Auckland continue dream start, City left soul searching

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Auckland continue dream start, City left soul searching

ROUND TWO OF THE A-LEAGUE MEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:

THEY SAID IT: “*******, do we need to cop three goals before we actually turn up?” – Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar was scathing of his side’s “horrendous” opening 25 minutes against Melbourne Victory, where they shipped three goals before going on to lose 3-1.

MAN OF THE WEEK: Newcastle recruit Eli Adams had a night to remember against Macarthur, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win. Adams latched onto a turnover loose ball and zoomed into the Macarthur box before coolly slotting past Filip Kurto for a 56th minute equaliser. Four minutes later, he scored the winner from the edge of the box.

TALKING POINT: There was plenty of drama in Auckland’s 1-0 win over Sydney. Young Sydney defender Hayden Matthews had what would have been the winning goal in the 83rd minute chalked off for offside. In the 97th minute, Auckland defender Nando Pijnaker headed a free kick to ground, then backheeled home the winner for Steve Corica’s side against his former club.

STAT *******: In two games, Macarthur signing Marin Jakolis has already scored three goals. He notched just two goals across 24 league appearances for previous club Melbourne City last season.

BEAT THAT: Niko Vergos had an opening 12 minutes to remember for Melbourne Victory in his first derby. The Greek striker slipped through Nishan Velupillay to score a wonderful opening goal against City, then beautifully latched onto Reno Piscopo’s clever floating ball to volley home a second. Victory capped off their scintillating start when Ryan Teague charged down Patrick Beach to score their third goal.

UNDER PRESSURE: Fresh off a 6-1 loss to Macarthur, a banner reading “Time for a response” was unfurled in the Perth Glory supporters’ area before their home match against Wellington. Their response proved a 2-0 loss to the Phoenix as David Zdrilic’s tough start continued.

UP NEXT: Brisbane host Sydney FC on Friday night. Saturday delivers a first derby between the Phoenix and Auckland in Wellington, while Perth travel to face champions Central Coast and Western Sydney host Adelaide. On Sunday, Victory host Macarthur in a replay of their Australia Cup final while Western ******* play Melbourne City in a derby on Monday night.

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#Auckland #continue #dream #start #City #left #soul #searching

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