Schip indicated he may return for the derby. Regardless of when he returns, City will need him if they’re to fire.

“Glory fans may have low expectations, but is this finally the season to turn the tides?”

Perth Glory are off to the perfect start as they lead the competition. They’re showing some promising signs but only time will tell. Glory fans will be hoping for much of the same for the whole season.

Burning questions ahead of Round 3
Can Wellington continue their strong start to the season?

Thankfully the Wanderers can now focus on the Asian Champions League final, but given their past two matches, what’s going on? Can they turn it around?

What drama are we in for when the Melbourne derby takes place?

Has Brisbane Roar’s time on top come to an end?

Join me next week for A-League Round 3 wrap.