Football gracefully re-entered our lives this weekend as we shifted our attention to the commencement of the A-League’s 11th season. The squads were set, the managers were ready and the fans eager to once again rejoice from the stands as they saw their teams in full flight.
We saw the ever familiar faces of our beloved stars, however this round belongs to the new boys on the block who gave a good indication that they mean business this season. In contrast to other seasons where it may have taken new recruits a while to get into their stride, this year’s arrivals did not hesitate in showing us what they can do.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1-3 Brisbane Roar
The season certainly started with a bang. The Wanderers kicked off their campaign at home against the Brisbane Roar. Neither side gave an inch in the opening stages; the intensity was rife, with both clubs setting high standards for the rest of the weekend.
The Wanderers saw eight new faces make their first appearance for the club, while the Roar welcomed two new inclusions in Jamie Maclaren and Spanish midfielder Corona.
It took little to no time for these new recruits to start making an impact as Maclaren netted two goals, while new maestro Corona gave two assists while dictating play through the midfield. The pair greatly contributing to Brisbane’s 3-1 victory, with manager John Aloisi quite pleased with the performance.
Mitch Nichols also made an impact, scoring the Wanderers’ opening goal of the campaign with a calm finish into the bottom corner. Excitedly, the Wanderers got a glimpse at the ability of Federico Piovaccari. The Italian striker had a few chances to net one for his side, proving that he could be a difficult match-up during the course of the season. Despite not scoring this week he will be eager to score numerous goals for his new club.
This Wanderers side will obviously take some time to gel given the significant amount of movement over the off-season, but there is no doubt that they will be an arduous foe once they get going.
Adelaide United 0-0 Melbourne Victory
A traditional rivalry between Victory and Adelaide also made way for a few new faces. In what was quite a dull match to say the least, Victory’s Ollie Bozanic, with a pass accuracy rate of 85per cent, certainly held his own in midfield as he tried to spark up an uneventful match.
Both teams failed to capitalise on opportunities as the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Thomas Deng also debuted for the club, coming on in the second half to balance the side following Leigh Broxham’s red card. The centre-back slotted into the position comfortably as Victory salvaged a handy point with 10 men.
The Reds welcomed the attacking duo of Eli Babalj and Mate Dugandzic into the side, neither of whom were able to break the deadlock. Both will be determined to open their accounts next week.
Central Coast Mariners 3-2 Perth Glory
Saturday action commenced in Gosford as the Mariners hosted the Glory in a five-goal affair, with the home side securing the three points with a 3-2 victory. New Irish striker Roy O’Donovan opened the scoring after a rebound went past Ante Covic, playing his first league match for Perth.
Glory captain Richard Garcia then found the equaliser, however the match belonged to the Mariners as a Fabio Ferreira brace from two penalties ensured victory for the home side.
New recruit Mitchell Austin, who was one of the Mariners best on ground, created several chances on the left wing. Ante Covic impressed for the Glory making some crucial saves when it mattered.
Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne City
Saturday night was set up wonderfully for football, as two of the league’s hopeful contenders went head to head. Both City and Sydney were keen to show off their new signings, and it didn’t take long for debutant Wade Dekker to pounce on a defensive error to give City the early lead.
City’s new striking pair in Bruno Fornaroli and Hernan Espindola were threatening throughout the match as Sydney were put on the back foot early. Sydney equalised late in the first half, following a world-class through ball from new recruit Brandon O’Neill which ultimately saw Filip Holosko tap in the equaliser.
Sydney lifted after the goal as they took control of the second half and would have clinched the win had it not been for the heroics of Thomas Sorensen in his A-League debut. A 1-1 draw a fair result in what was quite an entertaining performance.
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Newcastle Jets
The round concluded in Wellington as the Phoenix hosted the Jets. In what may be a sign of things to come, new manager Scott Miller would be absolutely stoked with his team’s opening 1-2 victory.
The hero for the Jets was David Carney as he scored the opening goal and set up Milos Trifunovic for his debut goal. Roly Bonevacia scored for the Phoenix, however the biggest blow for Wellington came when a Roy Krishna penalty was denied by Mark Birighitti.
Despite a plethora of chances from the Phoenix, the Jets stood strong and took home three handy points.
Well the curtain has been raised and the opening act has been quite entertaining, in a week where the new recruits shone, football returned and is here to stay.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
There were many disgusted by the overall spectacle at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon when the Phoenix and Victory played out a cagey 0-0…
Leandro Trossard scored the only goal after 20 minutes, to keep the pressure on Manchester City.
It's going down to the wire. Arsenal have earned a critical 1-0 win at Manchester United, a victory that ensures the Premier League title…
Two more wins. That's all that separates Manchester City from becoming English champions for an unprecedented fourth straight year. The game is up, though,…
The Sky Blues took the lead at home but couldn't hold on as the Mariners came back to claim a 2-1 win in the first leg of the semifinal.
A fresh punishment was imposed after the club failed to comply with profitability and sustainability rules during the three-year cycle to 2022-23.
