Round 19 was an interesting weekend of football with no draws, 19 goals in six matches, two five-goal games on Sunday and for the third consecutive week three teams kept a clean sheet.
In the three games where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent.
Take a look at who made a difference.
Bernardo Oliveira scored two goals that came ten minutes apart, early in the second half.
The 19-year-old broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, in what was a finish that he made look easy, thanks to a marauding run down the right-hand side by former Melbourne City player Raphael Borges Rodrigues, who caused havoc for the City defence.
The future star showed his class with a clinical finish in the 57th minute with a curling shot that hit the post and ended up in the back of the net. Credit to Ulises Davila for the assist, but the young talent still had plenty to do.
What’s great about him is that he’s so level-headed: “Good to be winning this game and actually got to celebrate it tonight. The first goal was great from Raphael. We obviously want to keep going.”
Alessandro Lopane did his utmost to try and get City back into the game in a gutsy performance coming off the bench in the 67th minute when the deficit was two goals.
The young prospect created three chances and was unlucky not to score in the 79th minute as his shot hit the post, due to a brilliant save by Bulls goalkeeper Filip Kurto.
Josh Risdon was everywhere; he put in a real captain’s knock, as the right-back never shirked a contest and was the player who was in the right place when it counted.
The 31-year-old provided the assist for the goal that broke the deadlock through youngster Noah Botic with a defence-splitting pass.
He summed it up succinctly post-match: “It was positive to put on a pretty good performance today. I’m happy to get an assist.”
Darryl Lachman led from the front for the Glory, as the score would’ve been worse than 1-0 without his intervention.
The Dutch defender was at his best when it mattered and showed all his experience and guile.
Ryan Scott made three crucial saves to keep the Jets in the game; the first two were a double save from point-blank range in the 40th minute from Mariners midfielder Max Balard.
The Jets goalkeeper kept the deficit for the home side at one goal with a great save against Mariners left-back Jacob Farrell in the 77th minute.
Josh Nisbet was rewarded for his persistence when he broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, with a clinical finish on his left foot; you wouldn’t have known that he’s right-footed!
The 24-year-old broke the drought, scoring his first goal of the season and proved his worth to the Mariners team, in a game that was lacking a goal.
As per usual Nisbet was perceptive in his post-match comments: “Thankfully we got the goal and we got the clean sheet today. It shows the character.”
Zac Sapsford was responsible with the only goal of the game scored by the Wanderers with his shot deflecting into the back of the net through Sky Blues centre-back Jake Girdwood-Reich in the 72nd minute.
The 21-year-old substitute proved his worth; as well as being involved in the goal, he created three chances and was unfortunate not to score from a header in the 93rd minute, which was brilliantly saved by Socceroo goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
Fabio Gomes scored a brace and it could’ve been more.
The Brazilian cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net from the penalty spot in the seventh minute, to make it 2-0.
Clearly, he has been working on his pressing, which brought about the fourth goal of the game for the Sky Blues due to a calamitous error by the Wanderers defence and goalkeeper Daniel Margush in the 59th minute.
Ben Old scored twice in what was a great performance, in a game where the Phoenix midfield displayed his potential.
The Kiwi international broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a superbly timed run and inch-perfect pass from Tim Payne.
In the 69th minute, Old may have scored another goal, if not for Phoenix substitute Oskar van Hattum getting a touch, just before the ball crossed the line.
The 21-year-old scored a crucial goal in the 78th minute, as it gave the Phoenix what proved to be an unassailable two-goal lead.
Harry Van der Saag took to his attacking role well, even though he usually plays as a right-back.
The 24-year-old was there when the Reds needed him to be as he won a penalty in the 59th minute after drawing a foul from Phoenix skipper Alex Rufer. The resultant penalty, which was scored by Luka Jovanovic made it 1-1 in the 60th minute and gave Adelaide United some hope.
Marco Rojas produced when he had to in what may prove to be an important win for the Roar.
The ‘Kiwi Messi’ scored a brace, with both of his goals scored with his head; he broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute following an effort from Thomas Waddingham that was saved by Victory goalkeeper Paul Izzo.
His second goal was scored in the 56th minute, thanks to a pinpoint cross by Keegan Jelacic, which made the score 2-1 in favour of the Roar.
The NZ international showed why he’s so highly thought of post-match: “Happy and grateful to have started the game.” He also said in relation to Victory: “I have a lot of respect for that club.”
Zinedine Machach got Victory back into the match with an equaliser in the 35th minute with a great run and a clinical finish, which made the score 1-1.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Victory looked bereft of ideas much of the game, long ball to Bruno or Daniel who did little, was a frequent move. Their first goal was gifted them by Tom Aldred and Jack Hingert. Nothing special about Rojas goals, more the assists, beautiful cross from Jealcic. Roar has put together a good side, especially as more injured players regain fitness. Just a couple bof decent signings for next year needed.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Marco Rojas scoring against Victory made it oh-so-sweeter. Great goal.
Waz
Roar Rookie
I thought Keegan Jelacic gave Rojas a run for his money as man of the match pretty much assisting all three goals. Won’t argue against Rojas as he had a good game but like Leon, I think he’s a journeyman and won’t give that extra bit for the Black n Orange when we need it.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
The future looks bright for Jelacic.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
The way Rodrigues is playing displays how sorely missed he is at City. I am a big fan of Burgess and was happy to see him in the starting 11.
Leon
Roar Rookie
The weather conditions in the Roar game v Victory game made it a war of attrition. The Roar Women were changed from 3pm to 5pm the previous day due to the wether, but the men had to front up at 4pm. It was not ideal conditions for football. I am seeing a different Jelacic to you Brainstrust. I see his constant movement, energy and creativity, and his assists and am really impressed. I don't recall such a ball of energy since Matt McKay. I agree there is much potential for improvement. Whether or not he makes the Olyroos which he is hoping for is anyone's guess. Kudos to Kaz and Zac for the recruitment of Jelacic and Rojas, even if both arrived underdone. One on loan. One we are led to believe is Auckland bound. Waddingham is not the finished product by any means, but the goals all count. As for his effort that was saved prior to the first goal, maybe he could have done better. Maybe the shocking pitch did not help. Credit to him all the same for working the keeper. And his Jamie Mclaren like ability to be right place right time for his goal.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Isnt Rojas signed with Auckland next season. Rojas he looked good in the first match , recent starting line up doesn't suit him, he is no longer the fast winger, so he needs another player to make runs. Jelacic still doesn't seem adapted to Queensland conditions looked like he was struggling but then so were Victory players. Waddingham finally has got some service but has been lucky with the end result, that poor touch, and the double shot were he hit the keeper twice and it just went in. Auckland also have Brimmer, who looked a mess in those condition. Roar they were lucky Popovic delayed his subs till after the goals were scored.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I would give it to Rodrigues, both goals he beat the players that was really what created the opportunities, first goal it was a simple tap in for Bernado , but the Rodrigues lead up work was superb beating two players and his shot rebounded for the assist to Bernado. The second goal he drew three players and was fouled but the ball fell to Davilla, who gave it to Bernado for the finish with the help of an overlapping run from Vujica. Gomes pressing wasnt that good, Burgess pressed much better and played well.
Leon
Roar Rookie
I was at Suncorp. Rojas was my man of the match as with most of us from Brisbane I believe. Though Machach is an axe! I have posted on this site previously that Rojas is not the Messiah for Brisbane Roar. I stand by that. Nothing personal. As with mid season signings, it takes time to get up to full fitness and best level. RZ himself said Rojas still has a way to go. Great player, and I hope I am wrong on all that, and praying for miracles, but I fear too little to late for Brisbane. With the rumour that Rojas is not committed beyond the next handful of games, I'll enjoy what he brings, but deep down feel he won't bleed orange. He is a journeyman for us. A good one it is true. So what about Waddingham then!!!!!! And what about Jelacic!!!!!! Without whom Marco would not have been getting the plaudits. Finally! There were two great strikers on the park when Roar played Victory. I am a huge Bruno fan. I love the guy! But what about about our Waddingham!